Showing posts with label wireless speakers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wireless speakers. Show all posts

6/19/2012

Wireless 5.8GHz Speaker Amplifier Rear Channel Digital Audio Link for Surround Speakers Review

Wireless 5.8GHz Speaker Amplifier Rear Channel Digital Audio Link for Surround Speakers
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First one came DOA from shoptronics. The funny thing is, not only was it not working, but it had been obviously opened, tampered with and the box had an RMA # on it and said "BAD". :) A quick call to shoptronics fixed the issue with a brand new and functional system sent to my door within a few days. So for the most part, I'm happy.
As for the item, it does what it says - transmits two channels of audio wirelessly. However, regardless of placement of either pieces, sometimes a loud "POP!!" and smaller crackles occur. Also, regardless of volume or signal tuning, there's an audible "hiss" sound - not good for rear surrounds just a few feet away from your ears. Maybe that's due to AC line noise, but I'm using 16ga THX Monster speaker cable and known-good sattelites, so I know it's not that.
In all, it's a passable trade off for people not having the luxury of running wires under the carpet (i.e. hardwood floors or in an apartment), but I think RadioShack could have made this one a bit better. All of the other alternatives used the very volitile 2.4Ghz range though and seemed to have their own caveats so who knows...

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6/05/2012

RCA WSP150 900 MHz Wireless Speakers Review

RCA WSP150 900 MHz Wireless Speakers
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I bought these to use as rear channel surround speakers after reading the positive and negative customer reviews. The biggest caveat I have is that I expected traditional speaker wire connections and found, upon opening the box, the connection is either through the headphone jack or via RCA connectors (red/white). Neither option provides the channel separation for them to be used as I intended. They are easy to install, but we have a 900MHz cordless phone and a baby monitor and there are static bursts that pop into the speakers intermittently. When dialed in, they provide decent sound for the money. We're going to hang on to them and try them out on the deck next summer.

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Chances are there's one or two places at home where you'd love to enjoy music without having to go to the trouble of laying the speaker wire (or drilling the holes) to get it there. And, short of strapping on a pair of headphones, your options are pretty limited. Fret no more: The WSP150 wireless powered speaker system from RCA lets you import music from CD, radio, DVD, or virtually any audio source to nearly any room in the house--the range is about 150 feet, even through most walls and floors.The WSP150 uses the FM (frequency-modulation) technique employed in radio to transmit audio to the two speakers, each of which houses its own 2-watt amplifier. The speakers each offer a roll-on power/volume switch and a tone control/bass boost button.The system comes with two main parts: the transmitter and the speakers, all of which require close proximity to an AC outlet, unless you opt to battery-power the speakers--perfect for outdoor use in nice weather (requires four D batteries per speaker, not included). The transmitter plugs into a wall outlet and hooks into your desired audio source via a single stereo minijack-to-RCA cable (supplied). Be aware that with no master balance knob, the two speakers must be manually adjusted for equal volume.What's in the Box A transmitter, two stereo speaker/receivers, two DC power adapters (6V, for speakers), one DC power adapter (19V, for transmitter), an 8-inch Y cable adapter (.125-inch minijack to two RCA-type plugs), user's manual, and warranty information.

