PNY NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 570 1280MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Video Card with HDMI Output, VCGGTX570XPB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently traded in my ATI HD 5870 for this card from nVidia. The reason for the change? I had my last straw with the ATI drivers. The ATI drivers are slow, big and buggy. It seems like every other version of the drivers had some major issue that didn't allow me to use them. I would always keep a running history of drivers and track which ones were acceptable for which purpose. Needless to say, I was sick of it and decided to give nVidia a try.
Not surprisingly, this new nVidia GTX 570 was slightly faster than the ATI HD 5870. The driver download and installation was a breeze. Not only did the drivers work well, but the website also worked (something that ATI can't seem to get right). The website easy to use and remembers what card I selected previously (nice touch). The driver installer is clean, fast, easy to use and doesn't install any game demos like the ATI drivers.
The nVidia control panel is also much easier to use than the ATI Catalyst Control Center. Things are clearly labeled and interactions are simple and make sense. Very refreshing after having struggled through the very poorly designed ATI CCC for the past 1.5 years. You can also setup rule based policies that allow you to change settings automatically when certain criteria are met (very snazzy).
There are a few bugs though. Nothing as catastrophic as what I experienced with ATI, but bugs none-the-less. Certain games like Mass Effect 2 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, are not able to enable Anti-Aliasing. I've researched the problem and at the moment(2-16-2010) there just isn't any way to do it. Forcing anti-aliasing in the nVidia control panel does nothing. There are applications like nHancer which allow you to override these limitations, but nHancer currently doesn't support the GTX 570. I am hoping that either nVidia or nHancer will come out with an update to fix this problem.
There is also a bug in the power management when using 2 monitors. The card/drivers are supposed to turn the clock speed down when idling, this reduces power consumption and heat. This doesn't work when 2 or more monitors are connected. The card constantly runs at 100% power and idles hot at around 56 celsius. If one of the monitors are unplugged/deactivated, the temperature will drop to around 43 celsius. According to the nVidia forums, this shouldn't happen if both monitors are running at the same resolution and sync speed, which mine are. One other solution is to use a second video card, which I might do eventually when I go SLI.
Overall, this card, hands down, is worlds better than the ATI HD 5870. Faster, better drivers, better support in games with physics hardware acceleration support and 3D. With the dual monitor bug, the card does run hotter and consume more power than my ATI did, but I am hoping this and the anti-aliasing bug will be fixed soon. The PNY version of the card works great and is one of the cheapest versions of the GTX 570. I highly recommend it.

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Introducing NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570, with screaming performance and an innovative vapor chamber thermal design. The GTX 570 rips through the latest games while running quieter than the previous generation. As you've come to expect from a GeForce GTX GPU, GTX 570 packs support for all the premium GTX gaming technologies such as NVIDIA Surround, 3D Vision, PhysX, and SLI. GeForce GTX 570 - don't play DX11 without it.

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Beltronics RX65-BLUE Professional Series Radar Detector Review

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(More customer reviews)It's been over a year since I got this product. I spent around 340$ to buy it and another 100$ hard wiring and perma-mounting it on my dash. Since then - this detector has saved me from dozens of tickets. Even with a conservative estimate of 150$ per ticket that works out to over 4000 $. More than 10 times my investment. If you like to push the speed limits - this is a must have!
The build quality is good, it's easy to use, detection range is great. There are a lot of false positives (I always have it on highway mode), but you soon learn to tune out x band and listen for the Ka band and to a lesser extent K band. Of course - laser detection is iffy and rather pointless in my opinion. After all once you've been popped the fact becomes academic.
If you rely exclusively on this detector to warn you about speedtraps - this (or any other radar detector) might not help you much. Instead - if you use this as an additional early warning mechanism and augment this by staying alert, keeping an eye out for obvious speedtraps etc - this baby will pay off.
Now to the less savory details. Beltronics customer support sucks. Period. End of story. If you purchase this product from Beltronics directly - they hear you out grudgingly. If instead - you purchase this product from ANYONE else - they just tell you contact the seller. They will not answer even simple technical questions. They will not help you troubleshoot your device. They will not accept returns or honor their warranties. Their stock excuse being the large number of duplicates or rebuilt units flooding the market. The only recourse you have is to go back to the seller. Optionally I guess you could report them to the BBB.
In my case I was lucky, since the seller ([...]) was pretty helpful and replaced the defective piece right away. And I guess any product you get from Amazon has similar protection. BUT if you purchase it from a less helpful / influential seller - be prepared for the worst customer support ever.
With that said - this is a great product. Just be careful whom you buy it from.

