Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune-Up (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have both Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune-Up and the Avia Guide To Home Theater. If you're a serious video/audiophile, you will want to get the Avia Guide To Home Theater which has far more comprehensive video/audio calibration tests and procedures.
Then again, I suspect the S&V disc is more aimed at the 'mass market' and as such, it does an excellent job. The explanations are very well (and occasionally humorously) explained by two highly appealing presenters. The audio/video tune-ups are a subset of what's available on the Avia Guide disc, though the S&V disc also includes some test patterns from Avia Pro which I hadn't seen before.
I very much like the 'Extras' section of the disc which has some great demo clips from Dolby, DTS, and THX. These are not available on Avia Guide to Home Theater. Also, the DTS tune-up is not available on the Avia Guide, and is most welcome though it didn't result in any changes to my audio settings.
I experienced a strange glitch with the video on the speaker balance tune-up - the wrong speaker was highlighted or the previous menu would be displayed. Weird. I have had no problems with the Avia Guide.
Overall, at the MSRP ...I highly recommend the Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune-Up. It's informative and entertaining, and I think it will help novice users better understand and make the most of their home theaters.

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Sound & Vision, the world's largest audio/video magazine, has teamed with Ovation Software, the leading authority on A/V equipment calibration, to bring you this comprehensive, entertaining, and simple-to-use guide to hooking up, operating, and adjusting your home theater for the absolute best performance! Whether you're a novice or enthusiast, you'll find step-by-step instructions, exclusive video patterns and audio tests, and helpful tips for hooking up, adjusting, and operating your system! Exclusive, user-friendly video test patterns, Audio Tune-up with exclusive test signals designed by Sound & Vision Technical Editor David Ranada, including speaker ID/balance for 5.1-channel and 6.1-channel systems, speaker phase, and subwoofer level S-Video/ composite video test, DVD aspect-ratios explained, Jack-by-jack set-up & installation advice. 90 minutes.

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Optoma EP721 SVGA 2200-Lumens DLP Multimedia Data Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased a new Optoma EP721 projector on the recommendation of a colleague. It was very light weight and easily carried to my lectures. My colleague had given his Optoma projector to his son and purchase another brand projector to replace it. He found the other projector was twice the weight and did not notice any discernible difference in the images, so he purchased another Optoma projector. In the first test-run at a venue, I was extremely impressed with the brightness of the 2200-Lumens lamp, which was perfect for my presentations. The lecture venue was large enough to seat 60 guests for a luncheon.
I had read in other reviews that the yellow colors were not as bright as with some other brands. While I found this to be true, it was minimal and not obvious to the audience. The wonderful feature about digital presentations, is that one can compensate for color during the editing process of the images using software, such as Photoshop.
The set-up process was easily accomplished after I reviewed the instructions. After one try, I was confident that I could rely upon the Optoma projector integrated with my MAC laptop. Lastly, the Optoma EP 721 was extremely favorably priced and was about half the cost of the competition. As an example of my satisfaction with this projector, I purchased a second one for the organization that I chaired.

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The Optoma EP721 is a multi-faceted digital projector that is unparralled in features and functionality. It is a 2200 lumen DLP data projector with 2200:1 contrast ratio, SVGA resolution, and weighs just four pounds.It features a wide range of connectivity options including VGA in/out and DVI with HDCP.It also features a presentation remote with laser pointer and page advnace features.The EP721 is covered by a one year parts and labor warranty.

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Jensen Vm9312 7-Inch Motorized Touch Screen Multimedia Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Some might consider this a lower end product, due to the fact that it's about half the price of it's nearest competition. Rest assured, the 'cheap' stigma is in price alone. It's an easy to use, easy to adjust, and fun to use deck that even the least tech-savvy of car owners can operate easily.
First off, I was surprised at how good the picture is. I never feel like I'm watching on a tiny screen, or squinting to make out details. The sound is also good, although at times during dvd playback, I thought it was a bit quiet. I haven't tried using a satellite radio or iPod yet, but for cd and mp3-cd playback it worked well, with great options for navigating through folders.
Few warnings for those thinking of buying this product;
-Player automatically reverts to full volume after being powered down. Can be a bit of a shocker if you're not ready for it.
-When going into the input menu or setup menu, there's a break in the audio for about 1-1.5 seconds. This isn't really a big deal, but is becoming more and more annoying the more it happens.
-It has some trouble recognizing the track title of most store bought discs, substituting song names with "Track 1, Track 2" etc... Not an issue with mp3 discs with ID3 tags.
-There's no option to fast-forward an mp3. I thought this would be a big deal, which prevented me from buying this deck for a while. Not really an issue.
Considering the price, it's a really decent deck. Intuitive controls, easy installation, and fun to show off. Other than a few minor (and probably easily remedied) issues, I'd definitely recommend this deck.