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6/02/2012

Acoustic Research AW822 900 Mhz Outdoor Wireless Speaker (Single, Brown) Review

Acoustic Research AW822 900 Mhz Outdoor Wireless Speaker (Single, Brown)
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The speaker sounds nice when it works, but just some scattered thoughts:
I ordered this speaker to have music on my deck. The original plan was to run music (ipod) from my living room receiver to the deck - which is 50 feet and one wall away. I wanted the same music in the living room as on the deck. The signal wasn't near powerful enough, even trying several different outputs - (and even after adjusting the ipod volume, etc, no luck) - to the point where music just wouldn't play. I do have an older home with plaster walls, so perhaps this was the problem. I wasn't expecting the advertised 250 feet, I understand that it would take a perfect scenario, but realistacally, if walls are involved, expect 20-30 feet. In order to use the speaker, I have to place the transmitter and ipod in my kitchen, which is just inside from the deck. The speaker does sound good, and the outdoor volume is adaquate. I wasn't expecting the wireless sound to be so good. There is ocasional static when someone crosses the line of the signal, or when the sliding door opens/closes. More gripes - once an album is done on the ipod, or any other source, the speaker goes to loud static - and scares everyone. It would be nice if there was an auto mute - the cure of course is to just use a very long play list. Also, there is no sound leveling. Many song files are different, so volumes can change per song. I know this is more of my problem (poor source) and it's not fair to complain of these things since they aren't advertised features, but just be aware of them. The best use for this would be if you had a huge deck, and you actually had the transmitter outside, and two of these speakers on the back corners or spread out on the deck. For $70 it's not bad. I wanted a stationary solution, but now I have to grab my ipod+ charger and move it to the kitchen to have sound outside. Just keep in mind the issues above and that the transmitter needs to be close for clear, static free sound.

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5/31/2012

Acoustic Research AW-871 Wireless Stereo Speakers Review

Acoustic Research AW-871 Wireless Stereo Speakers
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Even though my experience with wireless headphones were universally poor -- I once overheard my neighbor's cell phone conversation while listening on wireless headphones -- I was very impressed by the plentiful good reviews for this product and decided to give it a try at Amazon's wonderful low price. Amazon sells this product for up to $75 below the price stores ask.
However, once I got it home, hooked it up and turned on my stereo, my experiences with this set of wireless speakers was an exact replay of my expereince with wireless headphones. I set these up as the rear surround speakers in my living room as part of on my 5.1 system, fixing the speakers only about 25 feet from the transmitter. Even in that brief distance with almost no physical block between them, the left speaker consistently spit out static. The rightt speaker played fine all the time but had an annoying tendency to click while the music was turned off.
This is not what I had in mind for my home stereo! I moved the speakers around (as far as the power cords would go, anyway) and re-situated them, trying to gain greater proximity to the transmitter. This did nothing to improve matters. The transmitter indicated the signal was strong, yet that left speaker continued it staticky way throughout my experiment.
These speakers are easy to set up and easy to get working. You really don't need the instructions if you've had any experience with anything wireless. Still, I consulted the booklet to see if there was anything I was doing wrong. At one point I had the setting on both speakers at "right", so I changed that. No change in the outcome. I also re-set the transmitter from "1" to "2" and even to "3". No change. I moved the speakers again. No change. I consulted the booklet and listened again. Same thing.
Perhaps my experience has something to do with my neighborhood, my home or my neighbors, but my experience was not nearly as good as those reported elsewhere on this page. On the plus side, these speakers sound pretty good for something that barely costs $100 and they are easy to use.
They are portable and can be set up anywhere a power source is near or set up anywhere using battery power. The transmitter is supposed to be good up to 300 feet and I know the speakers in my house received the signal. I simply was not going to pay for a product that resulted in my SACD signal being converted to static.
While the sound the speakers produced was pretty good for something so inexpensive, I was not impressed with them as surround sound speakers. With independent volume controls, they seem like just another set of speakers to me. Compared to the sound I get from my wired surround speakers in another room from my front three speakers, these did not sound much like surround speakers regardless of the amnount of fiddling I did with the volumer controls and transmitter.
Even though this experiment was a failure at my house, I am grateful Amazon accepted my return; not every company on the Web will take back electronics. I wish you better luck with this product than I had.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acoustic Research AW-871 Wireless Stereo Speakers


Anyone who has installed a speaker system knows the worst part is figuring out how to hide the unsightly speaker cables, especially if your speakers are located across the room from the receiver. Enter this pair of Acoustic Research stereo speakers, which resolves the dilemma by eliminating speaker wires altogether. The system's powerful transmitter broadcasts its 900 MHz signal through walls, floors, ceilings, and other obstacles, giving listeners a wide array of installation options.