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If you are as serious about safety as you are about driving, then you need the Professional Series RX 65. Featuring extreme sensitivity to all Radar and Laser bands with over 10 times the range of other imported detectors. Controlling the alerts is right at your fingertips using the included SmartPlug power cord. Want to take the detector with you? No problem, we include the quick release windshield mount and travel case too. Featuring patented Mute and AutoMute technology on the included SmartPlug power cord allows you to silence and even lock out alerts. Bright Blue Display. Features: 10x Range vs. Imports; All Radar and Laser Band Coverage; Multi-Sensor Laser Protection; Digital "POP" Radar Alert; Advanced AutoScan" Processing; Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Virtually Eliminates False Alerts; Clear Digital Voice or Audio Alerts; Easy-to-Use Options and Controls; 7 Selectable Features; Ultra-Bright High Definition Display; Brightness Control with Dark Mode; One year limited warranty

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Tivoli Model Satellite Table Radio (Sirius Satellite Radio / AM / FM ) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love Sirius in my car for its niche channels like jazz, Folk Town and Bluegrass so I bought the Tivoli table model. On the positive side the sound is GREAT -- right up there with Bose, but the design leaves some things to be desired. 1. It won't work without external antennas for AM, FM or Sirius. 2. It does not have an internal power supply. 3. To get stereo or CD you have to buy additional boxes. 4. You really do have to have a clear view of the sky where the satelite is located. Trees and buildings block the signal. 5. You might as well order the third party signal booster and antenna extension because it only comes with a 30 foot cable to the antenna which will probably not get it to your roof. 6. There is not an easy way to feed additional stereo equipment to take advantage of a home sound system. 7. There is no way to cut off the big blue info screen which is really BIG and Blue. When installed this thing has as many wires and connections as a lobbyist in Washington. But if you can put up with the clunky design it is wonderful.

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Tivoli Audio introduces the world's first satellite table radio designed exclusively for home use with built in SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The new Model Satellite radio is designed by Tivoli Audio CEO, Tom DeVesto, and is based on the popular, award-winning

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HP Pavilion Elite h8-1020 Desktop Computer - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Core i7 , 8GB ram, 1tb hard drive for 900, and i got a free xbox too. My friend who has the same specs on his mac paid over 2000.

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The HP Pavilion HPE h8-1020 QN559AA Desktop PC will keep you up to date with the latest software and hardware advances. Powered by the 2nd Generation Intel Core i7-2600S processor, 1TB Hard Drive and 8GB of DDR3 memory, the HP Pavilion HPE h8-1020 QN559AA Desktop PC will accelerate your favorite activities or work with affordable performance. Enjoy your favorite games, music and movies with HD quality 8-channel audio for a robust experience. Take advantage of improved performance and realistic effects with the AMD Radeon HD 6570 Graphics. Work smarter with the value and flexibility of the HP Pavilion HPE h8-1020 QN559AA Desktop PC.