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Jensen Vm9312 7" Motorized Touch Screen Multimedia Receiver 7" Motorized Touch Screen;160w Max; Plays Dvd/Cd/Mp3/Wma/Ipod/Sat-Ready Receiver;Jlinkdirect-High-Speed Direct Connect Interface For Playlists, Artists, Albums, Songs, Photos & Videos; Controls All Ipod Functions (Except Ipod Shuffle) Via Touchscreen;High-Performance A Grade Tft Screen;336,960 Pixels; Mediaplex Single-Core Engine;Compatible With Dvd+R/Dvd+Rw/Cd-R/Cd-Rw/Cd-Da/Mp3/Wma/Svcd/Vcd/Mpeg1/Mpeg2 & Jpeg;2 A/V Inputs For External Media Connectivity To Vcr, Dvd Player & Game Console;2 Composite Video Output For Additional Screens;Plays Mp3/Wma Files Burned Onto Dvd+R/Dvd+Rw;Supports Up To 1,000 Songs On A Single Dvd;Compatible With Single & Dual Layer Dvd+R;3-Band Equalizerbass, Midrange & Treble; 8-Preset Eq Curves;Radio Broadcast Data Services;Station Call Letters, Song Information & Artist Information;Includes 3.5mm Rca Media Interface Cable To Connect Other Portable Devices; Sat-Ready Via Smart Digital Adapter; Compatible With Various Xm & Sirius Satellite Tuners; 7" Motorized Touch Screen Multimedia Receiver.

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Jensen VM9313 7-inch Touch Screen MultiMedia Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I researched it and got this one. For the price I really have no complaints. It may lack a few features like screen savers and all that, but it is actually a really good sounding unit. I love the music videos off of my ipod. (Yes the parking brake "bypass" from the vm9213 does work with this unit) Overall I would say I am extremely happy with my purchase.

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This 1-din multimedia system comes with a crisp and clear 7 inch touch screen, Had Radio Tuner, is Navigation, Bluetooth and XM ready, plus it provides out-of-the-box connectivity to iPod and other personal media devices via the jLink3 Cable and SD to USB adapter.

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Optical Toslink to Toslink Mini Fiber Optic Gold Plated Digital Cable - 12ft Review

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(More customer reviews)This cable works just fine to connect the S/PDIF headphone-digital optical out port on my iMac to my Yamaha receiver's optical in port.

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Compatible with Digital audio equipment, CD, DVD, Dolby Digital DTS Surround sound receivers, MiniDisk.

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Panasonic DMP-BD35K 1080p Blu-ray Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I take my home theater hobby pretty seriously, that's why when it came time to invest in a Blu-Ray player (finally the wait is over!!!), I did a ridiculously great amount of research. I was willing to spend much more money on a blu-ray player, but the prices have come down so much, you don't have to! I narrowed down my extensive search for the right player to the Panasonic DMP-BD35K and the Sony BDP-S350. **I BOUGHT THEM BOTH AND DID A "SIDE-BY-SIDE" TEST!**
I have some nice equipment, so I feel that the test was an excellent representation of the capabilities of these two players. My equipment includes a 100-inch Stewart screen with a 1080p Sony Pearl front projector, an Integra 9.8 DTC processor (with all the latest surround sound goodies), a 7-channel NAD amp, 7 Paradigm Signature speakers, and a dual M&K subwoofer (for full 7.1 surround sound).
I do understand electronics, but the Sony manual was really hard to follow. After only one call to Sony, I eventually got the player set up properly. After I set up the Panasonic, everything became much clearer. The Panasonic manual is so much better. But, who really cares about manuals? How do these two players perform side by side?
Audio for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Panasonic unquestionably has better audio. Compared to the Sony, the highs were much clearer. The 7.1 surround sound put me right in the middle of the "explosion" (my first test blu-ray disc was National Treasure I) when the Charlotte blew up. The biggest Audio difference was the bass. The bass in the Panasonic was so much better than the Sony. In fact, my old Sony standard-DVD player had better audio than the Sony BDP-S350. I'd give the Sony 3 stars with the audio. The Panasonic had outstanding treble, bass, and surround: 5-star audio!
Video for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Sony's video was good, but the Panasonic's video was fantastic! The skin tones were more realistic and the colors were more vibrant with the Panasonic. The Sony seemed to have a thin gray film over everything -- like looking through a filmy-dirty window. The Sony had 4-star video (it looked good, but not nearly as good when directly compared to the Panasonic). The Panasonic and its upscaling gets an easy 5 stars!
Both my wife and I did the "side-by-side" test by going back and forth between Blu-Ray discs and standard DVDs. We didn't discuss any of our thoughts until we each independently formed our own conclusions. After seeing and hearing both players, we were both in complete agreement that in every way the Panasonic DMP-BD35K was superior to the Sony BDP-S350.
By the way, the card slot on the Sony for BD-Live is very hard to get to. I do like Sony as a brand for some things, but not Blu-Ray players.
For those of you who are doing your research, hopefully I can save you some time to answer if you should buy the Panasonic DMP-BD35K or DMP-BD55K. I called Panasonic and asked the differences; besides the price, there are only two differences. The 55K plays DivX's. If you don't have any DivX's like me and most of the people on planet Earth, this doesn't make any difference to you. The only other difference is that the 35K can only output Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio to a receiver/processor that has an HDMI input. If your receiver doesn't have an HDMI input, you won't be able to get them out of the 35K. If your receiver does have an HDMI input and you'll be using an HDMI cable, then you have absolutely no need to buy the 55K. With the 55K, if you have an older receiver that does not have an HDMI input, you can use the 55K's analog audio outputs so that you can have Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio. That's a nice feature of the 55K if you have an older receiver but want the latest surround sound formats.
Also, to save you some research time, I've already checked out all of the professional reviews including the ones on CNet.com: The Sony is considered ok, and CNet liked the Panasonic so much that it is the first Blu-Ray player EVER to receive CNet's "Editor's Choice Award."
I have to go to the store now and return the Sony player that I bought. I'm keeping the Panasonic!! :-)
Hopefully you found this review helpful!