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5/28/2012

Cables Unlimited Audio Unlimited SPK-VELO-4KIT Premium 900Mhz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4 Speaker System (Black) Review

Cables Unlimited Audio Unlimited SPK-VELO-4KIT Premium 900Mhz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4 Speaker System (Black)
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I was introduced to these speakers by my bestfriend. We were having a party and we wanted to lock our rooms, but that is hard to do when that is where all our music comes from. With these speakers, we were able to create a playlist on Itunes and place the speakers around the house. It worked wonderfully because each speaker has volume control so we could make it loud in the dancing areas, while making it soft background noise int eh areas where we just sat and talked. I would recommend these speakers to everyone. I will probably get my mom a pair for her swimming pool this coming summer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cables Unlimited Audio Unlimited SPK-VELO-4KIT Premium 900Mhz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4 Speaker System (Black)

Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Speaker solutions offer unlimited installation options for today's consumer seeking high quality sound virtually anywhere. The beauty of this amazing technology is all of the 900MHZ wireless speaker options/products run on the same transmitter and frequency allowing you to add as many speakers as required for you unique installation. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard offering endless installation options.

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Soundcast ICO-411 Outcast (Grey) Review

Soundcast ICO-411 Outcast (Grey)
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I was skeptical at spending this type of $$$ for speakers but I was looking for something I could use in multiple venues, wireless and had good sound quality. The Outcast out-performed my expectations and is worth every dollar. I justified spending the $$$ by realizing that I would not need to purchase an amplifier and install speakers in the Patio area or garage and just saving time in the install was reason enough. Plus, this system works flawlessly with my iPOD as I can goto the previous or next song from the unit at a distance of > 350'. The sound quality has remained constantly impressive even while I use this piece in my garage which is >100' away from the transmitter (Included). I have not tested the 350 avertised range but have not needed to go this far. Also, the battery life is excellent. I have not tested the 10 hour advertised rate, but have used the Outcast at a loud level poolside for ~7 hours without any fade to volume or sound quality. This product is the best on the market and should be at $700 but more importantly, these guys got it right when it comes to wireless quality.

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OutCast is an all weather outdoor speaker system designed to provide high performance full range music in the yard or patio. It features an 8” downward firing woofer, four 3” high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, a 100 watt digital amplifier and the Soundcast receiver. The OutCast is made of water resistant plastic and is designed to operate for up to 10 hours on the built-in, rechargeable battery pack. It has an internal AC power supply that can recharge the NiMH battery pack and operate the OutCast at the same time.As with SpeakerCast, the initial version of OutCast will include the iCast transmitter and be oriented to iPod users. This version of OutCast also has buttons for pause/play and track forward/track back for remote iPod operation. All OutCasts have controls for volume, on/off, and mood lighting. There is also an input jack for direct connection of an MP3 player, which should very useful during social gatherings when guests might wish to play music from their personal players.

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5/26/2012

Soundcast SOU-ICO410 OutCast Outdoor Wireless Speaker Review

Soundcast SOU-ICO410 OutCast Outdoor Wireless Speaker
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The initial quality is great, but after a few months I found many quirks that don't justify a large price tag. First complaint is that the "audio in" jack snapped it now jiggles around creating static if I can even get it to pick up the feed. The second is the interference with my Wifi network, the transmitter drastically reduced the strength and range of my network. I also use a Sonos system that is also effected by the transmitter. Engineers should be fired, and ill take my money back!

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The OutCast weather-resistant, wireless speaker lets you enjoy rich multi-directional stereo sound throughout your house, in your yard, on your patio and even on a boat. With broadcast range of up to 350 feet, this powerful wireless speaker receives transmissions through walls, floors, and ceilings without the hassle of running wires.