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Harman Kardon AVR-154 5x30W 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Harman Kardon offers a no-nonsense approach to style, design and audio expression. I purchased the AVR 154 to complement my audio/video system, which includes: a 1080p, 46" Samsung LCD; Sony PS3, 1080i digital cable box, Dell notebook, and Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 satellite/sub system. My a/v system is set-up in an apartment living room (14' by 16') with vaulted ceilings and the floor is carpeted. My favorite sofa chair is set-up just off-center about 11' from the center speaker and TV, but the receiver has ample features to help me achieve a sweet spot, set crossover points, and control my cable box without moving from my comfy chair.
The receiver's dynamic power output combined with ultra-wide bandwidth and low distortion are a great match for the balanced tonal quality of the Polk satellites. Even with a rating of 30 watts per channel, movies and music have a renewed enjoyment. I selected this audio component specifically, because it has more than adequate power for my speaker system and living space.
My impression when watching Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds - Live at Radio City Music Hall (Blu-ray) was sheer "awe". Watching and listening to Tim Reynolds pluck away at his acoustic guitar helped me appreciate his musical expertise in a new way; not to mention, Dave Matthews's vocals are splendid during the opening song, "Bartender". When watching BT - This Binary Universe (DVD) in DTS, the artist's electronic expression is revealed in crisp, clear detail and showcased the receiver's ability to accurately reproduce the wide-band frequency spectrum of synthesized sounds. While playing Battlefield - Bad Company, the game comes to life with whizzing bullets, exploding gas tanks, and angry mercenaries in pure Dolby Digital bliss.
To connect my components, I used HDMI cables for video and optical digital cables for audio. This simplified connecting the components and maintained audio fidelity. However, the drawback to this set-up is that I could not program the HDMI 3 remote button to control the digital cable box. I had to program the Vid 2 remote button to control it. Not a big problem, but just slightly annoying, because I wanted to fully utilized the HDMI switching.
In summary, if you just spent an obscene amount of money on a flat panel that has the audio equivalency to a portable laptop, shelling out a few hundred bucks on this receiver to give it a nice home in your living room would not be a bad idea. Or if you are like me, an extreme audiophile with an extremely tight budget, this is a great pick.


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The Harman Kardon AVR-154 5x30W 5.1-channel home theater receiver is a powerful little receiver at a reasonable price. This 5.1-Channel A/V receiver includes HDMI' switching and 150 watts (30 watts x 5 channels) to put you into the middle of the action of your favorite movie. It is affordably priced and full-featured. The AVR-154's sonic quality and sophisticated features make it an exceptional value. From two-input, Simplay HD'-verified HDMI' switching to the latest Cirrus Logic 49510 DSP, A/V Sync Delay and a high-current amplifier, the AVR-154 is modest in price, but high in performance.

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iBUYPOWER Gamer Chimera Intel A989XLC Liquid Cooling Gaming Desktop Computer (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great computer at a fair price. Could you build it cheaper yourself? Sure, but it's worth the extra cost for a warranty and no hassle.