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Panasonic's two new slim, BD-Live compatible, feature-filled Blu-ray players, the DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55, offer cutting edge technologies focused on producing the ultimate movie-viewing experience. The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), delivering 7.1-channel surround sound through a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 features high-end audio components and can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound. Both models are equipped with an SD Memory Card slot that makes it easy to transfer images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera that uses SD Memory Cards and are compatible with Panasonic\'s VIERA Link function so they can be operated by the VIERA HDTV remote control. The combination of a Panasonic Blu-ray player, Home Theater audio system and a VIERA HDTV converts the home entertainment experience into a true-to-life cinematic experience. Consumers can now view and enjoy movies the way the film maker intended -- in stunning High Definition video and audio – right from the comfort of their own home.
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True-To-Life Colors with PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus video processor was developed after more than 15 years of collaboration between Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory and professional cinema studios in Hollywood. With PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus, users viewing content on Blu-ray Discs enjoy crisp, vivid colors that are extremely close to the original. A high-precision 4:4:4 function creates video signals in which each pixel of the signal from the Blu-ray Disc is color-compensated, so when the player is connected to a Panasonic VIERA HDTV, the colors are even sharper and more vivid.

UniPhier System UniPhier is a Panasonic-created system LSI developed by applying 45-nanometer processing to a consumer product – a world\'s first. This single-chip integration technology also contributes greatly to the BD35\'s world's slimmest height of 49mm.

Blu-ray Video Features More Picture
More SpaceMore Bits


BD-Live

Life-Like Surround Sound
The BD35 and BD55 both feature an HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), which supports the 7.1-channel surround sound newly adopted in Blu-ray Discs. Users can enjoy 7.1-channel surround even with systems that do not support HD Audio -- as long as the DMP-BD35/55 is connected to a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.

Dolby TrueHD, Dolby\'s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media, delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master.

Delivers enthralling studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.
Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound.
Compatible with the A/V receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs) of today and tomorrow.
Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming.
Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to reduce peak volume levels (no loud surprises) while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, enabling late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

The Panasonic BD55 goes a step further with a high-end audio design and components. Thanks to a 192kHz 24bit audio digital-analog converter and high quality insulators, electrolytic capacitors, copper-foil film capacitors and ultra-low-impedance electrolytic capacitors, the DMP-BD55 delivers the same kind of exciting surround effect and lifelike ambience as today's finest cinemas. The DMP-BD55 can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound by simply connecting to the DMP-BD55.


HDMI Features x.v Color
RGB Color Range

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Xitel Moviecenter for iPod Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a third generation iPod nano that I use to load up with video clips that I download from the web or from Tivo. I have hooked up the Moviecenter to an old TV in the basement that I have set up as part of an exercise area. Now I can watch the iPod while working out. The Moviecenter remote works fine for sound, pause, fast forward, reverse. While it is little pricey ($50 would be a better price point) it does what it says it will do.

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CONNECT IPOD TO TV STEREOCOMPUTER NEW VIRTUAL HOME THEATER

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Epson EX50 3LCD Multimedia Projector, XGA, 2200 Lumens Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a neophyte when it comes to using overhead projectors, but took a chance on this one. I was able to use the USB cord (included) to do a power presentation for a meeting, only 24 hours after the projector arrived. It was truly "plug & play."
A few days later, I needed to present a video clip to an audience. When I checked it out, I discovered that in videos, the USB cord was inadequate. So, I tried the "external monitor" cord (also included) and the situation was quickly resolved!
There were no worries about buying the right cords to connect anything, and there was no problem in getting it set up. It works well in a "dimly lit room." It has a nice feature that turns off the light (but not the projector) when the front cover is closed, and it is "instantly cool" after turned off. Besides the cords, it comes with its own carrying case and a cd with a manual to install on your computer.
I haven't yet run sound through the projector, since I have stereo speakers I use for that purpose.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely! Would I tell friends about it? Without hesitation.
*** Later note - I have since run sound through the projector. It is not as loud as using my stereo speakers, but it is OK in a smaller room.