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4/23/2012

Soundcast ICT-111 iCast Wireless Audio Transmitter for iPod Review

Soundcast ICT-111 iCast Wireless Audio Transmitter for iPod
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When I first heard of the system, a reviewer summed it up by saying "it just works". I couldn't agree more. I purchased the transmitter Soundcast ICT-111 iCast Transmitter and receiver Soundcast ICR-112 iCast Receiver. From opening the box to listing to wireless music in less than 3 minutes. Drop dead simple.
In the past I have tired multiple FM transmitters for my Nano. All have static, drops and distance issues. I feared the same here. I was happily surprised. Not a single problem.
I live in a high rise building in a downtown location. When I switch on my laptop wireless I see lots and lots of connection points. So I was worried about interference with my Soundcast. My receiver is setup in a different room and there is a metal stud wall in-between. After a full month of use, I am happy to report not one crackle, bleep or dropped connection. It just works.
The receiver has a nice feature of being able to stop/play, go forward or backward in a playlist. This also works flawlessly.
This is a well engineered device and it just works.


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There are plenty of iPod docks on the market, but how many work withoutwires? Enter the iCast iPod dock, which incorporates 2.4 GHz Frequency HoppingSpread Spectrum (FHSS) technology to send your iPod's audio signal to your homestereo from a distance. The iCast transmitter comes with several approved,interchangeable iPod inserts, making it possible to accommodate any "dockable" iPod.Setup is simple: Just plug the transmitter and ICR-112 receiver (sold separately) intonearby wall outlets, run a cable between the receiver and your stereo's auxiliary or tapeinput, and place your iPod in the iCast dock. Within seconds, you'll have completeaccess to all your iPod playlists, with no long wires to unroll or programming to master.Plus, you can easily operate all the tracking and menu controls even while the iPod istransmitting a signal. And as with all good docking stations, the iCast charges your iPodwhile you listen.
The real star of the iCast system, however, is the wireless FHSS technology. For years,wireless solutions have been plagued with outside interference from other productsusing the crowded 2.4 GHz band. The Soundcast engineering team, by contrast, refinedthe iCast's wireless technology to the point where neither the microwave nor thecordless phone will affect the quality of the listening experience. No buzzes, nodropouts, and no distortion--just pure, clean sound.
And users aren't restricted to playing their iPod through a single stereo system, as theiCast transmitter can operate up to two receivers at once. Want to play your favoritetunes in the living room and the bedroom at the same time? No problem. Other detailsinclude a full wireless line-of-sight range of 350 feet (150 feet through walls and doors),support for all music formats, and a sleek white housing. The iCast transmitter measures6.8 by 2 by 3.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box iCast transmitter, six iPod inserts, AC/DC adapter, 3.5 mm mini-to-mini cable, 3.5 mini-to- RCA cable, user's manual.

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4/20/2012

Bose LS12IIBLK Lifestyle 12 Series II Home Theater System (Black) Review

Bose LS12IIBLK Lifestyle 12 Series II Home Theater System (Black)
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When I walked into the Bose store and heard this system playing, I was overwhelmed. The crispness of the sound, frequency range, sound distribution, powerful bass... I immediately asked for a personal demo, and I was even more perplexed when they gave me the regular Bose designed demo where they show you the wonders that this system can do. The surround sound is magnificent, and even if you have a mono or stereo recording it will simulate the surround sound in the greatest way I could have imagined. I couldn't believe that I was listening to a 50's mono record in full surround sound at one point, and it sounded excellent! The demo of how the bass seems to come from the little speakers instead of the subwoofer is also very impressive. You hear the powerful and rich bass coming from this tiny speakers, but when they cover the woofer on the subwoofer you notice the bass is gone, even though it seemed to be coming from the little speakers! Pretty cool stuff. Not to mention these tiny speakers produce a sound that's better than regular speakers that are 10 times the size. Bose really hit a home run with this technology, and if you are considering it you definitely should go for it. I had never listened to music like I do now. It's a totally new experience.
As for the new systems with 6 CD Changer or DVD player, it's your choice. I bought this unit because I just wanted the speakers and a receiver to connect my DVD player/mp3 player/computer to (although it does have a CD player), and this system was great for that, at the best price for a Lifetime system. If you don't have your own DVD player and you want to use it for that you may want to consider the others.
Also, there are newer models of the Lifestyle system that come with some new speakers (jewel) that are even smaller (and more expensive). I tried these new systems and I noticed the small speakers could not produce a sound as crisp and rich as the lifestyle 12 speakers. The sound was much more metallic, like a cymbal, instead of being rich and velvety. If you're trying to decide, don't let this factor influence you in your decision. Just go for the one that's right for your price range and needs. And above all, go visit a Bose store and ask for a demo and listen for yourself!