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Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Telephoto Macro ED Lens for E1, E300 & E500 Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)Update 10/2010 - I wrote this review a long time ago but it's still true today. I moved my 50mm from my E300 to my E3 and still get great portraits from it. I bought the macro empty tube for real closeups and the teleconverter as adjuncts to make this more useful - I don't recommend everyone buys those items unless you are taking forensic pictures in macro mode or want a 200mm 35mm equivalent lens. The tube is cheap because there is no glass inside - it moves the lens out for magnification w/o glass. I just wanted to point out that I've been following this lens price and this month its down lower than the past year (where it approached five bills) so now is a good time to buy at 438 usd. Review begins below.
Before purchasing this lens you should read some literature. You don't need to be a lens expert - but know what "MTF" means. MTF is modulation transfer function. It is a qualty by which lenses are judged. The more linear the plot, the better the odds you've bought a winner. Olympus and Cannon both publish their MTF plots of their "BETTER" quality lenses. They don't publish the plots of the "included in the box" lenses. For good reason. You can analyze them on a machine if you have a lab and discover they resemble a rollercoaster and not a horizontal line like you would prefer.
Google MTF LENS modulation transfer function and you'll be on your way - then visit OLY's website and click on the MTF curves on this lens. You'll see why it is so well thought of.
Now let's talk Zoom. Remember your old 35mm camera. If you wanted a closeup, you walked towards the person. A wide angle meant walking backwards, mindful of the pool, traffic, etc. The zoom lens eliminated some of this to the extent of its focal length. This is not a zoom lens. It is called a PRIME lens. PRIME = opposite of ZOOM. It's like that old friend on your first 35mm camera. But with a little under the hood.
This is called a macro lens. That does not mean it only can shoot closeups. It will focus from 6" to infinity. For $35 or so you can buy a 3 piece set of magnifiers from Hoya or Tiffen - they screw on like filters but magnify the image in 1, 2, and 4 diopter power. Like using a loupe to view a stone, they help you see the fine detail. The microprinting in the new $20 bill is easy to photograph with this lens. You can see things not visable to the naked eye with it.
Finally - as I mentioned the focus does cover close up to infinity like any good lens (just unscrew those magnifiers used to photo your stamp collection). But you will see that while most lenses (in meters) will have a readout of 1, 2, 5, 9, 15, 25, infinity in meters - this lens starts way down at 0.22 m (22 cm!) - the next number is about 0.24 m. The point is there is a wide range of focus space down close to the lens below a meter, then 1, 2, 3 meters. For closeups this can't be beat.
This is not to say you can't use this lens like old'faithful on your first 35mm camera. I've shot entire photoshoots with this just stepping back a couple times to frame the shot how I wanted it. I also switch to aperature mode (A) on the Oly Evolt and stopped down the lens to F10 outside or with the FL-50 flash. My depth of field was dramatic - everything came into sharp focus with the crosshairs in the middle.
Printing the images on 24" wide photo paper and a HP designjet drafting/photo printer gave the final satisfaction. This is one awesome lens. No zoom, but pictures so sharp and detailed with contrast unheard of before that when I run out to catch a good photo, this lens is normally on my camera. And I also have the 50-200 ED zoom. The 50 ED PRIME lens will outperform the 50 zoom under most occasions.
It's a starter lens, a quality lens (mid level in the OLY 3 tier quality system), a macro lens, and best of all a razor sharp lens that maintains contrast (you normally give up one for the other). There is a lot of glass inside this piece, and good glass at that. I advise against the f=35 mm macro lens, as it is in the LOW quality group from oly. If you need a 1:1 scale, consider this lens with the extention tube for a little more and you'll be close to 1:1 there.
Like all of the "quality" group of lenses in OLY's lens plan, this has a focus meter on it to tell you where you are focusing, or to aid in manual focusing. Mine spends most of its time on the camera - I'm sure you will enjoy printing photos from it as well. Shoot at F/10 and focus is almost not an issue at all in wide spaces. Inside, add the FL50 flash and shoot F/10 as well. You'll be happy with the outcome.
One last note about flashes - you'll eventually want the ring flash for macro work. Undocumented is that the ring flash includes 4 modeling lights with a 3 minute timer on them. To put the macro ring flash on the macro lens requires a ring flash adapter FR-1 available separately for about $95. It's bucks, I realize, but it does have a simple two prong bayonet mount to a ring cut into the lens - so removing the ring flash is a breeze. The ring flash (minus modeling lights) has a GN of 36 and is roughly equivalent to the FL-36, except that shadows are kept to an absolute minimum since the flash wraps around the lens. I use it for closeups and even modeling shots - a great lens/flash combo with the FR-1 adapter. Using the modeling lights you can keep the flash reflection out of the picture!


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One of the brightest Zuiko digital lenses is the Olympus 50mm f/2.0 medium macro lens. Offering an equivalent to 100mm on a 35mm camera, the lens boasts a maximum magnification ratio of 0.52x along with a minimum focusing distance of 9.45 inches, letting you get nice and close to your subject. The extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass element, meanwhile, reduces chromatic aberrations to deliver superior image quality with high resolution and good contrast. Add an EX-25 extension tube and you can focus to approximately 1x, equivalent to 2x on a 35mm camera. All Olympus lenses carry a one-year warranty.
Specifications
Focal length: 50mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.0
Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups, including 1 ED glass element
Angle of view: 24 degrees
Closest focusing distance: 9.45 inches
Maximum image magnification: 0.52x
Minimum field size: 33.3 x 25mm
Number of blades: 7
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter size: 52mm
Tele converter: EC-14
Extension tube: EX-25
Lens hood: LH-55
Lens cap: LC-52
Lens case: LSC-0814
Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.4 inches long
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Warranty: 1 year

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Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)If your looking for a GPS that is actually sunlight readable then go with this unit. I've owned at least 10 GPS units and this is the best one I have seen as far as this feature goes. I also found the human interface design to be excellent. I'm a retired electrical engineer and I was very impressed with the man/machine interface. Simple and easy to use. You can easily customize the display field's content, text size and color. Unit acquires fast and in difficult places.
Has a real good 'feel' when you carrying it in your hand. I would give it a 5+ but I haven't had it long enough to determine if it will last a long time without breaking. I'm just going to hope.
LIKE!

