Stereophile Magazine
by Primedia Magazines
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $71.88 -- our price: $12.95
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Reviews (12)

A Wine-Tasting Approach to Audio
Stereophile is a subjectivist magazine that takes a wine tasting approach to audio: Instead of "woody undertones" and "brambly with a sharp nose," you get "pace," "slam," and "weight and body." Not much difference, you say? That's purely intentional.

Just as vinophiles get an endorphin rush from discovering subtle differences between varietals, audiophiles derive psychic reward by training themselves to discern near-inaudible differences between $2,000 speaker cables. Mere mortals suspect they're all drinking someone's Kool-Aid (Box wine and $5 wire from Radio Shack, please), but this only confirms their outsider status to the annointed.

The conceit is that it is all about the music, but don't be fooled. The record reviews section is vanishingly small (Two classical, four rock/pop, and four jazz reviews in a recent issue). Stereophile is and always will be an equipment magazine. The average reader is the kind of person with a $10,000-$15,000 stereo system who swaps out a $2-$3,000 component every year or so -- typically when some perceived fault or shortcoming becomes unbearable. Most music lovers (and musicians!) have much cheaper systems and actually enjoy music more. Go figure.

Yes, Stereophile is a magazine for enthusiasts whose love of their hobby crosses occasionally into obsession. You have never seen feud until you have witnessed an audio feud -- subjectivists beefing with objectivists, golden-eared analog partisans lobbing shots at tin-eared digital heretics, and so on down ever-narrower blind alleys and technological dead ends. It's all great fun, and I have read almost every issue since 1990.

Ultimately, high-end audio has a crippling demographic problem: A lack of new converts. The youths with the white wires out the ears and the metal in the nose have no time for $8,000 tube amplifiers, $2,000 interconnects, or freaky component "altars."

I hope Stereophile keeps walking defiantly into the gale-force headwind of multiple industry trends. Just because everyone is running the other way doesn't mean they aren't on to something.

For wealthy audiophiles
I've been reading Stereophile since the early days, when it was a thin, stapled newsletter extolling the virtues of AR turntables and Dynaco amps- neither of which would even make it into Stereophile's "Class D" selections these days.

Audio magazines tend to come in one of two varieties: The measurement obsessed and the "Golden Ears". The measurement obsessedendless debate specs like THD and damping without ever stopping to test whether the measurements actually correlate with listening experience. They will endless argue the significant of .00001 THD versus .00002% THD.

The Golden Ears- and Stereophile falls into this category- believe that only extended listening can give the true measure of equipment, and that they are particularly gifted with special powers of discrimination. They sometimes look at technical data for ad hoc justifications but they never look at psychophysical data. They also believe themselves to be completely immune to the loss of hearing acuity with age that all other mortals suffer, and the shift in hearing sensitivity that comes after a few minutes of listening.

Stereophile reviewers can go on endlessly about the virtues and sins of various componants, often using an amazing vocabularly that talks about things like "a slight chalkiness in the midrange". Every year they have new favorites- usually more expensive ones- and consign old favorites to the dust bin. The more expensive something is, the better.

Personally, I don't have the wherewithall to buy $120,000 speakers and $50,000 amplifiers; I'm still listening to a pair of speakers I bought 25 years ago. What other money I do have goes into my musical instruments. But I still like to read Stereophile. It's endless amusing to find out what the latest fads in HiFi are, sometimes there's some actual technical insight, and occasionally the "Audio Cheapskate" column actually delivers something useful for mortals. And the music reviews sometimes do dig up unknown gems- I found out about King and Moore's "Potato Radio" from a Stereophile review well over a decade ago.

no technical analysis AT ALL!
As a long time subscriber to the excellent Stereo Review magazine, I decided to broaden my horizens and try Stereophile.

Big mistake. Where SR would have technical analysis and/or double blind testing with a panel, Stereophile publishes primarily the crazed meanderings of "philosophical stereophiles".
These are the folks who describe speakers, and what's worse, SPEAKER WIRE in purely literary terms. There is no pretense at accuracy or empiricism here, there is only self-delusion.
Several acousticians and engineers have tried in vain to educate the so-called 'golden ears' of stereophile and similar publications about speaker wire by pretending to switch between high-end cable. When the 'golden ears' describe huge differences between the same sections of the same song on what is ostensibly different wire, it is revealed that only cheap 12G zip cord was used the entire time.
Ditto for quality solid state amplifiers : SR did a segment years ago where they took the most expensive and acclaimed SS amps and speaker wire, and double blind tested them (using stereophiles 'golden ears' and others) with a cheap 1974 SS reciever and rusty 16G wire from someones garage.Both setups used the highest rated speakers of the time.
No one could tell the difference.

You will find no measurements or unbiased comparisons here, there is only the placebo effect. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7SX
Sales Rank: 654
Subjects:  1. Electronics & Audio    2. Audio Equipment   

Sound & Vision
by Hachette Magazines, Inc.
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list price: $45.00 -- our price: $12.00
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Sound Off On S&V
I have been a loyal reader of Sound And Vision magazine for many years now. Heck, I remember reading it, as far back as when it still hadStereo Review in its title.

The magazine is a tech geeks dream. It offers product reviews and specifications on everthing from flatscreen telelevisions, home theater systems, DVD Recorders, and everything in between. It's clear that the editors and writers of the publication enjoy what they do do for a living. They offer an easy to understand analysis of the products--but they also don't write down to the reader either. I enjoy looking at their product grids the most. While the case can be made that it's a little skimpy with the comparions of products at times, they do arm the consumer electonics buyer with enough information to make the right choices when buying products. Sound And Vision is a must read for all of us riding the tech wave, even if all you can do is drool at all the fun stuff, you can't afford.

Worthwhile and fun

Poor equipment analysis and comparisons
S&V is a magazine that one would read if he/she were going to purchase a piece of home theater equipment and wanted to feel good about it.I don't think I have ever read a review of a piece of equipment that this magazine did not like.Very poor comparisons analysis and subjective reviews led me to stop reading this magazine.Home Theater and The Perfect Vision are much better mags if you want insightful reviews and comparisons of home theater gear.

The latest news on audio and video.
If you want to keep track of the latest equipment and technological advances in the fields of music and movies -- with emphasis on home theater systems -- this magazine is for you. It is both authoritive and up-to-date. Although a lot of state-of-the-art audio and video components covered are rather expensive, Sound & Vision tries hard to also cover lower-priced systems when they are available. This is a very good magazine for serious audio/video fans. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7XG
Sales Rank: 648
Subjects:  1. Entertainment    2. Electronics & Audio    3. Audio Equipment   

Electronic Musician
by Primedia Business Magazines & Media Inc.
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list price: $90.87 -- our price: $19.97
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Good info, recording, gear reviews, articles, and ads
I'll keep this short. hehe. The mag corners a market where no other mag goes. This is a nuts and bolts making a living at electronic music (all forms), kind of mag. You won't find artist reviews or anything like that here (just references to who uses what sometimes). If you are a beginner looking for info, or a pro who is keeping up with latest gear, software, etc., then get this mag. I've had it now for a couple of years and it's jampacked with articles, gear reviews, buying guides, etc. etc. etc. There are ads but they are kept to about 10%-15% usually. Some of the ads are very insightful into new products. Topics range from drum machines, synths, PCs, software (both commercial and freeware!), anything that relates to the Electronic Musician. And if that weren't enough EM goes the extra mile teaching us how to properly record mics, make a mix, anything related to the studio process. I also recommend Keyboard Magazine if you are a synth or electric piano player. I highly recommend Electronic Musician to anyone with an interest in Electronica (EBM, Industrial, Techno, Soundscapes) and/or High-Tech Professional or Home Studio recording. ... Read more

Asin: B00005UMOW
Sales Rank: 620
Subjects:  1. Electronics & Audio    2. Musical Instruments   

Home Theater
by Primedia Magazines
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list price: $59.88 -- our price: $12.97
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Solid But Not the Best
HOME THEATER was once the earliest to devote themselves exclusively to home theater video gear. Unfortunately, the somewhat wacky, full-of-personality magazine was replaced with a much more boring corporate version when it was sold to a bigger publishing house.