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4/10/2012

Panasonic SC-BTT350 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-Ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System (Black) Review

Panasonic SC-BTT350 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-Ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System (Black)
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I've had my eye on this package for the last month. I waited for holiday deals to kick in and purchased this for great price on Amazon. But that really isn't the point of my review.
A few things I like about this product:
1- it talks to my TV! This was totally unexpected as I went to watch my first movie and everything kicked in on its own. TV changed inputs, surround sound kicked in and the TV volume went to mute. I can't tell you how many times I've had to get off the couch to lower the volume by hand with my old system. Awesome feature!
2- Blu-ray player. This is my first Blu-ray experience and I am not disappointed. I love the beautiful images and all of the extra on-screen, in-movie features available.
3- Great Sound. I was amazed at how small of the speakers were but how much of punch they made collectively as a unit. The sub-woofer is so small it fits in my bookshelf-out of the way, but still packs a resounding boom that can be felt throughout the whole house.
4-Plays FM radio. Not a fancy feature, but a nice one none-the-less.

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Get your home theater going right out of the box with the Panasonic SC-BT350 full HD 3D Blu-ray disc home entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray Disc player plus a complete 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system. It also features 1000 watts of total power, Panasonic's VIERA Cast streaming video, 7.1-channel virtual surround sound (from the 5.1-channel speaker set) and an SD memory card slot of medial playback. And you'll be able to play music and video stored on your iPhone or iPod thanks to the included iPod dock.


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3/03/2012

Bose SL2 wireless surround link - Wireless audio delivery system for rear speakers Review

Bose SL2 wireless surround link - Wireless audio delivery system for rear speakers
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I recently moved to a new house, and didn't want to drill holes in the walls or floor to get the wires to the back of the room. I was somewhat skeptical about this product and concerned with sound quality. However, I'm happy to say there is absolutely no difference between using the SL2 and hard wiring the rear speakers!
a) The system is made up of two receivers. They are both very small, and are easily concealable.
b) The front receiver plugs into the base module with 2 wires (left & right speaker wires)
c) The rear speakers plug into the rear receiver.
d) Installation complete!
This is an excellent product and I highly recommend it to all.


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2/15/2012

Sony AIR-A10R - Wireless audio delivery system receiver Review

Sony AIR-A10R - Wireless audio delivery system receiver
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I was a bit worried about this product and the other parts of the Sony Air system I purchased due to other reviews stating that it was hard to set up and the wireless didn't work through walls. My wife wanted a system that she could plug her iPod into and just hear her music all over the house. The A10R is the part that sends that music to our entertainment system. It receives the music and fills the living room, dining room and kitchen with music, the rest of the system takes care of the bedrooms and office. No problems with walls, no problems with setup - it all just worked the first time. I'm thinking of buying another to hook into my stereo system in my basement Man Cave!