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The newly designed GPSMAP 62 handheld navigator features a 2.6" sunlight-readable 65K color screen that supports BirdsEye Satellite imagery (subscription required) and Custom Maps. Rugged and waterproof, GPSMAP 62 features a quad helix antenna for unparalleled reception and sleek new design.

Beloved by Hunters, Hikers, and Geocachers of All Ages
Explore GPSMAP 62 comes with built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief, so you can navigate anywhere with ease. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them.

Keep Your Fix With its quad helix antenna and high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix satellite prediction, GPSMAP 62 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear--whether you're in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on GPSMAP 62 to help you find your way when you need it the most.

Add Maps Adding more maps is easy with Garmin's wide array of detailed topographic, marine and road maps. With 1.7G of onboard memory, you can conveniently download 24K and 100K topo maps and hit the trail, download BlueChart g2 for a great day on the water or City Navigator NT map data for turn-by-turn routing on roads (see maps tab for compatible maps).

GPSMAP 62 also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required), that lets you download satellite images to your device and integrate them with your maps. In addition, the 62 is compatible with Custom Maps, free software that transforms paper and electronic maps into downloadable maps for your device.

Get Connected You've been busy exploring and now you want to store and analyze your activities. With a simple connection to your computer and to the Internet, you can get a detailed analysis of your activities and send tracks to your outdoor device using Garmin Connect. This one-stop site offers an activity table and allows you to view your activities on a map using Google Earth. Explore other routes uploaded by millions of Garmin Connect users and share your experiences on Twitter and Facebook. Getting started is easy, so get out there, explore, and share.

Find Fun GPSMAP 62 supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. By going paperless, you're not only helping the environment but also improving efficiency. GPSMAP 62 stores and displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs! Simply upload the GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches. Slim and lightweight, 62 is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.

What's in the Box
GPSMAP 62, Wrist Strap, USB Cable, Quick Start Manual

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TransTel Lynx Digital Telephone System with Voice Mail Auto Attendant and 4 System Phones Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used Transtel phones since I opened my office. They are so easy to use. I recently upgraded to the Lynx. I wanted the digital display to use my caller ID. Everything my business needs is in there. The automated answering and voice mail lets me focus on my customers without missing important calls. My favorite feature is the voice mail notification. I can leave the office and if a message comes in to my mailbox, it calls my cell phone. It gives my home business the extra kick of professionalism that helps me organize and seem larger than I really am. The tech support guys are actually very helpful and walk me through any changes I want to make. Highly recommended.......

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Audio Technica Microset Omni Condenser Headworn Microphone in Beige Review

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(More customer reviews)Very nice mic and I appreciate the dual ear option for increased stability. Only thing is, it is a little pricey. I guess if you want a nice microphone you'll have to pay the price.

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Shure PGX24SM58L5 Handheld Wireless System with SM58 Microphone, L5 Review

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(More customer reviews)The product made so much difference in the performance.
The purchase is worth every penny.

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Easy Smart Switch 24PORT Gigabit Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, this is the DGS-1100-24 Easysmart 24 port gigabit switch. It was released on March 19, 2011, so it's newer than some of the other well-rated switches sold on Amazon.
Similarly to the DGS-1024D switch, this switch is also fanless, quiet and energy efficient.
This switch provides an easy to use web interface to manage advanced features. Features include VLANs, link aggregation, cable diagnostics, IGMP snooping, VLAN traffic segregation, port mirroring, security, etc.