It is a solid magazine but that may not be enough these days when TV and video systems range from a minimum of 4 figures to over 6 figures. Even if you're not planning on buying a $100k system, you want to know what is available in the highest end system so you can scale down and ultimately feel you are getting the best value for your money at your price point. (If you're not building an HD setup with surround, there's not that coverage anyway in any mag not just HOME THEATER).

You want knowledgeable testing so you know what you might be willing to trade in for buying something a few $k less ... and you want to feel confident that you've been presented all the choices and then you can decide what factors to trade off and in terms of costs.

Compared to PERFECT VISION magazine, HOME THEATER comes up way short. HOME THEATER mag does cover more topics (also published more often) so if are interested in seeing more photos and blurbs about lots of AV gear, it's a fine complement to PERFECT VISION magazine - just don't expect the depth or breadth in testing and knowledge about high-end video gear.

If you're just starting out in your decision process in HD sets and perhaps other home video electronics gear, then HOME THEATER is a solid place to start to learn the basics. Then you will want to add PERFECT VISION magazine. As I noted in that review, HOME THEATER is in the ballpark of PERFECT VISION but in the sense that PERFECT VISION is the star and HOME THEATER is a utility infielder - still useful, just not indespensible.

Fun read... and does not take itself too seriously
This magazine is great if you enjoy reading about new equipment and audio/video software, in a rather tongue-in-cheek style.You will probably be disappointed if you are the type who truly enjoys the in-depth articles of The Absolute Sound or the old Stereophile, or if you are very proud of your latest 12 watt SET amplifier that "only" cost you $8.000.

If the subject was wine, this magazine would not spend half a page discussing whether the berry bouquet is actually raspberry or blackberry.Rather it would try to determine which of the 5 wines reviewed would be best for your next BBQ (and while doing this, crack a few jokes about the French).

the best home theater magazine out there
Out of all the home theater and audio related magazines out there, I like this one the best.Most of the audio magazines are not suitable for home theater information because they concentrate on the audio only even though they sometimes have a few articles about HT products (e.g. Audiophile).Home Theater does not have much in the way of wacky "tweaks" like placing a quarter and a dime at the edge of your speaker either, just good solid advice and information.They cover the full range of products from inexpensive bookshelf systems to custom installs and everything in between.You are sure to find good information about whatever you are using or considering. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7QT
Sales Rank: 367
Subjects:  1. Electronics & Audio    2. Audio Equipment   

Sylvania DVC860D DVD/VCR Combo
by SYLVANIA
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.99
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Editorial Review

The DVC860D offers VHS recording and playback as well as the quality and convenience of DVD. From one compact device movies and music are available, including MP3s burned to CDs. A camcorder or gaming console plugs right into the unit's front panel for hassle-free connections. DVD features include Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel digital output, TruSurround simulated surround sound, 2x and 4x zoom, search speeds up to 60x, bookmarking, parental lock, and program and resume play.

The VCR's four-head design ensures smooth slow-motion play (forward and reverse) and clear still-frame images, and the unit records and plays back stereo audio in hi-fi sound. Nineteen-micron heads deliver the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in EP (extended-play) mode. The VCR also offers an auto-set 181-channel tuner, quasi S-VHS playback (plays but does not record S-VHS tapes), digital tracking, auto head cleaning, one year/seven-event programming, and index and time search.

Inputs and outputs include front and rear audio/video and an RF input for the VCR, combined DVD and VCR audio/video and RF outputs, and for the DVD player, component-video, S-video, and composite-video outputs, as well as one each stereo analog and coaxial digital-audio outputs. ... Read more

Features

• 4-head hi-fi stereo VCR with front audio/video inputs for camcorder or gaming console
• Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel digital output (for use with a compatible surround receiver)
• DVD-Video, VHS tape, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CD playback
• Quasi S-VHS playback, 19-micron heads for clear recording in EP mode, and self-cleaning tape heads
• Component-video, S-video, and composite-video outputs accommodate most TVs

Reviews (42)

Well worth it!
Definately a good buy if you're looking for an easy to use, inexpensive unit.Its nice having both the dvd and vhs player in the same deck, its convenient and saves space.I previously owned a more expensive panasonic unit and the picture quality in this dual deck is actually better.Not too expensive, all the features i was looking for. Good buy.

Excellent item for excellent price
I bought this over a year ago when Amazon first debuted it at $99. Wow! What a steal! I've not had any problems with it AT ALL, the DVDs play back perfectly, and the VCR is easy to use/set up and has great feedback also. The remote control works okay. I've dropped it a few times and sometimes it's hard to get the buttons to push, but that's hardly Sylvania's fault :) Overall I'm *very* pleased with this combo, it's just what I need.

Unit eats VHS tapes even after two authorized repairs
Bought the unit January 26, 2004.Units started eating VHS tapes during recording and playback in July 2004.Took unit to local authorized Sylvania service center twice.Both times upon return, it continues to eat VHS tapes during recording and playback.$100 unit cost $65 in labor that hasn't repaired the unit yet.Am fighting Sylvania Customer Support currently to acquire a replacement unit for this defective unit.Will not purchase Sylvania in the future.Zero stars. ... Read more

Asin: B00008N6XN
Subjects:  1. double deck, dvd combination    2. vcr combination, dvd/vcr combination    3. vcr/dvd combination, vcr/dvd combo    4. combo player, sylvana, dv-c860, dv-c860d    5. dvd-vcr, dcv860d, dcv-860, dcv860    6. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)    7. Video Cassette Recorder (Recorders, VCR, VCRs)   

Philips DVD727 Progressive-Scan DVD Player
by Philips
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $89.99
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Editorial Review

Philips's slim, affordable DVD727 features high-end progressive-scan component-video outputs and built-in decoding for MP3 music files, as well as JPEG image CD playback so you can enjoy digital slideshows right in the living room. It also converts non-region-encoded PAL-formatted discs (the standard in Europe) for viewing on standard NTSC televisions.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVD727 stands ready to deliver the full potential of DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

The DVD727 also performs 3:2 pulldown. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

The player will play JPEG images one by one automatically, letting you zoom in, rotate, or flip the picture vertically or horizontally. For MP3 playback, the player offers track time display, album and track selection, and repeat (disc/album/track). It supports nested directory levels up to eight levels, as well as a total of 32 albums and 500 different tracks.

A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver.

Playback options include five-disc resume, which lets you pick-up where you left off on your five most recently viewed DVDs (not applicable for MP3 or JPEG CDs), enhanced parental control (with 80-disc lockout), and picture zoom for magnification of select images.

What's in the Box
DVD-Video player, universal remote control with batteries, user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect, composite-video cable. ... Read more

Features

• PAL-to-NTSC format conversion--great for viewing non-region-encoded European discs
• Plays DVD-Video, DVD+RW, DVD+R, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3-CD, VCD, S-VCD and Picture CD Format
• Picture CD with MP3-CD playback: Playback MP3's while viewing digital (JPEG) on TV
• Offers progressive-scan output with 3:2 pulldown for distortion-free viewing of 24 fps movies
• Optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs pass Dolby Digital and DTS surround signals

Reviews (67)

Don't be scared off by sour high-enders
If *I* had not inadvertently shut off the video signal by pressing a series of incorrect buttons on the remote, I would have zero days of complaint to report about this DVD player.(Thanks to the directions posted here by JH on 8/4/04, I was able to reactivate the video!)This is a great, basic, few-frills DVD player and a wonderful value for the price.It has standard and S-video outputs and stereo audio.The slim profile is also great for those who don't want another hulking A/V component to house.I have never bothered to explore the gadget-y feature buttons on the remote (zoom, A-B, etc.) because all I want is to play DVDs -- and I have gotten more than my money's worth of that out of this machine.And now that I reveresed the effects of my random remoting, I fully expect that this will continue.