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2/14/2012

Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System Review

Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System
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Where to start...
Nerd's notes:
First of all, for those that get the Sony BDV-E570 that was manufactured earlier in the year, it may have been before they fixed the issues with the software upgrade. I believe I received such a model. Being the overly concerned nerd that I am, I read the manual. It is not very specific, but does tell you to plug in the network cable to perform the upgrade. Read into this and you must assume to NOT PERFORM THE UPGRADE OVER WIFI. Well, you can take that a step further, (which of course I did), and you can download the update directly from Sony, place the files on a blank CD-R, then place the disk in the player and perform the update that way (it auto detects that the disk contains update files very nicely). This worked perfectly. No issues like the horror stories I have been hearing about this model (earlier this year), and the next model up the BDV-E770W. Due to the age of the model I received, there were two updates to perform, which I did, using two separate disks for each update. They take a while, so don't start one if you have somewhere to be. You do have to perform both, and the latter update is the more important one that enables the features that make this platform what most people are looking for, a 3D capable Blu-Ray HTIB with DLNA Features (both of these are why I got this model).
Now on to the good stuff.
Wiring: The room I placed it in is wired for 7.1, so connecting the rear speakers was not an issue. The speakers themselves have standard pinch connectors, so insert the wire and you are all set. At the reciever end, there is a custom connector, so you will have to splice it to your jack wires if you don't use the wire they provide (which looks a bit short for a larger room).
Network: Ok, I did manage to get this onto my dual band Wireless N network, although all of the settings had to be set manually, it did not seem to like the WPS (Wifi Protected Setup), which configures the wireless settings automatically. After the updates, all the network features work fine, Netflicks, YouTube, Pandora, Slacker, and so on.
Sound: Have a vaulted cieling in the room it is set up in, and it fills the room with plenty of sound. I am not cranking it and it is more than enough sound to provide a enjoyable home movie experience.
Video: Not much to say here other than....WOW. The upscaling is very good. BD is awsome.
Connections: If you are looking for a simple HTIB with a lot of features, this is the system for you. If you are looking for the HTIB to double as a receiver, look elsewhere, or make sure your TV has plenty of inputs/outputs. It does take audio inputs from digital coax from your settop box/satellite reciever, and optical audio from your TV (which is good if you have game systems, etc. plugged into your TV. NO HDMI IN. Bravia Sync works great. The TV and Player can be off, insert a disk, and it fires up the TV, kills the TV speakers, selects the correct input for the player, and you are off and running without having to monkey with the TV remote to select the correct input. The wife appreciates this feature more than anything else. USB works great, plays music on a usb thumb drive with no issues at all.
System Menu: Since we do have a Sony LCD, I became addicted to the XMB menu interface (Cross Media Bar), the same interface on the PS3. It looks great and is easy to navigate. This system has the same menu interface, and makes finding the extra internet content very easy.
Cons: There are not many, but aside from the lack of video inputs (does not affect me, but could be a serious issues for others), there are only a few things I would mention. First being a network feature that I selected this model/line for: DLNA. For some reason, it cannot see the DLNA server that I have setup on the network. I am looking into the reasons, and will repost if I find a solution. Speakers, while 1/2 the weight of my previous HTIB, they seem flimsy. The Sub is a passive sub, while that may disappoint others, it does not seem to punch any less than my last system that had a powered sub. The exterior of the system is a very plain shiny black (kid fingerprint magnet) on the front, although with a lack of knobs, and visible buttons, there is little in the way to attract their attention to twist/press etc.
Overall, this is an ideal system for those that are looking for an 'all-in-one' solution that also has all the internet content. It is powerful enough for a midsized room, and is simple to operate. It has a low profile receiver, and those that are space constrained will certainly appreciate that. The cost is very good (under 400), and for a system I don't see replacing for at least 3 years, it has all the features and functions I see myself wanting for some time.
Amazon: WOW. I ordered this system at 3:30AM on Wednesday with free supersaver shipping. The system was delivered THE NEXT DAY (Thursday).
UPDATE 7/25/10: Got DLNA working, my server just showed up one day, it was probably due to a reboot I did on the DLNA server. Streams music flawlessly across the network, Pictures as well. Still trying to figure out what digital HD file format it will play for movies, it will probably do DIVX files, but have to move those files to the server to see how they work. Very nice feature! Makes it very convenient when you want to play your digital library and dont want to plug in your iPod/iPhone or change CD's constantly.
Still very pleased with this system! I find myself watching more online movies and content from it than from my own collection or rentals.
I did some research, and this system looks identical to the BDV-770W, with the exception of the wireless S-Air rear speakers, which adds almost $200 to the price I paid.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System

Bring your movies to life with this 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater system, which features pristine 5.1-channel surround sound and wireless streaming capabilities.Experience full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1-channel HD surround sound, and enjoy expanded entertainment options as you wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Slacker, YouTube and more.