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Audio Unlimited SPK-VELO-4KIT2W Premium 900MHz Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 4-Speaker System with Remote and Dual Power Transmitter (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have purchased a number of wireless speaker systems (such as EOS) EOS 100T1RB Wireless Audio System with Universal iPod Docking Base and Remote Speaker (Black). The Sound quality was modest, and, they were very tempermental as far as setup.
This system, however, at a more economical price, provides a good to very good sound quality combined with flexibiity, ease of use, and, ease of setup.
When this arrived, I dredded having to "assemble" it, and, set it up. My fears were unfounded. Right out of the box, I just plugged in the speakers, used the RCA jack to receive auxilliary output from my computer, plugged the 3.5 mm jack into the small transmitter, and, started playing music through the remote speakers. My idea of easy setup is being able to get something to work, the way I want it to work, without having to look at the manual. This has easy setup by my toughest definition of "easy."
There is an "auto-tune" button on these so that once you plug them in, they will automatically tune into the transmitter. You don't have to go through a complicated "tuning" ceremony as with many wi fi speaker systems require.
Since the transmitter will plug directly into the RCA outputs from my computer, instead of having to use iPod adapter, I can just stream iTunes directly from my computer. This gives me virtually the same access to my music library as if I was playing from my iPod or iPhone. However, this comes with an attachment so that you can plug in your iPhone or iPod and stream directly from it.
The attachment is easy to use. It has a slot for the iPad or iPhone. You place it in the slot. There is a short cord with a 3.5mm adapter on it. You plug the adapter into the earphone female plug on the top of the iPhone or iPod, and, it is ready to play your playlists through the speakers
In addition, I could plug the transmitter into my streaming HP media extender HP X280N MediaSmart Connect and play music directly from my backup server from Windows media player playlists.
The range is good. I can place the speakers out by my spa in the woods, about 100 feet away, and they receive broadcasts from the transmitter with little interference. At about 100 feet, it helps reception to elevate both the small transmitter and the speakers. I have two of the speakers in my greenhouse 9about 125 feet away. They won't receive well if they are on the floor of the greenhouse. However, if I hang them up about six feet on the walls, the reception is perfectly clear.
One other advantage to this system is that the transmitter is not coded to any particular speaker. Once you set up the very simple and inconspicuous transmitter, you can have at least twenty speakers tune into the broadcast frequency. You can use up to 20 speakers. I use ten speakers with no problems.
These speakers have only one flaw. If the power goes out, for any reason, and you don't have any batteries in the speaker, then, when the power comes back up, you have to go around and turn on all of the speakers, again, and raise the volume to the desired level. This isn't a problem if you only have two speakers, but, if you have a bunch of them, it can get annoying. Power outages are common where I live and it takes awhile to get to all ten speakers, turn them back on, and, readjust the volume.
I still give these five stars.


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ACX DMX-Solo Music Server, 1-Channel Internet Streaming Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a DMX Solo, I found them when I googled for a music server to run for my Super Bowl party. I knew people would want music before the game while munching and no one can ever decide on a movie. So when everyone got here Sunday, they all just started picking their favorite music and adding it to this playlist on the server, there was never a hick up, and it ran flawlessly. The thing I loved so much was that anyone on the internet could add to it, so it didn't interrupt when my "not so brilliant" friend kicked my computer and stepped on my power strip and powered down my imac. The server was in the living room and kept going, which is something I wasn't used to with my old Sonos system. Thanks Team ACX, I appreciate it.

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Bose Free Space 51 Speakers, extraordinary sound outdoors from in-ground speakers - Green Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have 2 sets of Bose outdoor speakers - One set under a veranda roof and these out by my pool. These are the best you can get if you need something that will be integrated in landscaping, etc. If you can place the speakers under cover or attach them to your house I would recommend the other Bose outdoor speakers.

