Soundcast SOU-OCJ410 OutCast JR Wireless Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This speaker kicks ass, I own two of them. The only thing is I wish it had a soft case you could put it in because the outside gets scuffed and smudged extremely easily and you can't get the marks off. These things can take a pretty good beating. Battery life is great to and the options for wireless/wired ipod and battery/acdc adapter use is just awesome. Totally loud and great bass and knocks the socks off of any competitive product. Actually, I take that back, this product doesn't HAVE a competitive product because nothing comes close to being as versatile and great-sounding.

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Wireless outdoor speaker system includes 2.4GHz transmitter, 110-volt connecting cable, 12-volt NiMH battery for up to 6 hours operation, weather resistant enclosure, includes offboard charger and 12V adapter: fits 3G and up iPods, Note: this product ships without a transmitter, it operates only with either Soundcast's iCast transmitter (ICTXXX) or UAT transmitter (UATXXX).

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Soundcast SOU-ICO410 OutCast Outdoor Wireless Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Panasonic SC-BT303 Blu-ray Disc™ Home Theater Sound System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this system to augment a Panasonic 50" plasma television. Having listened to television speakers for years, the presence, fullness and variety of having a theater sound system is great. Turn it up a little and let the bass speaker pound and movie watching becomes totally involving. It is also fun when sounds like breaking glass move circularly around the speakers. The Blue-ray quality is excellent and you will want to immediately upgrade your Netflix account to have them send you Blue-ray instead of DVD.
The setup is easy and because it is the same brand as my television the integration was also easy. The speakers are in front, on the sides and in the back of the room. The cables were long enough for my medium sized family room. You end up with another mess of wires running around so if you are a neat freak you might want to get a wireless system.
Two small quibbles. 1) The Blue-ray player is slow to respond and it takes quite a while for it to read and start displaying movies. Since this is my first Blue-ray I don't know if it is just this machine or an issue with all of them. 2) I have not been able to configure the system so the theater speakers are automatically used when the television is turned on. You have to change it using the remote - not a big deal but can be confusing when you have to explain to someone to push the "Radio/Ext-In" button on the theater system remote until the display shows "D-IN 1".
A really good product for the price and one that you will be delighted to use when you experience the upgrade from TV speakers.

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Harman Kardon AVR1600 High Performance, 50W X 7, 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver with Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this in the mail a couple of weeks ago. It is a very attractive unit, couple of things I don't care for.
1. Can't ever turn off the bright power on light. Apparently some people couldn't remember to turn off the unit when they killed the display, so now I have this bright white light that won't turn off.
2. HDMI passthrough only kinda works. The main reason I bought this thing was to pass HDMI from my various devices through the single source (and for its audio sync capabilities). Unfortunately for me, while my HTPC straight to the tv works like a champ, I only get a black screen for video (audio works fine though...) when passing through this device. From what I can tell this is a common problem with the 1600 (go check out the forum for owners).
3. HK support kinda sucks. Sent an email last week. No reply. Called them during business hours, had to leave a message. So far no help from them.
I have worked around this by just not using the HDMI, buttt...was kinda the whole reason I bought this, now its just like the one i replaced it with, bummer. In the end it looks pretty good and works pretty good, just not as good as they would want you to believe.
**** UPDATE ****
Short update, about one year after purchase I stopped by the Harman Kardon site to see if they were ever going to update this thing to fix my HDMI issues, and lo and behold... they did! There is a product update link on the 1600's support page:
[...]
Support Tab --> Product Updates --> Download the update.
This update is supposed to update a few bugs, and most importantly the HDMI issue of not passing video from random devices (media pc's, game consoles, etc..). I downloaded and installed (you'll need a 400Mb or larger thumb drive ((not sure why cause it was tiny, but that's what it says)) to do the update). The update was straightforward and took less than 5 minutes once you have the thumb in there (front panel usb port).
Anyway....the video now flows through, my media pc can now pass 5.1 (or 7.1) and the video actually looks nicer than when it went straight to my tv (deeper blacks or something, looks good). Harman support is still pretty poor, but the product performs so dang good for what it cost, and looks great doing it. Took this thing from 3 to 5 stars, light is still annoying but I'll let it slide.

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For more than 50 years, Harman Kardon products have been engineered to deliver the ultimate listening experience. That tradition continues with Harman Kardon's new AVR 1600 home theater receiver, which offers an affordable way to enjoy the best sound experience possible. High performance starts with a high-current, ultra-wide amplifier design which delivers uncomprimised realism and dynamics from your all your music and movies, including today's latest high-definition sources like Blu-ray. Connect your Blu-ray player to the AVR 1600 and it will play back the high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks with stunning detail.The AVR 1600 can deliver an exciting 5.1 can deliver an exciting 5.1 or 7.1 surround experience from sources that aren't in encoded in surround sound using proprietary Logic 7 processing. Have an iPod or MP3 player? The AVR 1600 even has a compressed music enhancer that will improve the sound quality of compressed music tracks. Setting up and using the AVR 1600 couldn't be easier. A simple on-screen menu system will guide you in setting up your home theater system while calibration and equalization is both easy and accurate with the included EzSet/EQ calibration system.