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Ready for action in the office or on the go, the Epson EX50 delivers amazing color and image quality with ease. It ensures razor-sharp detail for flawless presentations, HD movies and more. With 2200 lumens, XGA resolution, and Epson 3LCD, 3-chip technology.Whatever the application, the EX50 makes it easy. Quickly connect to any computer with all-new Plug 'n Play USB 2.0 connectivity. With this simple setup, anyone can use a standard USB cable to connect and project without the hassle of computer function keys, bulky VGA cables, or tedious screw-in knobs. The lightweight EX50 is ready wherever your presentations take you. And, if you choose to install your projector, the EX50 shuts down quickly at the flip of a switch. Perfect for the boardroom or living room, the EX50 also includes a VGA-to-component video adapter for easy, high-quality connection to home entertainment devices such as DVD players, gaming consoles and more.

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Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I really, really like this unit. Installing it took some time, but the sound and video switching was well worth it. Instead of having a dozen different cables running to the HDTV, I only have one - the HDMI cable.
When you install it, set aside a few hours - this has nothing to do with this particular model - just that there are so many darn connections. I hooked up my BluRay player, DVD player, VCR and CD player, as well as nine speakers and two sub-woofers. Running the cables and positioning the speakers was the most time consuming. I had no reason to use the zone 2, so used the additional two speakers as upper fronts. I did not want to go out and spend a ton of money on speakers - I used what I had on hand. If you're like me, you have a collection of speakers that build up over the years. I used two tall Fishers for the front, a studio monitor for the center, a pair of low-power cheapies from an old stereo for the front uppers, a pair of old Sony's for the surround, and a pair of wall-mount for the rear uppers. They were a variety of 6 and 8 ohm pairs. The system handles the combinations just fine.
Looks: Classic Onkyo hi-tech, black and glossy.
Buttons: Minimal buttons - all functionality can be accessed via the front of the unit as well as the remote.
Connections: All you would ever need. Many are assignable.
Menu: You can use the minimal LED on the front of the unit, or the more interactive display on your TV. Since the unit acts as a video switch, it overlays information on the screen. Info on the Volume, video or audio source, etc.
Setup: Read the manual! Some menu features are counter-intuitive. For example, when setting up the speakers I had zone 2 active and set it to assign it to front uppers. The rear uppers were dead. Turns out that zone two had to be active, but not on, and I should not have assigned positions. Then all nine speakers worked. There are a lot of features hidden away in the manual that you would not discover by just looking at menu options. The Automated speaker configuration with the included microphone - Cool. Position the speakers where you want, plug in the mic, and go. The unit detects the mic being plugged in and automatically brings up the correct menu. The menu's take you through the process. With nine speakers and the two subs it took about 15 minutes. I kept erroring on center channel detection. It turns out that I had a blown tweeter - the auto configuration would not let me continue until I replaced the speaker. Apparently is could not detect the frequencies it expected. After I replaced the speaker, I had to re-run the test. The automatic setup is a three step process, and it stopped after step 1 when I had the bad speaker. After it was replaced, it went through all three steps.
I used the manual setup first just to confirm that I had all the speakers in the right place. A tone is sent to each speaker and the on-screen display shows the speaker location on the generic diagram (the diagram automatically changes depending on the speakers you have connected.)
Sound quality: Amazing - especially considering I have a hodge-podge of makes, models and quality.
Speakers: Supports 8 plus two subs. Will default to stereo or 5.1 - it detects what you have attached. The more speakers you have attached, the better the experience. However, if you have less than the maximum number of speakers, there are plenty of options to enhance the sound, virtually change speaker position, and more! So even if you have only two speakers, this is still a great unit - it's worth it for the video switching alone! The sub-woofer outs are unpowered, like most sub outputs are today. You really don't need two subs unless you really, really want to crack your plaster.
Build: Weighs a ton - lots of copper and a huge heat-sink. Runs hot, but considering the total output, that's to be expected. Install in a cabinet or shelf with plenty of air circulation.
I never even considered the fact that I would dump all those cables running to the TV - Instead of HDMI's, three different video's, plus audio, I now have a single HDMI and an audio out (I'm running the TV audio out to the Onkyo,) plus cable and power. Four wires instead of dozens. A lot cleaner.
In summary - I've not seen a better value for the money. Enough inputs for 99% of the population. Easy setup, lots of interactive tools and on-screen help. Great sound, lots of power, modern styling.