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2/07/2012

LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black Review

LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black
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I purchased this system in May of 2010. When it worked, it worked great and I really enjoyed the quality of the blu-ray player and sound.
About a week ago the wireless subwoofer stopped working. It has power but will not link up with the wireless receiver. I tried everything I could possibly do and couldn't get it to "remate" (connect) again. I then called LG and they were unable to fix it.
LG offered to repair the system but they wants me to spend $70.00 for them to look at it and this does not include shipping. From what the customer service representative told me, the 1 year warranty means that regardless of the cost to repair, my cost is capped at $70.00. I'm not sure how that qualifies as a warranty but according to LG it does.
What is troubling about this issue is that this problem does not appear to be an isolated incident. I searched the internet for reviews from people who owned the system. There are a number of people who are having this exact same problem after using the system for about 6 months. Mine started in just 5 months. It's starting to look like this product has a defect.
I own an LG cell phone, washer and dryer, and this blu-ray theater system. I've never had a problem with any LG product before. I'm surprised that LG would put out a product that seems to have a systematic defect. I'm even more surprised that the LG customer service would be so bad and not customer friendly. This experience has really questioned my brand loyalty towards LG. At this point, they must know this product has a problem. Rather than do the right thing - which is to correct the problem and send a new unit to everyone who is having this problem free of charge - LG is instead forcing the consumer to pay for service, pay for shipping, and hope that the repair is a long term fix. I'm afraid I'll spend the money to get the system "repaired" only to have it break again in another 5 months.
Rather than deal with the nonsense I'm going through, anyone who looks at this home theater system should just avoid it.


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LG's NetCast Interface lets you easily access a vast array of internet content. This model comes with two tower speakers.

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1/18/2012

Panasonic SC-BT330 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System Review

Panasonic SC-BT330 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System
Average Reviews:

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I have been in the market to get streaming content on my TV for a while now. I compared this unit against the LG-LHB535. The LG has some added features.
1. Built in Wifi
2. Streaming software... which means you can stream from your computer.
3. HDMI inputs.
Otherwise the Panasonic works awesome. It's fast and responsive, easy to setup, small and sleek, and it's cheaper than the comparable LG unit.
It includes the following features.
1. Amazon video rentals... Awesome.. However it's $3 for most regular rentals and then more for HD. I'm still a bigger fan of RedBox $1 for anything... Amazon I might be holding out on your steep prices.
2. Netflix the same as everything else... other than the interface is really simple and ugly like the PS3 interface. It's not as easy to navigate and search like the X Box 360 or on your computer.
3. Youtube which is cool.
4. Picas pictures which is neat but almost useless in some cases.
5. iPhone/iPod doc that allows audio and video playback. Very cool, it charges and doesn't display the "this accessory is not made to work with your device" message.
6. Blue ray, DVD, burned DVD's etc.
7. Two fiber optic inputs that allow you to plug in your infamous HD DVD player or some other audio sources. Would have liked to see HDMI here... LG has it.
8. Viera Link which is cool if you have a Panasonic TV like I do. It turns the stuff on off etc by communicating over the HDMI cable.
9. The sound is AMAZING for as cheap as this unit is. The speakers are crisp and clear. Very nice surround sound. I had a Sony STR-K750P, and this Panasonic system is way better.Overall the packaging was slick with everything well packaged for shipment. I couldn't find the electronic version of the manual online anywhere. The specs say it's wireless ready, which means it has a USB port on the back that you have to pay $100 to get the $5 Panasonic WIFI dongle. Total rip off. I just hard wired.
The menus are not quite as elegant as the Apple TV, it also has this hard switch thing.. Basically if you need to adjust any settings, it unloads the web content dashboard thing, then takes you back to the DVD menu. So there is a bit of a lag making adjustments. I don't understand why they just didn't layer the menus and then reload if your settings require it. It also has some sort of quick on feature. Basically if you start it up from scratch, AKA no power supplied, it takes about 30 seconds to boot.. So they added this quick boot thing which makes the unit run in some kind of a standby. It tells you it will consume slightly more power while in this mode. I did have a couple times where the web interface streaming thing had garbled text, I tried powering on off, but it doesn't fully reboot if you use the quick boot. In order to get it to fully reboot, you have to turn it off, then unplug the power and re-connect.
The manual isn't very descriptive and there is a lot of technical jargon as you wade deeper into the settings. Lots of color control, bit level, sound stuff, display stuff etc.
It does have the capability to adjust the surround and EQ levels while playing. It's not entirely intuitive, and the manual is wrong, but it works. When you use the buttons on the bottom of the remote to adjust the surround, it displays on little screen on the unit, the levels. In the manual it tells you to use up and down to adjust these. I must have wasted 20 minutes on this part before I tried left and right and then it worked. Looks like Panasonic needs an updated manual. The firmware on the unit is 1.0 which hopefully means there will be some software updates sooner than later. It would be nice to see layered settings menus, and they have some room on the dash board for new content.
The unit is so new that if you use a Logitec Harmony remote, it won't detect your unit yet. I had to use the older model Bt-300 or something to get my Logitec remote to work.
anyhow.. thats my review... Enjoy!