Thanks for the recovery...an audiophile's suggestion
Recovery, yes!
Thanks a million. I bought this playera year ago ($69.00, free ship.!). I am mainly concerned with audio. It is an exceptional player regardless of price. Not strident in the least. You can improve the clarity and sweetness of it's sound by providing for vibrational control. My inexpensive but very effective solutionwas this: I cut some raquetballs in half, put 5 of those halves under the player. I lined one side of a nice piece of plywood of approximately same size as the 727 with felt and placed it on it, felt side down. Then I used a 5-7 lbsweight over the plywood. For me the improvement in
quietness that unmasked valuable ambience information and the overall "sweetnes" of the sound was very gratifying.
I am sure there are many methods. I understand there is a similar new unit that includes SACD, but I am not eager to trade up from this.
It's unfortunate that there are defective units out there. For me it has been quite reliable, still for the price/performance value I get if it only lasted one year I'd be content.

Thank you Amazon
I bought this dvd player for almost a year and today the picture died on me. I went on amazon to search for another dvd player to replace it and saw what JH from CA wrote, and recovered my picture.

Thank you so much JH, you just saved me $100!! ... Read more

Asin: B000093US3
Subjects:  1. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7" LCD
by Initial
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $209.99 -- our price: $157.94
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Watch movies, listen to MP3 CDs, or review camcorder footage--all from one portable device. Initial Technology's IDM-1731 puts a world of entertainment at your fingertips. The built-in seven-inch widescreen TFT (thin-film-transistor) LCD displays favorite movies in their native aspect ratios, and the player's onboard antiskip protection--a surprisingly rare feature in portable DVD players--paves the way for media enjoyment during more active uses.

Connections include a composite-video output (switchable as an input) and a switchable analog audio input/output. A coaxial digital-audio output lets you hook the player up with an audio/video receiver and multichannel speaker system to enjoy immersive DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround from discs (coaxial digital-audio interconnect not included). The unit gets about 2.5 hours of playback from the supplied rechargeable lithium battery.

What's in the Box
DVD player, full-function remote control, AC adapter, high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery, composite-video interconnect, analog audio interconect, and a user's manual. Spare batteries are available by contacting Initial's customer service; headphones are not included. ... Read more

Features

• Coaxial digital-audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround passthrough
• A/V input accommodates external device; includes full-function remote control and a cigarette lighter connection for the car
• 7-inch LCD with 16:9 widescreen display to match the aspect ratio of your favorite movies
• This Region 1 DVD player plays DVD-Video, VCD/SVCD, and MP3 CDs
• Antishock system ensures smooth playback during active use

Reviews (139)

Great little player.
I purchased this portable DVD player a little over a year ago as a birthday present for myself. Both my wife and mother-in-law chided me for buying the unit - what could I possibly want with a portable DVD player?

A few months later, south Florida was hit by four hurricanes, we were without power for over eleven days. Guess what we did while there was no power? Yep, we were at least able to watch movies to pass the time. During the day, I would charge the batteries up using the car, and then we would watch at least two movies at night before the batteries were discharged.My wife now thinks I made a very wise decision to buy the unit - as it helped save our sanity during the 11 days we didn't have ac power.

We have since used the unit on long auto trips, in hotels that didn't have anything worth watching on their televisions, and on our long weekends in our travel trailer.

The only problem we have ever experienced is one hinge doesn't work properly, but that doesn't seem to hamper us using it or its' operation.

Although it isn't a "name" brand (that I am aware of), the unit works great and like any portable sophisticated electronics, it needs a little tender care.

Hope this helps in your decision as to whether to buy this unit or even whether to buy a portable DVD player at all.

BUYER BEWARE
I got this dvd player several months ago to take w/me when I fly. After several very frustrating trips where the thing would either not work at all or would stop working in the middle of a movie (which is even worse!), I returned it. The company was good about sending me a replacement. But I am having the exact same problems with the replacement!! This product not worth buying at 1/10th the price

Not Bad
This being my third attempt at purchasing a dvd player.My first was bought here at amazon.com last year.First was a Mintek.their customer service was awful and after three months of them receiving my old player, mailing me a lower quality player with same freezing issue, amazon gave me my money back.I Have to say their customer service is one of the best!!!

The initial player came free with my cell service from compusa, nice deal.I have had the player three months now and no problems, no freezing, a little noisy motor but my three year old doesn't mind.All in all the picture is really good quality and with a relatively inexpensive pair of noise cancelling headphones you can hear really well on a plane.Sometimes the sound it not as loud as it could be.I would definity recommend this player over any Mintek product!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000C83IH
Subjects:  1. idm1731, id-m1731, 1731, i-dm1731, dvd, player    2. personal, 7 inch, travel, handheld, portable, 7", initial    3. idm-1731, lcd, disc, movie, theater, small,    4. Portable Digital Versatile Disc Player (Personal DVD)   

Audiovox D1500A 5" Portable DVD Player with Car Kit
by AudioVox
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $159.99 -- our price: $169.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Audiovox's affordable and portable D1500A features a 5-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio LCD and compatibility with DVD-Video, VCD/SVCD, audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3-encoded discs. Take favorite movies and music on the plane, on the bus, or even in the car for the kids--a supplied adapter lets you power the unit right from a dashboard cigarette lighter. The unit also includes a remote control for hassle-free operation in tight quarters.

Composite-video and stereo analog-audio inputs and outputs let you hook the player up to other audio/video gear for viewing on a TV or--as with video games--through the D1500A's own screen. All audio and video inputs and outputs are of the minijack .125-inch size, so compatible adapter cables are required (one stereo analog audio and one composite-video cable are supplied).

The supplied rechargeable NiMH batteries provide up to three hours of playback (power consumption depends on the operations of the player, such as screen brightness, volume level, etc). The battery pack features high storage capacity and low susceptibility to degradation, as the NiMH batteries don't have a "memory effect," making it safe to recharge them irrespective of whether they're fully or only partially spent. Generally, the batteries need about five hours for complete charging.

Playback options include frame-by -frame slow motion, zoom, and multiple angle viewing (with applicable discs). Headphones are not included.

What's in the Box
DVD player, remote control, user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, AC power adapter, DC cigarette-lighter adapter, rechargeable battery. ... Read more

Features

• Plays DVD, SVCD, VCD, CD, and MP3 CD
• Includes car kit with DC power adapter and remote control
• 5-inch LCD screen with 4:3 widescreen aspect ratio
• 3-hour rechargeable NiMH batteries accommodate up to 2 movies between charges
• Switchable audio/video input and output let you use the player with your home TV or with video game consoles

Reviews (22)

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT
Audiovox does not stand behind this product at all.
I am having the same issue that other consumers have had: picture freezing, scratchy sound, screen goes dead.
Unfortunately, I am seeing a trend for this small DVD player.

After calling customer service and explaining that I bought this thing 6 months ago they responded with "the policy is 3 months" if you would like to get your product fixed, it will cost $96.00.

If you are in the market for something that will work for 3 months and then break - this is your product. However, a company like Audiovox should stand behind the products that they put out in the market place. Shame on Amazon for continuing to support this dirty little company.

Good at first...until the Battery BURNED and MELTED
This thing could have burned my 3 year old...the bottom got so hot just by watching movies that the battery burned and melted on the bottom after turning it off one night.It stuck to the blanket and could have started a fire...talk about defective product!!!!!!

Battery DOA
I guess you get what you pay for.My girlfriend bought this DVD player for me for Christmas and it worked ok when plugged in, but the battery died after 10 minutes.I tried charging it several times but it would not work.I returned it at Best Buy and picked up the Panasonic LS55 instead, which is about twice the price but has a much sharper and glare-free screen and an unrivaled 10 hour battery life.So far I have been very happy with the Panasonic. ... Read more

Asin: B0000AFX3X
Subjects:  1. disk, theatre    2. Portable Digital Versatile Disc Player (Personal DVD)    3. audio vox, d-1500, d1500, 1500, 1500a    4. d1500-a, d150, d-150, 5 inch screen    5. personal theater, travel, movie, single disc   

Panasonic DMR-E80H Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with Hard Drive (Silver)
by Panasonic
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: May 2003. This is the first DVD player with a built-in hard drive recorder, allowing you to record all your favorite shows onto digital disk as well as watch DVDs.