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In these testing economic times, you can trust Onkyo to deliver maximum bang for your hard-earned buck. With the new HT-RC160, you have a multi-talented 7.2-channel receiver that offers the latest connecting, upscaling, and decoding technology on a bedrock of obsessively fine-tuned Onkyo amplification. Five HDMI 1.3a inputs enable clean, one-cable connection of multiple high-def sources, including Blu-ray Disc, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. As well as handling native 1080p and upscaled 1080i video, HDMI 1.3a can also carry the HD audio of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. The HT-RC160 even includes Dolby's latest technology, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds "front height" channels to bring a spacious new vertical dimension to the sound stage. Along with intelligent Audyssey equalization and Faroudja deinterlacing technologies, the HT-RC160 gives you a ton of connectivity options, so you can incorporate HD Radio, iPod, and more.

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XO Vision IR620 Universal IR Wireless Foldable Headphones for In-Car Video Listening Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a 2009 Honda Pilot and 3 kids and the Honda's DVD Entertainment system only comes with 2 headsets. Hondas headsets are about $40-$50 each and since I don't think any headset will last with my kids, I decided to try XO Vision. These headphones work with the DVD system, sound pretty good, fit head sizes both large and small at a fraction of the Honda OEM headset price. I decided to get two pairs as back up or to entertain others. For the price of under $20 you can't go wrong.


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The XO Vision wireless IR Headphones feature extra padding for superior comfort, a volume knob, auto shutoff and a unique foldable earcup design. Extra foam cushioning gives you superior comfort making them ideal to wear over long periods. Auto Shut-Off saves your battery by automatically shutting down when not in use. One size fits all - easily adjusts to fit any size head. Touch On/Off Switch and Volume Control conveniently located on side of headphone. Batteries Included. Simply turn the headphone on and place over ears. Comes with a 1 Year Warranty.

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Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System with THX SB1095 Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this to use in place of my ThinkPad's built-in sound. I'd assumed for years that sound cards these days were not noticeably different at performing basic tasks like listening to iTunes, but this one is definitely better than the ThinkPad's. Perhaps it takes a better than average pair of speakers to tell a difference. It is working great and the M-Audio Studiophile AV30 Professional Reference Speakers sound much, much better.
My only minor criticisms are the size (there is a smaller USB stick available) and the top-mounted volume control - do we really need another one?? - which makes it difficult to stack anything on top.I allowed Windows 7 to install default drivers - which it did quickly and painlessly - rather than installing the Creative Labs software, so I have barely scratched the surface of what the card is capable of. I haven't tried any audio special effects/processing or 5.1 sound. But, I can recommend it if you just want good quality stereo sound rather than the surprisingly inferior sound that comes on a laptop or desktop motherboard.

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Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro turns your PC or notebook into a 5.1 entertainment system featuring THX TruStudio Pro technology with remote control. Easy to install, it replaces low-quality on-board audio with high quality connectivity and remote control. A convenient volume control, headphone and microphone inputs for a headset are close at hand. THX TruStudio Pro is specially designed to bring the same great audio experience found in live performances, films, and recording studios – to the PC. Dolby Digital Live! offers a single cable solution to your decoder for 5.1 audio from any content while PowerDVD (free download) with Dolby and DTS support turns your PC into a home cinema. Please note this item is not Mac compatible.

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Cables Unlimited SPK-9100 900MHz Wireless Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)I didn't expect much when I ordered these. I needed wireless headphones so I didn't wake up my girlfriend while I watched TV late at night. These had a rebate when I ordered them and were the lowest price so I bought them.
Turns out they are great quality for the price. Great range as I can walk into the kitchen several rooms away from my bedroom with the headphones on and still listen to my show. Great fabric on the ear pieces so they don't buildup heat or collect moisture. They recharge when you set them in the holder and even come with nimh batteries.
The headphones are a bit bulkier that what I was originally looking for, but they're light and don't get in the way. They have a clear sound. I'm really happy with my purchase. Thanks Amazon!

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Listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of cumbersome wires! The powerful transmitter uses 900 MHz technology to send music through walls and floors to the wireless headphones up to 165 feet away. These comfortable high-quality, lightweight, over the ear headphones provide the perfect solution for watching movies or listening to music without disturbing your family or roommates.

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Zalman ZM-RS6F 5.1 surround sound headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)Not bad. No subwoofer but I don't even like subs that much. When 1st plugged into sound card (creative SB AUD2 NX) the sound was muddled. But if you tweak with the graphic equilizer on the sound card and the tone control utility. you could make it sound clear. Im doing that now as I write, haven't found the perfect combination yet, so that's one of the hassle for it (ie. it doesn't have a tone adjustment knob on the headset, you need to tweak the equilizer). Another bad thing is it doesn't have a volume control knob either, but you could solve that easily by tweaking the master volume on sound card. That's why I'm giving it a 4, the hassles of finding the perfect combination of tone and volume, detracts from its enjoyment (but once you get it right, its awesome).