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Pioneer VSX-821-K 5.1 Home Theater Receiver, Glossy Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The sound is excellent, slightly better than my old Yamaha receiver. Let's call it "more realistic" but the menu interface is miserable.
Pioneer flat out distorts information on their advertisements. For instance, they claim the VSX-821 is compatible with iPod's Audio AND Video. This is not entirely true. For starters you need to be a geek to figure out the connections and which iPod is compatible with what. It is not a plug and play thing they are selling you here. I finally got it to play video but if I had to explain it here, I wouldn't know where to start. Furthermore, the iPod video and images are presented as analogue video through the RCA connector on the front, both, photos and video look mediocre at such low resolution. Black bars all around. I blame "Apple" for most of these quality issues, but it is Pioneer's fault too for hidding these facts in their ads and manuals.
The most offending advertised "feature" is the so called "on-screen" menu which it is just a pixelated text only retro menu and get this, it does not work via HDMI. Yes, that is right, to see the menu you need to hook up a second cable and even then you get very limited on-screen menu choices.
The remote is a mess but I think all the new receivers have similar issues. The most frustrating thing is that the remote did not accept any of the Sony TV codes included in the instructions, and inputing the code is a complex task, more than it should be. As of now I cannot control any other devices with this remote and I resent the excessive steps compared to other remotes..
On the remote you have to keep pressing certain buttons over and over again to stay on a certain modes that time out after a couple of seconds for no reason. If you don't know what I mean, don't worry, is because no one else has built a remote that times out.
Good news, the "sync-mode" works with some Sony Bravia TVs.
The blue LED display on the front does not tell you much, and some of the icons are too small to be read by human eyes. So, I never know if I am listening to a Dolby source, or DTS.
There is no real HDMI pass-through despite what they advertise. The receiver needs to be turned on to pass the signal.
So, what is the advantage of owning this receiver? Well, if you manage to decipher the remote and the hidden menus, you will get pretty decent realistic sound for a reasonable price. Better than what you would get from a Sony receiver for sure.
My opinion? It is a good deal if you are very familiar with electronics and it works better if you never use the HDMI ports.

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The Pioneer VSX-821 features a Bluetooth wireless audio option with 550 watts of high powered 5.1 home theater audio playback. Other features include 4 HDMI 1.4a 3-D ready inputs, hi-resolution Dolby and dts multi-channel audio playback from Blu-Ray discs, iPad / iPhone AV playback with battery charger.

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Yamaha YMC-S21BL NeoHD Home Theater Media Control System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I first heard of Yamaha's NeoHD when cruising the web looking for a receiver that my family would enjoy with my new Sony Bravia 46 inch flat panel and Sony Blu Ray player. I wanted better surround sound to go with our new Hi-Def Blu Ray movies, but I needed an easy to use system that everyone in my family could utilize. My wife (and youngest son at 6 years of age) could NOT work our `three remote' system, and changing inputs from 1 source component to another was a nightmare for her and the family. From what I could tell from the Yamaha website, neoHD solves this problem which makes it the perfect product for me and my `remote challenged' family.
I purchased the Yamaha neoHD, model YMC-S21, and once it arrived, I jumped on it quickly to get it set up. My teenage son helped me with the Yamaha setup guide - which although initially intimidating looking, was actually pretty easy to use. Within 45 minutes, I had connected my flat panel, Blu Ray player, Time Warner DVR (Motorola), and the 2 Yamaha speakers and subwoofer with color coded speaker cable that came with the package. Once connected, everything was operational with the one simple neoHD remote control in the neoHD box!
The setup was actually pretty fun. But, I had to connect 3 IR flashers that came in the Yamaha box. I had never connected IR flashers before, but it wasn't too hard. The trick was finding the IR sensor on each component, but I had the users manuals and found the IR sensor quickly on the two Sony's. The neoHD menu walked me through setting up my system by answering a few simple questions, and then I calibrated my room w/Yamaha's YPAO microphone. Cool!
The neo had the remote codes already built in for the Sony's, but I had to teach neo the remote codes for my DVR. I called Yamaha service for some help, and they suggested I utilize the Motorola Set Top Box code set first (right off of the on-screen menu), then learn the rest of the codes simply using the neoHD onscreen menu. Actually kind of fun - I liked the way neoHD walked me through the system setup! Not intimidating at all.
Now that neoHD is set up and working, my family really loves it - the surround sound while playing Blu Ray movies or watching sporting events is fantastic, but I am really happy with the simple onscreen menu for operating our entire system. My wife and all of my sons can select 'Watch, Listen, or Play', and using the simple up and down arrow keys, make their selections without my help. No more `Input' selections, no more complicated remote controls that my family can't use, and no more frustration!
Finally, my kids showed the neighbor kids how the system works, and now my neighbors told me they may get a neoHD also for their new flat panel! Yamaha has made something that solves a real need!


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Yamaha YMC-S21BL NeoHD Controller, 2.1 Channel Surround System

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