Talk about "all in one"--the Panasonic DMR-E80HS not only records DVDs and stores more than 100 hours of audio/video programming on its built-in memory; it's also a progressive-scan DVD player (for use with high-definition or HD-ready TVs) that also handles your DVDs, CDs, and MP3 recordable discs. With the DMR-E80HS's 80 GB hard drive, it provides up to 104 hours of recording time, plus up to 6 hours on a removable 4.7 GB DVD-RAM disc (in Extended Play mode in each case). The DMR-E80HS offers the flexibility of recording on both DVD-RAM--perfect for instant chapter access and for multiple rerecordings--as well as DVD-R, widely regarded as the most widely compatible of the many DVD formats (great for sharing camcorder footage with loved ones).

Panasonic's Time Slip feature lets you use your DVD recorder like a personal video recorder, or PVR. Because of DVD-RAM's extremely fast transfer rate, you can view the recorded portion of an ongoing program from the beginning, while still recording the program in progress. In addition to recording new video content, the DMR-E80HS lets you transfer your favorite VHS recordings to durable, space-saving discs. Personal movie libraries and family videos can be archived, preserved, and easily cataloged and accessed. Picture-enhancing technologies include 3D noise reduction, block noise reduction, and mosquito noise reduction.

With the Direct Navigator you can instantly access recorded material from an onscreen menu that lists recording dates, times, channels, and titles. Finding and viewing recorded material is simple because there's no need to search, fast-forward, or rewind. You can even perform simple non-linear video editing, such as rearranging the order of scenes, skipping over unwanted scenes, and creating custom playlists of favorite scenes on a disc. ... Read more

Features

• Built-in 80 GB hard drive
• Hybrid VBR (variable bit rate) technology lets you record up to 6 hours on a single-sided DVD-RAM disc
• Time Slip lets you watch from the beginning a program whose recording is still in progress
• Progressive-scan video output for film-like images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
• Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, music CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3 CDs

Reviews (127)

Not bad for what it does...
It was a good product for its time.At this point it is lacking some key features such as MPEG4 recordings, networking ability, TV guide (such as TiVo) and ability to support multiple disk format.The key feature being networking ability.I would like to be able to use the unit in the bedroom to view shows recorded in the livingroom -- using the home computer network.That way I do not have to burn any disks.

Need to remember to reformat the hard drive periodically to make sure it does not mess up.I try to do that once every other month.I have never had any issues.Very reliable product.The remote design could use some help.

It Can't Get Much Better
I was saddened after reading some of the negative reviews for this product. For the simple reason that this is one of the best performing products that I hace ever purchased in over fifty years. Yes, I have had a few coasters. Not always, but mostly because of bad discs. I have also experienced the annoying "Recovery" and "Bye" messages ocassionally. But then, I have never purchased a "perfect" product. Ever. But let me say what I have gotten in return for a device that I have posessed for over a year:

1. I have sucessfully burned over 600 DVDs.
2. The quality of the recorded DVD, as viewed on a 5 foot by 10 foot screen from a Sony 1272 VMP front projector is nothing less than astounding. I can discern no difference from the 10 foot satellite dish received signal than the recorded one...in SP mode. And neither can any of the other visitors that I have had in our Home Theater in the past year.To those who are not familiar, these are the most stringent conditions that one could subject a recorder to; an uncompressed analog 'C' band digital signal, viewed with a CRT front projector reknown for its exacting reproduction of color. This is the Superbowl/Olympics/World Series of video imaging. I could not and even now have not gotten over the pure technical accomplisment that this company has acheived. I don't work for Panasonic, don't know of anyone that does, but they deserve credit for this truly outstanding device. Yes, there are some nits. But they pale in comparison to its virtues. The bottom line to me is, how does the picture look and sound after I whip out the DVD and put it in the player. And if this is what you are looking for, it cannot be faulted or bested in any way. If you're looking for perfection, you know where to find it. It starts with a 'D'.
Yes, the remote can be improved; yes, the manual takes some getting used to. But geez, look what you are getting. I wish I could give it ten stars!
Sorry to sound so mean, but it bugs me to see such an excellent product slammed like this. Go out and buy it. You won't regret it.

SAME THING WRONG!
This item is crap!

I've had the SAME problems with it as many of these reviewers.It lasted about six months...but the thing keep saying "bye" and then "recover", wasting tons of blank discs.

What a rip-off!Do not purchase!I did not get the extended warranty, which should be unnecessary if the company stands behind its product.

This item is crap.I don't know what I'm going to do with mine.What a horrible WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00009KXA3
Subjects:  1. dmre80, dmre80hs, dmre80h, dmr-80    2. dmr-e80, RAM, dmre-80hs, dmr-e80hs    3. dmre-80, dm-re80, dm-re80hs, dmer80    4. dmer80hs, e80hs, dm-re80h, dvd ram    5. dvd-r, dvdr, dvd recorder, digital recorder    6. Replay TV    7. PVR (Personal video recorder)   

Philips FWC577 5-CD Mini Stereo System
by Philips
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $249.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Philips designed the FWC577 with gamers and computer users in mind, equipping the mini stereo system with a game port (for direct connection to consoles) and a USB PC link (for streaming MP3 content). The result is a system that delivers thrilling, explosive sound whether you're using it to immerse yourself in the Halo universe or listen to the latest White Stripes CD. The system even offers a game sound mode, so you can choose which sound setting best fits the title you're playing--i.e., Blast, for shooting games; Punch, for fighting games; and Speed, for driving and flying games. The game mix function adds the additional benefit of letting you design a soundtrack to your favorite game using CDs, the radio, or MP3s.

The 330-watt system isn't for gamers only, however. It also includes a five-disc CD changer compatible with CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats, a digital AM/FM tuner with 40 presets and an auto-store facility, and a three-way bass reflex speaker system. The CD player is programmable with up to 40 tracks, and includes such features as repeat and shuffle. The audio is augmented by the system's Max technology, which boosts the bass, maximizes the volume performance, and enhances the overall listening experience with the touch of a single button. Other audio bonuses include Virtual Ambience Control, which mimics the acoustic effects of your favorite performance setting, such as a cinema, hall, or concert environment, and Digital Sound Control, which lets you choose among several optimized settings for specific musical styles, such as jazz, pop, and rock.

When linked to your PC, the FWC577 uses its bundled MusicMatch software to act as a jukebox, and lets you navigate (via your remote control) to play, pause, stop, and skip tracks without sitting down at your computer. The stereo even displays the song title and track time. To use the software, your PC must be running Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP on an Intel MMX 200 MHz or faster processor, and you need 15 MB free hard disk space for the software installation. The stereo is bundled with a USB cable and PC link installer disc.

The amplifier delivers 165 watts to each of the two main speakers, which feature 6-1/2-inch woofers, 2-inch Ferro Fluid tweeters, and 1-inch Polydome piezos. The speakers also include six Max bass ports, along with detachable grilles.

Other features include a dim mode, a clock with separate alarm and sleep timers, a 32-key remote control, a demo mode, plug-and-play functionality, and an interactive dashboard display. The FWC577 can connect to a variety of other devices via its audio analog inputs (auxiliary and game port), video input and output (composite cinch), and 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, in addition to the digital audio input (USB link). The system carries a one-year warranty on parts and labor. ... Read more

Features

• 330-watt mini stereo system with 165 watts per channel
• Game port connects to game console for enhanced video game sound
• USB PC link remotely streams MP3 content
• 5-disc CD changer compatible with CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats
• Measures 20.9 inches by 12.6 inches by 15.4 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (16)

Before Buying this Item, Here's a few things you should know
>>>Pros...can play up to five cds. Radio: Fm/Am. That's pretty much all I've used it for. It has USB port link for computer and game port for Xbox, PS2...but I haven't used either.
>>>My main motive for buying it was it's looks. It looks so cool! It's black and orange has very stylish speakers. Sound quality is excellent. The system has a button called "Max Sound" and if you push it...wonders happen. The music sounds really nice. It amplifies the music and adds more bass. Volume has a cool dial thing and can get really REALLY loud.
>>>FM radio has 30 presets. Very handy. You can scroll thru the presets or by station.
>>>A big plus is the timer. I use it every single morning to wake up. Set the time...Set the timer and it will start up at the set time. Volume starts at one and gradually up to ten. Wakes up nicely. Timer can be set to CD or Radio.
>>>On the center box, theres two circles that look like speedometers. Red and Organge lights illuminate when the music's loud. (Totally useless). If the lights bother you, there's dim mode where all light is diminished.
>>>The radio station is displayed in cool blue digits in the third circle (or Time of song for CD).
>>>You can shuffle tracks on the CD your playing. I like that. If you have more than one CD in, it will shuffle the tracks together.
>>>On the remote you can change everything that's on the center box of the unit. You can change tracks and seek on different buttons (That's GOOD!)