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5.1 Channel Equivalent 6 speaker real surround sound headphones.Electro Dynamic Round Type Micro Speaker. Frequency Response - 50Hz 20KHz (Extension Effective).

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Onkyo HT-S990THX 7.1 THX Home Theater Entertainment System Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this product about 3 weeks ago, and have now come to fully experience what it can do. It is a wonderful piece of equipment that is worth the money.
Pros:
The system is cost effective. For the money, you get a very good system. Sure, it's not as good as one that costs several thousand dollars, but it's much better than the standard HTIB you can find at a retail store. Remember, you always get what you pay for. If you want a cheap system that will need to be replaced often, this system is not for you. However, if you are like me and are just looking for a good system that's not going to break the bank, consider this as one of your options.
The system is also easy to set up. It comes with color coded wires and connections. The back of the receiver has all speaker connections color coded, and the colors match the wires and speaker terminals. Also, unlike most HTIB systems, the surround wires are long enough to support the room size this system was designed for. Remember, this is not a THX Select or Ultra system. It's not designed to play in large spaces (Select is for 2000 cubic feet, a 250 square foot room with an 8 foot ceiling; Ultra is for 3000+ cubic feet, about a 375 square foot room with an 8 foot ceiling). This system is designed for a smaller room (such as an apartment or small home). My living room is about 170 square feet (I live in an apartment).
The system is also easy to use. Just a glance at the user's manual will let you navigate through the configuration menu with no problems. Unlike other HTIB systems I have seen, the speaker distance is fully configurable, in standard or metric units. Other systems I have seen do not understand that your front speakers might be closer than your rear speakers. Instead, they would assume that this could not be possible, so if your application called for a front speaker distance of 7 feet, and a rear speaker distance of 10 feet, the receiver could not configure it. Therefore, the system did not sound correct unless you rearranged the room, or knock down walls. This system allows you to input any variation of measurements, but it's always in feet or meters. For once, I would like to see a system that had precise control of the delay, to the inch. 6 inches difference is about 0.5 milliseconds. Even though it's a small number, it seems as if the front soundstage is drastically different with differences as small as an inch between the FL/FR and center channels.
Cons:
Receiver does not support HDMI. This is both a pro and a con. First, I priced a Monster HDMI cable. There was one cable at Best Buy for $80. The good stuff started at $120. I didn't even look for anything THX certified. On the other hand, you can get a THX certified Component Video set for about $40, and a THX certified optical audio cable for about $38. From other reviews I have read, there is no noticeable difference between using HDMI and component connections.
Another con is that THX specifications call for a dipole side surround speaker, where as this system comes with a monopole side surround speaker. The side surrounds appear to be the exact same as the back surrounds. THX calls for monopole back surrounds and dipole side surrounds. This can make a difference in how enveloping the surround information is. Even though this system has monopole side surrounds, the surround effect is enveloping, but I've seen $10,000 setups that sounded much better. And this system doesn't cost $10,000 does it?
Yet another con has to do with the crossover point of the system. Ideally, you want all frequencies to blend together properly. In my setup, when using the THX demo disk, I notice a slight dip in bass output when transitioning from the main speakers to the subwoofer, then the subwoofer picks up the volume to normal as the frequency decreases. Now I'm sure I could compensate for this by spending thousands of dollars treating my room structures, purchasing equalizers, and moving the subwoofer around...but I don't want to do that...and probably neither do you. The system does not give perfectly flat response, but is withing 6 dB all the way through the transition. Also, the subwoofer is not the best suited for music. I cannot tell what class box is used (I don't want to take it apart), but it lacks the impact of a sealed box, and acts more like a vented or bandpass box. It delivers a rumbling impact when watching movies, but lacks accuracy for music reproduction. It seems as if there is a very sharp curve as the frequency gets lower, similar to a bandpass box. Listen for yourself and see what you think. Be sure to use music that has various bass frequencies.
Overall, I say this is a 4 out of 5. For those of you that want a dedicated movie theater in your house, this system is probably too small for you. For the rest of us, this is a great solution. It's an entry level high end home theater system, and the best HTIB on the market today. If you are considering going with something cheaper, consider this: This system comes with everything you need to play every audio format widely used today. It does both Dolby Digital and DTS, and adds THX to both standards (you can also listen in the native format being broadcast, with no THX). You can play this system in 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 configurations, and comes with everything necessary to matrix stereo signals into all configurations, as well as matrix 5.1 signals into 6.1 or 7.1. Basically, it's a one-stop-shop. It's one system, in one box, that plays everything. I think that's why it was designed. Maybe more consumers buy HTIB systems rather than seperate components. As far as value, I'm sure if you shop around, you might find a better seperate component system for the same money, or close to it. But what does the average consumer want? Simplicity. This one word best describes this system. Given proper speaker and seating arangements, the system does exactly what it was designed to do, yet it's simple. And what was it designed to do? Bring the movie theater experience to your living room. It does that, without any problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo HT-S990THX 7.1 THX Home Theater Entertainment System