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Sony BDVE300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the BDVE300 to go with a Sony 52Z5100 HDTV that I also bought from Amazon. I bought it mainly because I wanted to match the two items for both esthetic and practical reasons. The black speakers match the TV perfectly. I can also control both with one controller and easily run the TV sound through the HTS.
I am not an audiophile. So I didn't try to compare technical specs. This review is strictly subjective (in part to counter the one above) and is based on what I have heard while using the system with the TV.
The room in which the TV is located in is a 20 X 20 den/family room with a connecting dining area and kitchen. The entire area is open. It has wooden floors with a single oval area rug in front of the fireplace and TV.
I found the sound to be exceptionally clear and clean, without distortion or unevenness. I can tell a definite difference between the TV speakers and the BDV300 speakers. The BDV300 sound seems more spacious. It fills the room without blowing you away. The sound has more fullness to it than the TV speakers.
I have not tried it at full volume. I have never felt the need to do so. I have watched two musical DVDs, a Mary Chapin Carpenter concert and the 10th anniversary recording of Les Miserables. In both cases the music sounded beautiful and clear. You could hear all of nuances of the voices and the words of the songs were distinct and clear.
If you want strong bass that shakes the room, I am not sure this is the system for you. The bass is there but it is blended in with the other sounds. I am sure I can adjust it for greater effect. However, I am currently running the system at default values.
As for the lack of an S-air wireless cartridge, as mentioned by the reviewer above. It is true you have to buy it separately. However, everything I read about the system stated this plainly up front. If you need this feature it is available as an option. In researching this system I found this individual posted the same opinion on every web site he could find. I don't think his opinion was a fair assessment of the system's capabilities.
I found the set up to be rather easy. The instructions show various options on installing it alone with the TV or with a cable/SAT box or with an external DVD, etc. With the external mic it took about one minute to calibrate and maybe 15 mins. to connect the wires.

Be aware that Sony uses a proprietary plug on the DVD/Radio/Amp end of the system. The speaker end is a simple pinch type terminal. There is a FM & AM receiver as part of the system. I have not tried them yet. The DVD/CD/Blue ray player worked fine.
The bottom line is: The BDVE300 does everything Sony says it does. If you are looking for something to enhance your TV experience and play CDs with good clear sound, this system will do it well. For the price, I think it is an excellent value. I found no "gotchas" or "I can't believe they did this". So I gave it a rating of 5. I am very pleased with my purchase.
John


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Featuring a Blu-ray Disc and DVD player, 1080p upscaling of DVD media via HMDI cables, and BD-Live technology for downloading additional features and network updates, the BDV-E300 is a complete entertainment solution. For powerful sound to enjoy the movie, 1000 watts of crisp audio and deep bass envelop you for one remarkable, cinema-like experience. You can also expand your listening pleasure through the included iPod cradle and rock out to your tunes in a big way.

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Panasonic SC-BTT370 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this system in March after pre-ordering it. I have had previous good luck with Panasonic home theater systems so I waited buying an upgrade until this was released this year. And I'm glad I did. What a great product. I've had it for 2 weeks now and I'm really impressed with this system. I don't have a 3D television, I only use this system for Bluray discs. You do not have to own a 3D television to use this as a bluray system.
I've shopped around for other home theater systems for a long time. I've gone to many electronics stores, Fry's, Best Buy, Target, but I was not impressed with any of the other brands out there. Sony, Samsung, LG, I truly believe this Panasonic system beats them all in terms of quality, sound, picture, and features.
Likes:
Viera Cast: Built-in ready to go WiFi for streaming netflix, vudu, and many other services. This thing will also do Skype!
Down-firing subwoofer: Panasonic changed the subwoofer so it fires the bass into your floor, creating a theater-like boom and experience. And let me tell you, this subwoofer really rumbles my condo. The bass is deep, no distortion whatsoever even when I've cranked this system really loud. I'm really impressed with the design of the subwoofer. Whether you want to watch movies quietly or crank it up during an action-packed movie, the bass produced by this system is totally jaw-dropping.
Cinema Surround Sound - The cinema surround sound feature you can turn on really increases the surround effect of movies, making this 5.1 system sound like a 7.1 system. I recommend turning the rear surround speakers up, you can customize every speaker and how loud you want them to be. You can even increase the bass output. The surround sound produced is clear, crisp, sounds excellent, and during actions scenes you don't even realize that it's the superb surround experience making your heart pound, not the movie.
2 HDMI Inputs & Optical In: The SC-BTT370 allows you to connect your xbox or ps3 or whatever has an HDMI source directly to the unit, so you don't have a ton of fussing and forgetting which system is hooked directly to your TV and what setting you are supposed to be on. I have my xbox directly connected to the surround sound system and it works flawlessly.
Picture: The deep color and full 1080p picture renders beautifully. I am breathless when watching bluray movies on this system. The Netflix and VUDU streaming services are integrated nicely, and look stunning as well. I watched U-571 and Blawhawk Down last night, and I still couldn't believe how clear and beautiful the picture was.
3D Discs: I do not have a 3D television, and you do not need a 3D television to use this player. I have talked to many people who have bought this system, and they rave about the 3D capabilities and I believe it. They told me this play blows the PS3 out of the water in terms of 3D rendering and detail.
Dislikes: None

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3D Technology Checklist
This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need. 3D viewing requires:

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FLOATING Wireless WATERPROOF Pool hot tub spa music Speaker Ipod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These are a JOKE. I bought two directly from Grace Digital Audio (the original manufacturer). Both are now not working. Being denied warranty largely due to them not answering the phone for two weeks, I took them apart. They use cheap ABS plastic (instead of PC-ABS) and both had cracked housings due to the stress of the screws holding the halves together. This allowed water in. The boards are NOT conformally coated, so even a little moisture on the DC current traces lead to massive corrosion. I couldn't even make on good unit from the two. Stay clear of these expensive toys if you intent to put them in the water. Audio quality was great for the 4 to 6 hours that each worked.

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