>>>Cons...There's also two different kinds of music settings. One changes between Rock, Pop, Jazz...and the other changes between Concert, Cinema, Hall...Sounds kinda cool right? No, it's not! it's BS!! They all sound the SAME!!
>>>I've noticed when listening to a CD for a while (and this annoys the heck out of me!) the Cd will start skipping! It sucks, especially when you into a song. The lights are flashing (and don't get me wrong, they're not spectacular) the music's cranked. Then...lights go off, music stops completely. Starts up a second later. Makes me angry.
>>>Also, anytime you seek to the beginning of a song, it skips the first beat! It's just weird, (I'm a drummer and it throws of my timing). This also bugs me.
>>>There's a delay between stations on the radio when seeking, a tad annoying until you find something to listen to.
>>>When you load a disk, it'll take about fifteen seconds to start playing...take FOREVER! and it's loud!
>>>When using the remote control, you can only change the station or song every other time you turn it on...What the HECK is that about??? There's a little light that shows up so I know it gets the remote signal, but it ignores it. You have to shut it off and back on.
>>>Actaully off is EcoPower...I don't know what that is or how it helps ANYTHING!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>Also plug cord is very short!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Wrap-up...This Panasonic has great sound quality, but system is very flawed and to me very ANNOYING. But nothings perfect, but i'm sure you could find a better stereo for this amount of Money.

~Torin 5lbscatfood.blogspot.com

good stereo
I would have given this stereo a 5 except for distortion I also experienced using usb link. I'm writing this mainly to hopefully help a previous reviewer who had sound distortion when usingusb link or anyone else who is experiencing this. I found out that the driver that comes on the software included with the stereo is incompatible with my computer. So I just do not install the software and have no problems with sound distortion. My computer automatically detected the stereo connected to my usb port without the software. Hope this helps anyone having similar problem since Philips tech support is awful and were absolutely useless in helping me.

cheaper price
I saw this at wal-mart for 100 dollars. dont waste you money buyin it for 140. you should be able to find it cheaper just about anyplace else. ... Read more

Asin: B00008Y1AF
Subjects:  1. Compact Disc (CD Player)    2. cdplayer   

Zenith XBV342 Progressive-Scan DVD-VCR Combo
by Zenith
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $179.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The XBV342 handles all your movie and music needs, from VHS cassette recording and playback and high-resolution DVD performance to fast and easy spinning of MP3 CDs. This combo unit saves space while simplifying entertainment hookups. The XBV342 plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MP3 and WMA CDs, JPEG image CDs, and (last but certainly not least!) standard DVD-Videos. Its handy front-panel audio/video jacks simplify hookup with camcorders and video game consoles.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the XBV342 stands ready to deliver the full potential of DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

Top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize digital and line-scan artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. Other features include 4x and 16x moveable zoom, variable high-speed scan (2x, 4x, 16x, and 100x), parental locks, bookmarking, 20-track CD programming, and repeat and resume play.

The VCR section offers four heads (for clear slow-motion and stop-action features) and stereo sound. The deck's 19-micron video heads maintain clarity during recording or playback in EP (extended play) mode, auto digital tracking adjusts for optimal picture settings for every tape you load, and auto clock set maintains the correct time and even adjusts for daylight savings. You can't program the unit to record at specific times, but it does come with a handy Instant Recording button.

For the simplest hookup with a TV, you can use a single RCA composite-video connection to handle both DVD and VCR outputs. If you want a higher-quality connection from the DVD player, use a component- or S-video cable to an additional input on a TV (the VCR image requires a composite-video or RF connection with a TV). You can choose between an optical and a coaxial digital-audio output to feed a surround-sound signal to your Dolby Digital- or DTS-decoding audio/video receiver.

If you don't have a surround receiver or six-channel speaker setup, it's still easy to make every movie night the ultimate experience: the unit simulates surround sound through two speakers (even the stereo speakers on a TV).

What's in the Box
DVD/VCR combo unit, S-video cable, composite-video cable, RF cable, stereo analog-audio interconnect, two AAA batteries, a user's manual, a registration card, and warranty info. ... Read more

Features

• Hi-fi stereo VHS performance with 19-micron video heads for clear recordings in EP mode
• Plays DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/CD-RW, MP3/WMA (CD-R/CD-RW), JPEG CD, and VHS cassettes
• Onscreen MP3 file and folder navigation for easy access to the tracks you want to hear
• Coaxial and optical digital audio outputs route Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound to a compatible AV receiver
• Component-video, composite-video, S-video terminals and RF output

Reviews (15)

Good Unit - Not Long Lasting
Less than two years ago, I was in search of my first DVD Player.I decided I would go with a DVD/VCR combo, as I still had some old vhs tapes and I liked to record programs.I decided on this unit (at the time it was fairly expansive), as I didn't want to go cheap and end up replacing it in a year or two.Well that's exactly my problem now.About a month or two ago, it would occasionally not play DVDs, instead giving me a disc read error.I was able to fix this problem, only to have it occur a couple weeks later.Only this time it would also not eject the DVD.It would take me 10-15 times of turning on/off the unit and hitting the eject button before it would eject the dvd.

Overall, it would be a good unit if it lasted longer.

Only lasted 1 year
This was my first DVD purchase and I thought it was a good buy initially, considering it combines a DVD and VCR in one product.However, I am disappointed to report that at exactly 1 year the display began flickering and jumping around like crazy.The remote no longer works and the display is unreadable.The record timer for the VCR doesn't work anymore either.When I contacted Zenith with my problems, they told me it would cost $45 plus shipping just for them to diagnose the problem.Then, they would let me know how much the parts/labor would cost to repair it.I told them that was not acceptable but they were totally inflexible.There is no reason why an electronics item like this should fail after only 1 year.I'm not sure why they call it "customer service".This customer will not buy anything with the Zenith name on it again.

Junk
My player lasted only 6 months and was used very little. The DVD player would freeze up after 10 minutes of use. Zenith said they would repair it for 45 dollars. Looks like it was designed to last long enough to get past the 90 day warranty. I'm done with Zenith products. ... Read more

Asin: B00009KCJ1
Subjects:  1. video cassette recorder, disc player    2. dvd and vcr, x-bv342, xbv324, xb-v342    3. xbv-342, xvb342, xbv34, vcr/dvd    4. dvd with vcr, combination, two-in-one    5. progresive scan, prog scan, hifi, four head   

Toshiba SD-3950 Progressive Scan DVD Player
by Toshiba
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $129.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Get the most from DVDs and CDs with Toshiba's SD-3950 single-disc DVD player, whose ultimate progressive-scan ColorStream Pro component-video outputs produce seamless, flicker-free images with high-definition and HD-ready TVs. Built-in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) decoding let you compile music on a PC and listen to it on a stereo or TV, and you can even watch customized digital-picture slideshows using recordable CDs filled with standard JPEG image files.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the SD-3950 stands ready to deliver the full potential ofDVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

The SD-3950 also performs 3:2 pulldown. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion. Conventional composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. The "expanded" mode in the player's black-level setting produces richer, deeper black tones in every image. PLUGE (Picture Line Up Generation Equipment) delivers black as well as below-black signals to a television.

A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output (coaxial) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player's internal digital-to-analog converters work at 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution to ensure optimum sonic quality from a range of digital program material.