The HT-S990THX is the first system to meet the parameters set by THX for overall system performance as opposed to separate loudspeaker and amplifier performance. In effect, the HT-S990THX represents a high-performance, powerful multichannel solution that combines the convenience of all-in-one systems with the performance of much higher priced separate components. With full THX processing capabilities-- THX ASA-derived playback modes (THX Cinema2, THX Music Mode, THX Games Mode)--you can be assured that this system brings out the full potential of surround sound for all entertainment options. Equally as important, Onkyo's Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) gives the system a perfect base for stellar amplifier performance. Also, the HT-S990THX's compatibility with XM Satellite Radio and the iPod offers a completeness to this home entertainment system that has rarely been seen before.

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MartinLogan Motion 12 Floorstanding Speaker (Black Ash, each) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The first impression of these speakers came as I unpacked them. The packaging is excellent as it should be to provide the proper protection. So, no surprise, they were delivered in perfect condition. These speakers are beautiful to look at and come with very classy baffles that connect magnetically to hid the speaker cones. Connecting them was very easy since they come with high quality connections that make it easy to make solidly connect with a variety of different kinds of wire connectors.
These speakers really deliver whether you are listening to Rock and Roll or classical music. My listing choices ranged from ELP's first album to Debussy's La Mer. Both kinds of music, even though wildly different, sounded great. You get the necessary powerful crunch needed to appreciate rock music, and when listening to classical music they very nicely reproduce subtle musical nuances required to fully appreciate the piece. They work very well for watching television or movies. My wife and I found the clarity to be excellent and made understanding vocals, and thus following conversations, easy.
I tested these speakers 3 different ways.
First, I tested them alone as a stereo pair. They seemed to disappear and the sound seems to come from the back wall. This is a great illusion that is a mark of high quality speakers! If you get out of the center sweet spot, the illusion dissipates somewhat but they still sound very good nevertheless. They were lacking a bit in the very lowest bass. For that reason, I would recommend coupling them with a nice sub-woofer for reproduction of frequencies below 60hz. This would probably only be noticeable with certain kinds of music played at fairly high volume levels.
Next, I tested them using a sub-woofer. This really helped get that powerful feeling that comes when these lower frequencies come into play. My subwoofer allows setting the frequency where it takes over and so I chose the 60hz. This worked great and I found that it was basically transparent as far as telling where the sound was coming from - which is a very good thing!
Finally, I tested them along with a center speaker and rear surrounds. All of my speakers were from the same manufacturer and were also of very high quality. When you get all of your speakers from the same vendor in the same speaker family, the good ones are matched with regard to the tone; or overall sound. As a result, properly setup, they can sound almost like a single large speaker that envelopes you. Replacing the two front speakers with these lost that illusion some, but in my opinion, still managed to improve the overall sound quality! The sound seems more accurate, crisp, and powerful! I love it!
That said, from this point on, since the main way I listen to my audio/video system is via a 5.1 surround setup, my remaining comments will be based on that listening experience.
It is very important to understand that the sound that is eventually delivered to your ears is not totally dependent on the speakers themselves. Equally important is the placement of the speakers and the acoustics of the room in which you are doing your listening. Working within the confines and shape of my living room, I placed the speakers 10 inches from the back wall and 7.5 feet apart from each other. My flooring is wood laminate so I didn't use the MiniETC spikes (which are a very nice touch if you are installing on carpet) that were included; instead I chose to use the pre-installed rubber feet. I have absolutely no doubt that these speakers could sound even better of I had different room size and acoustics to work with.
For my listening tests I chose some of my favorite pieces of music and those that I consider to be of the highest quality. Using high a high quality source is extremely important for testing speaker quality. The reason is that if you are testing $5000 speakers using an mp3 recorded at a bit rate of 128kbs, you may as well be listening to a pair of $500 speakers, The more expensive may sound slightly better, but the source itself would limit what the speakers are capable of producing. So, for starters, I have long considered "Emerson, Lake, & Palmer's" first album to be a great way to test any kind of audio gear; partly because of my familiarity with it, and because it is sonically spectacular. I found the experience to be spectacular. In my younger days, I owned Bose 901's, and have always considered them to be the best stereo speakers I have ever heard. These sounded as good and in my humble opinion, that is really saying a lot! Listening is a joy! In all fairness however, the Bose were all by themselves as a speaker pair and I'm listening to these as part of a 5.1 surround system. I can tell you that the sound is definitely an improvement over my previous main speakers. I really wanted to blast these up to ear-shattering levels, but alas, I share walls with 2 neighbors... For a short time however, I did approach that volume and it sounded sweeeeet!
Next up, I chose to listen to an SACD by "Porcupine Tree" titled "In Absentia". This sounded fantastic using my previous speakers. So good in fact that I found it hard to believe it could sound any better but - wow - the Martin Logan's sound even better - amazing.! The power and clarity is almost overwhelming. By the way, I can't recommend this album any more highly. It is one of my favorites in my entire collection.
For one of my classical music listening tests, I chose a piece by Debussy called "La Mer" that was recorded in DTS Surround. Again, I found these speakers to be quite excellent! I could easily hear all kinds of subtleties and make out the individual instruments. Shutting my eyes, I could easily imagine being seated at a live performance. It doesn't get much better than that. Other pieces I listened to were very convincing at reproducing the nuances of the violin and piano.
Not forgetting that an important part of today's home theater system is watching movies and television, I also checked out a few movies and again found that these speakers really deliver. For example, I put in a DVD of "The War of the Worlds" starring Tom Cruise. I jumped to the part where the lightning strikes start happening (close to the beginning of the movie) and was wowed by the awesome power and clarity. Continuing to watch the next 10 minutes of the movie it just sounded great. In fact, everything I've listened to on these sound great. They can definitely deliver crunch and power but still allow voices to be easily heard and understood.
My wife was skeptical about their size but she too has decided she loves these speakers. In most ways she was perfectly happy with our previous setup but what really impressed her the most was how much easier it is to understand dialogs when watching a movie. While she agrees that listening to music sounds even better, that's what really makes her the most happy.
I have listened to other, lesser quality, speakers in the past and find that after an hour or two, I experience what has been called listening fatigue. I think this is because your brain has to work harder to process less than perfect sound. That is clearly not the case with these. I was still immensely enjoying these even after having them on for several hours.
Overall, the words that come to mind to describe the sound these speakers produce are: powerful, controlled, accurate, crisp, tight, solid... For the money, one would be hard pressed to find speakers as good as these. These speakers are well worth considering for anyone who really cares about getting the best sound in the under $3000 price range.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MartinLogan Motion 12 Floorstanding Speaker (Black Ash, each)