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Get your home theater going right out of the box with the Panasonic SC-BT330 home entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus a complete 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system. The Kelton subwoofer adds impact to your movies and music with dramatic deep bass, while the two tallboy front speakers add dramatic visual impact to your home theater.


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1/14/2012

BOSE (R) AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link Review

BOSE (R) AL8 Homewide Wireless Audio Link
Average Reviews:

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The AL8 had been 'repackaged' and the instructions and owner's manual in the box were for a Sony BluRay DVD player (useful, right?). Had to go online to download them from Bose. Installed according to instructions and nothing worked. After many hours of troubleshooting, called Bose Tech Support. The Amazon vendor (Vanns)is not an authorized Bose retailer and the remote control shipped with the Bose Speaker from Vanns was not compatible with my Bose V35 System. When the V35 was introduced, Bose shipped the compatible remote to all their authorized retailers but retailers like Vanns did not receive them. Bose was very nice and shipped me the correct remote for only $99 plus tax, waiving the shipping. Considering I paid the same price at Amazon/Vanns as if I'd ordered through the Bose site, this Amazon purchase cost me $100. Not exactly a savings!

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1/09/2012

Sony EZWT100 S-AIR Signal Transmitter - Black Review

Sony EZWT100 S-AIR Signal Transmitter - Black
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Installed this into my STR-DN1000 and tried to link it with a brand new AIR-SA10 and they would just not recognize each other. The wireless strength was zero and the main unit would not pair with the sub. After 30 mins on live chat with Sony they suggested that I unplug the receiver for a minute and try again. Amazingly that worked and the SA10 immediately linked with the receiver without pairing. The install instructions do say to unplug the receiver before installing this transmitter. That is a major deal for me with the way my components are installed into my built-ins, however, it turned out to be the critical missing piece of the puzzle. The instructions don't say 'if you don't do this you will have hours of frustration' so I am writing that here to try to save others from injuring their heads on their walls.
.
Now that it's working, the total investment for the transmitter and the SA10 seems like a good deal when compared to other wireless speakers available at this time, plus the SA10 allows you to switch between whatever feeds are available on your main unit without walking back to the main unit to change it.

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Optimize your S-AIR ready BRAVIA Home Theater system with the EZW-T100 transmitter. This wireless card uses S-AIR technology and allows 8 channels of LPCM (CD quality) audio to be sent from your home theater's main unit to a wireless surround speaker kit (WAHT-SA1) or to a wireless multi-room speaker system (AIR-SA10).

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