Enhanced Audio Mode (E.A.M.) offers three sound settings: normal (off), 3-D (virtual surround sound enhancement), and dialogue expander (which enhances center-channel frequencies in the range of human voices during playback of multichannel content). Other playback options include Power Picture Zoom (which lets you magnify a select area of an image), bookmarking (up to nine marks), and parental lock.

What's in the Box
DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable. ... Read more

Features

• Progressive-scan ColorStream Pro component-video output for ultimate DVD picture quality (with an HD or HD-ready TV)
• MP3- and WMA-CD playback; JPEG photo viewer displays digital photographs and slideshows on your television
• Offers 3:2 pulldown, black-level expansion, Power Picture Zoom
• Bookmark memory for up to 9 points lets you review favorite moments at the press of a button

Reviews (43)

Bad DVD
I purchased this DVD back in Aug. I moved in Oct that is when I started using it. It stopped working in Dec! I would put a store bought movie in and my screen would read unable to read disk. I bought this beacause of the name brand has a good reputation but I feel as if I would have been better off buying an off name brand.

Cheap?No way -- this is the best value out there
I purchased this several months ago from Amazon after reading all the reviews -- including the ones that complained of pixellation and out-of-box failure.So I ordered this inexpensive unit with some reserve, and saved the box for months, thinking I might have to send it back.

But no.What I've found instead is that it reliably produces a stunningly-sharp, hi-def picture, and sends lovely, pure, unadulterated sound through to my surround receiver (Yamaha HTR-5650).I've got it hooked to a Toshiba 42" widescreen HD-ready RPTV (42H83), with Monster component video cables, and I feed it a fairly fatty diet of 3-4 DVDs every week.Not a pixel or a plip to be seen.

Of course, DVDs of movies made pre-HD-era won't look as good.Even this super-machine can't remove the grain from older discs.

The remote is a bit cheesy, not worthy of the sleek player, and the buttons can be inscrutable in the dim light of a home-theatre room.But that's a small quibble, considering the great value of this machine.

I purchased this when my MUCH-more-expensive Sony 5-disc DVD player died after just 14 months.The Sony will still play CDs, but I use it only as a "jukebox" when hosting dinner parties.When I want to play a single CD or CD-R, whether 80s pop, Linken Park, Joni Mitchell, a Mozart aria, or carpet-rumbling classical pipe-organ music, this Toshiba unit leaves my Sony whimpering in tail-dragging shame.

This is an amazing value, an absolute must-buy.Already have a DVD player in your family room?Buy this for your bedroom...and switch them when you get the chance.

Cheap?
As cheap as this player is it holds it's own with the more expensive ones! I have another Toshiba that wasnt bad and a Panasonic which was VERY expensive and this one is VERY well made! The features are great and I have had NO problems with it. Yes the remote needs to be aimed at the player but HOW LAZY are people to gripe about this? What you can't AIM it at the player? The player is a Diamond in the rough....You can't go wrong with Toshiba! ... Read more

Asin: B0000BV0XV
Subjects:  1. sd3950, 3950, sd-39, sd-395, sd39, sd395    2. ds-3950, sd-3590, s-d3950, sd39-50    3. tosheba, toeshiba, toshbia, disc, disk    4. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

JVC PC-X270 CD Shelf System (Silver)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $109.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

A full-bodied shelf system in a compact package, the JVC PC-X270 delivers high-end sound quality whether you're listening in your living room, out in the garage, or at the campsite. The unit features a single CD player (with CD-R/RW playback), AM/FM tuner, and dual cassette player, along with a full-function remote control. The two-channel amplifier (5 watts x 2) includes five preset equalizer patterns, for flat, rock, jazz, pop, and classical styles. In addition, the two-way bass reflex speakers detach for shelf use, and come equipped with 4-3/4-inch woofers and 1-13/15-inch tweeters to complement the Hyper Bass Sound.

The individual components include a number of features for audio and recording enhancement. The CD player offers 16-track programming, along with repeat play, random play, and intro scan functions. When recording from CD to cassette, use the synchro-start recording to ensure that the tape and CD begin recording/playing at the same moment. The unit also features an automatic recording level, which adjusts the volume among different CDs to a single consistent output for more enjoyable listening. For dedicated radio listeners, the system offers an AM/FM tuner with 32 presets (12 AM and 20 FM).

Other features include a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter, a large backlit LCD display, an AC adapter, and a headphone jack so you can listen in privacy while others are in the room. The system includes a one-year warranty on part and 90 days on labor. ... Read more

Features

• 10-watt shelf system with 5 watts per channel
• Includes CD player, AM/FM tuner, and dual cassette deck
• 16-track programming, CD-R/RW playback, and detachable speakers
• 12 AM and 20 FM presets, backlit LCD display, and headphone jack
• Measures 25-3/4 by 11-3/4 by 10 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (1)

Good Bang for the Buck
I recently bought one of these JVC units from Goodguys.com.Over the past ten years, I have owned several boomboxes and micro systems from Pillips, Sony, and Aiwa.This JVC sounds better than all of them.It also has many features and is quite flexible.For $90 you can't go wrong here. ... Read more

Asin: B000093USK
Subjects:  1. pxc-270, x270, stereo, portable, disc    2. pcx270, pcx270, pcx-270    3. Compact Disc (CD Player)    4. cdplayer   

Panasonic SC-HT700 CD/DVD Home Theatre Sys
by Panasonic
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $349.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: April 2003. This home theater system includes the world's slimmest 5-Disc DVD changer, as well as a six-speaker system.

The SC-HT700 handles the audio end of a home theater, giving you surround sound decoding, amplification, and playback through a specially matched six-speaker system (left, center, right, left and right surround, and low-frequency subwoofer). The five-disc carousel system's DVD-Audio playback makes it adept at music as well as movies, offering super high-fidelity (192 kHz/24-bit) sound. DVD-Audio discs provide multichannel and stereo sound, incredible storage capacity, and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs.

DVD movies will look and sound great through the system's 54 MHz/10-bit video decoder, video depth enhancer, progressive-scan video output (for use with high-definition and HD-ready televisions), and Dolby Digital and DTS discrete 5.1-channel surround decoding and rendering. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

The speaker set includes four satellite speakers (front and rear left and right) powered by 45 watts each, a 90-watt center-channel speaker (critical for handling most of a movie's dialogue), and a powerful, 170-watt subwoofer specially designed for unobtrusive placement. All speakers are magnetically shielded to protect your TV from distortion induced by the speakers' magnetic fields. In addition, a digital-synthesized FM/AM tuner lets you listen to your favorite radio stations. ... Read more

Features

• 45 watts per channel x 4, 90 watts for the center channel, and 170 watts for the subwoofer
• High-resolution DVD-Audio playback; JPEG, MP3, and WMA CD playback
• Magnetic shielding for distortion-free placement near a TV or computer monitor
• Includes digital FM/AM tuner and a universal remote control

Reviews (42)

Stay away from Panasonic!
Customer Service - the Panasonic website claims this is very important to them. I had my home theater only 3-4 months when a VCR tape got stuck. I has now been at the service center for almost 4 months! When I am lucky enough to get a response from Panasonic (which is rare), they make promises of completion and/or replacement. But promises won't play the DVD's my family would have liked to watch together over the holidays. When we finally got through to the customer service center on the phone, they had the nerve to hand up on us twice. IF YOU WANT A COMPANY TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS - STAY AWAY FROM PANASONIC!!! I have truly given up hope of even getting my home theater back from the Panasonic service center.

THIS PRODUCT IS TERRIBLE IN PERFORMANCE
I CANNOT BELIEVE PANASONICS ENGINEERS ALLOWED THIS ITEM TO BE
PRODUCED AND PLACED ON THE MARKET. THE SOUND IS EXCELLENT HOWEVER
THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS SPELL DISASTER. I FOUND THIS UNIT TO BE SUBSTANDARD. AFTER JUST SIX MONTHS OF VERY LOW USAGE THE UNIT BLINKS ON AND OFF AND THEN SHUTS DOWN. RE-PLUGGING THE ELECTRIC CORD BRINGS IT BACK TO LIFE FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN IT DOWN AGAIN.
THE EXTREMELY HIGH NUMBER OF UNITS THAT I SEE FORSALE ARE ADVERTIED AS RE-FURBISHED THEREFORE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE CALLING THIS PRODUCT AN EXTREME FAILURE.