Inspired by MartinLogan's ultra-high-end electrostatic loudspeakers, the Motion Series was created to provide stunning sound for your ultimate-performance home theater or stereo. MartinLogan's dedicated in-house engineers carefully crafted the Motion Series to create an extremely affordable and compact product line that seamlessly blends our exquisite Folded Motion transducers with powerful, compact bass technology. The result is a smooth, refined sound with stunning dynamic range and jaw-dropping clarity. The Folded Motion Tweeter works by moving air (which creates sound) perpendicular to the folded ridges of the diaphragm, similar to how an accordion works. This extremely low mass diaphragm "squeezes" air and requires almost 90% less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter, which drastically minimizes distortion while providing a lightning fast response time. The increased surface area also provides a wide, yet controlled sound dispersion to create a realistic and carefully etched sound stage. Convenient push-style speaker terminals and curved inserts help guide speaker wire effortlessly into place. The rubber end caps on the terminal are also removable for the use of banana plugs instead of bare wire. So simple, you'll actually enjoy hooking up these speakers.

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Kicker 08ZXEC ZX Amplifier End Cap (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The end caps LOOK great on the amp, but keep in mind they are plastic and will break easily. My amp sits on my box flat and one of the cables going to the amp was big enough to allow me to break the part that holds the screw. Super glue works wonders but be careful when installing these.

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Add these end caps to your Kicker ZX Series amplifier for a super-clean installation look.

Made of heavy duty plastic, these caps will protect your terminals and settings, and hide any messy cabling.
Fits all ZX Series amplifiers.
What's in the Box Kicker 08ZXEC ZX Amplifier End Cap (Pair)

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ViewSonic PJ513DB DLP Projector - 5.7 Lbs Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We built a small movie theater in our basement and wanted a projector that could provide a good projected picture. After extensive research we elected to go with the ViewSonic PJ513DB DLP Projector, and we wern't dissapointed. It has an outstanding picture and the HD performance is the ultimate. It has a bright picture that is easy to see even when there is light in the room. The only drawback is that there is no HDMI input port. In order to get the HD we had to purchase an adapter cord that converted the HD cables to SVGA (ordered it off Amazon.com, cost us $8.00 and some change shipping included). The projector has many automated features including auto source selection so when you tune anything HD it automatically switches to the SVGA port and back again. It also automatically formats the picture size. I can't say enough about it! We are thoroughly satisfied! This projector does just as good a job as other units that are 4x the price.

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Projector- VIEWSONIC PJ513DB, DLP

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