Have owned THREE.......And considering a fourth


I have owned three of these (currently have two ...the first one was stolen) This is a great product for the money (got all of mine for $260 or less) Have had mine for about 7 months use them all the time with no problems.
Very easy to set up, good sound, great price.
... Read more

Asin: B00008XL1I
Subjects:  1. scht7000, scht-7000, scht7, sc-ht7, scht70    2. scht700, scht-700, sc-ht70, sc-ht700    3. progresive scan, prog scan, multi-disc    4. 5-dvd, 5disc, disc changer, dvd changer    5. movie, ht700, ht-700    6. Home Theater System (Theatre)   

Panasonic SL-SX420 CD/MP3 Player with Headphones (Metallic finish)
by Panasonic
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Enjoy music with the freedom that comes from MP3 CD playback, extended battery life, and high-powered anti-skip technology. Panasonic's exclusive No-Skip technology helps prevent interruptions from jostling during active use. No Skip's unique construction uses rubber brushings to absorb shock, while an anti-skip mechanism and an anti-skip digital servo further prevent read errors. A 48-second memory reserve provides added back up.

Now, battery changes will be fewer and farther between thanks to Panasonic's PowerLast high-efficiency power system, which combines an efficient motor with low-load circuitry for playback time of up to 48 hours on two AA batteries (during MP3 playback). CD playback abilities include 24-track random-access programming; repeat and resume (which picks up where the unit left off when last stopped); and skip/search and memory/recall. A hold switch prevents accidental starting, stopping, or track skipping during use or transport. The unit boasts a thin design with operation keys and LCD laid out logically on its top cover. ... Read more

Features

• Thin, round-form design for optimal portability with round LCD on player lid
• Plays standard CD, audio CD-R, audio CD-RW, and MP3/WMA CD (does not read ID3 tags)
• Hold prevents unintended commands (play, stop, etc.) and resume picks up exactly where the player left off
• Includes stylish over-ear headphones
• Up to 48 hours of MP3 playback from 2 AA batteries (not included)

Reviews (70)

Good, can be better for the price
It is good considering the price I paid for it. It can play WMAs as well. Thats the best part of the player. Chaning tracks and albums are easy. Headset is good.

The worst thing about the player is the battery consumption. Citizen CD190 uses two AA fully charged batteries for almost whole day, but this one uses it in just about 4 hours. The other thing is it has no ID3 support, so its kind of difficult to find out which track you are listening to.

Anyway, its good for its price tag.

not at all worth the price
I bought this in November of last year. It worked perfectly at first, but three months after, it started skipping. I dropped it at one point, and the lid popped open and the cd went flying. I use the player on my commute on the bus to and from work, which lasts about an hour, and it ate its way through a set of AA's within two days. It also skips something terrible if held vertically, or bumped hard enough.


I had another Panasonic with a 40-second skip protection, and that lasted me four years before it finally gave out. Too bad they don't make the model anymore, or I would have purchased another instead of this terrible player.

Great all around CD player
Panasonic really knew what they were doing when they came up with this little gadget. I have had alomst no problems whatsoever with this item. It has a few minor drawbacks but what product doesn't.

Pros: Anti-skip works perfeclty, plays MP3's well when put on disk in as a music file, romote control saves buttons on player itself and it has many features to enhance your listening experience.

Cons: Goes through batteries fairy quickly, especially on MP3 mode and the speakers are not super well equiped for loud listening.

Overall, this MP3/CD player is a great value and probably works as well or better than others that you would be likely to pay twice as much for. ... Read more

Asin: B00008IP5O
Subjects:  1. shock wave, slsx420, 420, slsx-420, x420    2. mp-3, mp3/cd, cd with mp3, mp3 with cd    3. Portable Compact Disc Player (Personal CD)    4. Portable Audio    5. MP3 MP 3 Player    6. CD (Compact Disc) Players combo (combination)   

Sennheiser MX-500 In-Ear Headphones (Blue)
by Sennheiser
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $19.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 18 to 22,000 Hz frequency response
• Convenient wind-up pocket carrying case
• Renowned Sennheiser quality
• Full-bodied stereo sound with powerful bass response
• Built-in volume control

Reviews (59)

Best cheap earbud, but not stereophile
Even the "you get what you pay for" posts might admit that the MX-500 may be the best inexpensive earbud product out there. With a full high range, a surprisingly rich middle, and satisfactory lows, the sound actually eclipses the iPod earbuds. (In fact, some feel getting these as a replacement is a "no-brainer."

At this price, one shouldn't of course expect stereophile quality; I love the trebly sound, but I have to confess that the sound can get a bit fatiguing. Also (as noted elsewhere), the cord is rather short, and the buds tend to get dislodged rather easily.

All in all, the MX-500 offers a superior value for a cheapie earbud, but it won't convince you that your earbud upgrade path is done quite yet.

Best sub $20 earbuds
Clear sound, good base.The volume switch is convenient.My only complaint is that the foam bud covers tend to fall off easily (e.g. when you store the ear bugs in your pocket) so there's a good chance of losing them.The foam covers *do* make a difference in sound -- depending on your ears you'll either perceive it as more base, or slightly muffled base.

Great sounding earbuds
These earbuds provide excellent sound quality.Individual instruments and vocals are easy to distinguish; the sound is NOT at all muddy (like it is from the RCA HP150's I tried before buying these).Bass response isn't overwhelming, but it's there, enough for me.If you want a set of earbuds with great sound and don't require thundering bass, you'll be happy with these. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Z0BO
Sales Rank: 97
Subjects:  1. Headphones (Headphone, Head Phones, Phone)   

Sennheiser HD-212 Headphones (Silver)
by Sennheiser
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $89.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Sennheiser HD-212 Traditional Closed Headphones have a balanced sound image with a slight emphasis on the bass response. DJs will like their excellent attenuation of ambient noise and the soft, comfortable ear pads. ... Read more

Features

• 10' Y style detachable cable
• Silver color semi-circumaural closed ear headphone
• ultra-comfortable lightweight design
• high-efficiency drivers for maximum performance
• excellent attenuation of ambient noise

Reviews (47)

Great for Bassists
These are perfect for me.I use these for practicing my bass playing as well as for playback on recording applications.The bass is terific, but doesn't drown everything else out.They were a little tight to wear, but after a couple of days they fit perfectly.I find them to be very comfortable even after an hour or two.The cost isn't overwhelming for the overall sound quality.
the chord length is long so you won't have to buy an extension.
Overall these are perfect for what I need, and at the right price.

The headphones grow on you...
I migrated from an ultraportable over-ear RadioShack set of headphones which had great sound at the time compared to previous cheap sets of headphones I owned.Unfortunately, the cord was short and the end plug would lose a good connection.I checked these out and noticed reasonable reviews and a stress on the bass.I thought, "Why would that be a problem?Great way to drown out NYC subway noise and so on..."

Initially, I was rather unimpressed with sound quality (I thought there was really no difference from the older cheaper headphones) and it was quite uncomfortable as I was breaking them in.You see, I wear glasses and thus I'm very picky about comfort over my ears and it took 48+ hours for them to become comfortable.Now, I can wear them many hours a day without discomfort and it is getting better.

Yes, the bass is strong, but not overpowering.I've actually used an equalizer to boost the bass in when streaming online radio (Musicmatch and the like)!I've noticed quickly (a) how tinny my previous headphones bass was in comparison and (b) how crappy the quality of some of my MP3s actually is and (c) how having stronger bass helps me to discriminate between crappy music (mindless and simplistic) rhythm/beat and good music which has a more nuanced and complex beat.

So a quick lowdown: long cord is awesome!Bass is slightly emphasized (and crisp!) but mids/trebles are well pronounced.Comfort will grow on you.I definitely recommend it...

Excellent Buy!!
I was really skeptical about buying these headphones, because all the guys were writting how they have too much bass, (and for guys to say too much bass, well, it must be outta control!!)
Let me just say that these headphones, in fact, do "NOT" have too much bass, and rather they sound really nice. It is a very clean, crisp, and smooth sound, that is not overwhelming to the ears, but rather pleasant.
I just received mine today and have only listened to them for 10 minutes, but that was enough for me to write a review.
I highly reccomend these headphones!! And if these headphones seem to have too much bass for you, then there are probably many at Walmart that will take care of that problem for you!!

... Read more

Asin: B000065BPA
Subjects:  1. Headphones    2. Headsets    3. Accessories (Accessory)    4. Headphones (Headphone, Head Phones, Phone)   

BOSE(R) QCZ/GB Triport Headphone
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $149.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Bose's most affordable headphones are designed to prove that high-performance sound can come in a lightweight package (just five-ounces, including ear cords). The Bose TriPort glacier-blue headphones deliver the full spectrum of your music, whether you're plugged into a computer or on the go with a portable media player. Their ergonomic design keeps them remarkably comfortable and lightweight, even as proprietary Bose headphone technology conveys the rich acoustical landscape of your music.

Bose's acoustic equalization techniques aim to deliver the rich nuances of your music--details that conventional headphones often lose. The TriPort headphone technology faithfully reproduces deep, full low notes without requiring the artificial bass-boost function found on many portable players.

Based on the results of decades of audio research and headphone acoustical study, Bose identified ways in which normal listener sound perception changes when people wear headphones. That led to the development of Bose's proprietary acoustic equalization techniques, which have fine-tuned the frequency response of the TriPort headphones for exceptional performance.

The headphones' soft ear cushions gently fit around your ear for comfortable listening. A thin, adjustable headband offers several head-size settings, and the earcups swivel for a better fit. The headphones include a generous, five-foot extension cable and a handy carrying pouch.

What's in the Box
Headphones, an extension headphone cord, a .25-inch stereo adapter, a headphone plug, a user's manual, a warranty card, and a drawstring carry bag. ... Read more

Features

• TriPort headphone technology delivers deep, full bass response for exceptional personal listening using a smaller driver
• Acoustic equalization
• Adjustable headband provides a snug fit with several settings for a wide variety of head sizes
• 5 Foot long cable for added freedom of movement
• Can connect to portable or your home system

Reviews (56)

Good, but read this for a better alternative
The Bose Triports sound very good, but I will try to convince you to check out the Sennheiser HD 485 headphones instead.

First, Amazon is selling the Sennheisers for about half the price as the Bose Triports.

Second, while the Bose do sound very good, the Sennheiser phones sound better.In my research, I found many reviews that said the Sennheisers are the best sounding phones under $250, and I concur.

Third, the build quality of the Sennheisers is FAR superior to the Bose Triports.The plug, cord, ear pads, and headband are all significantly sturdier.The Bose has a cheap headband that probably won't last a year.The Bose cord is super skinny and therefore easily prone to shorts.The Sennheisers have a thicker cord that is much less likely to develop a short, but if it does, these phones are designed so that the user can easily replace the cord.If the Bose cord develops a short, you'll have to send it back to the manufacturer, wait 3-4 weeks, and pay for labor as well as the cord.

The only advantage of the Bose Triports is their light weight:they weigh 2 ounces less than the Sennheisers.But at 7.5 ounces, the Sennheisers are still extremely light compared to most headphones, and you can wear them for hours without any fatigue.

Please do yourself a favor and consider the Sennheiser HD 485 headphones at half the price of these Bose Triports.

Fragile Like Eggshells !!
I wanted a better set of headphones, so I purchased a set of Bose Tri-Port headphones at the Best Buy store in Sioux Falls, SD. The sound the Tri-Ports produced was very good, but they only lasted about four months until late one night the left ear cup literally fell apart in my hands. My electronic equipment is very important to me, I do not treat it rough or abuse it in any way, the Tri-Ports just disintegrated. My first warning should have been the broken Bose display headphones at the Best Buy store, because mine fell apart in exactly the same spot where they were broken. On the positive side, the people at the Bose store at the Mall of America were great, they replaced the Tri-Ports with no questions asked even though I did not buy the headphones in their store. In fact, I used the old Tri-Ports as a down payment on the Bose Quiet Comfort 2 headphones. I really love the sound the Quiet Comfort 2's produce, but you know what ? I recently noticed a piece of plastic broken out of the left head band support -- Uh Oh !! Bose headphones produce very good sound, but they are fragile like eggshells.

Criminally overpriced - please audition other gear!
Well, you may not necessarily believe that, with all the hype that surrounds Bose, these headphones would be anything other than stellar. They are, unfortunately, very subpar. In truth, these are rather cheap headphones, utilizing very light construction with a predominance of plastics, and very cheap diaphragm materials. The "Tri-Port" technology is nothing more than a plastic shield over the diaphragm with three asymmetrical cutouts that capture the sound at different parts along the diaphragm. I suppose that this does help in making a very cheap diaphragm sound better, but it is not a substitute for better materials and higher-quality construction. I expect the Triports cost no more than $20 to make.

Many consumers walk into the local Best Buy, try these headphones out, say "hey, they're great!" and walk home with a brand new pair. Why is that? Because most people haven't heard higher-quality systems, and compared to what is commonly available at Best Buy, yes, these are a notch above. However, there are several things you should know:

1) There are much better sounding headphones that are much cheaper.

2) The Triports are defective. The headband design is very flimsy, and is almost guaranteed to break after several months of use. I several friends who own these, and their headbands ALL broke after a few weeks.

3) Most of the phones to which these are compared are really terrible. The Sony MDR-V700, against which the Triports are often compared, is a very poor quality phone that isn't designed for home use - it's designed to offer DJ's lots of bass without any regard for detail and clarity. Saying that the Triports are better than the V700's isn't saying much at all.

I don't want to tell you that you're all wrong and that I'm all right. I want to say this: use your own ears. Audition real, high-end headphones before you spend $130 or whatever on these, and then decide for yourself what you want to buy. You owe it to yourself to get the best when spending this much money.

Here are a few models that I urge you to look at instead of these:

1) Sennheiser HD555, 590, 595, and 280 Pro. The HD580, 600, and 650 receive a lot of well-deserved praise, but they need expensive amplification in order to shine, and are in a different league that the Triports, hence, comparing them directly is unfair.
2) Sony MDR-V6. Not the MDR-V600! These are very different phones. The MDR-V6 is an older, discontinued model with different drivers that sounds fantastic, unlike the V600, which is very subpar.
3) Grado SR-60, SR-80, SR-225. All Grado headphones sound exceptional. The SR-60, at $69, will blow the Triports out of the water.
4) Audio-Technica ATH-A500, A700, and A900. These are exceptional Japanese headphones. They're hard to find in the US, but online you can definitely buy them. They compete directly against the Triports, and offer stunning sound quality for the money. They're also very well built and reliable, if slightly bulky.
5) If you can, listen to a Stax system. Granted, these systems cost as much as $3,000 for the headphones alone, but this will tell you what a hi-fi pair of headphones SHOULD sound like. Stax headphones are some of the best.

For portable headphones that will be used with mp3 players, I suggest that you look at:

Etymotic Research ER-4P, ER-6i; Shure e2c, e3c, e4c, and e5c; Westone UM2; Sharp MD-33; Sony MDR-EX51 and EX71; Audio-Technica ATH-CM7 and CM7ti; Koss KSC-35, KSC-75, and PortaPro; Sennheiser HD-25, PX-100 and PX-200; and last of all, Stax SR-001 Mk II, which while hard to find and expensive ($239 Japanese street price), is the best sounding portable available, period (and is the only portable electrostatic headphone in the world). Keep in mind that it needs a mini-to-mini interconnect, since it requires the use of an amplifier (which is included).

Use your own ears! I've told you where to start research. Please take the time and finish it. You will be rewarded with a quality product, and you will be grateful for the time that you spent researching the information.

For questions, please look at www.head-fi.org. It is an excellent source of information on anything and everything headphone-related.

I sincerely hope this helps. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LK1O
Subjects:  1. Headphones    2. Accessories (Accesssory)    3. Headphones (Headphone, Head Phones, Phone)