Harman Kardon TC-1000 Take Control System Controller
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $379.99
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Editorial Review

How many infrared (IR) remote-control units are kicking around your house? Harman Kardon's TC-1000 Take Control System Controller can replace them all with a single easy-to-use unit, allowing you to archive the rest of your remote-control units in the closet.

The Take Control System Controller emulates the control signals used by IR remote-control devices. With its huge library of built-in control codes, this remote-control unit covers almost any home entertainment device you'll encounter. Take Control's simple user interface includes a touchscreen, a scroll wheel, and five simple buttons, making operation easy to understand; backlighting makes the unit easy to use in a darkened room. The setup Wizard groups controls around common activities, such as watching a movie, rather than around the devices that make the activity possible. This means that you can turn on and control your TV, VCR, DVD, AV receiver, or additional devices from a single interface rather than having to manage each one separately. Yet it is still easy to get to the controls of a particular device if you want to control it explicitly. We found this feature to be both intuitive and easy to learn.

The TC worked flawlessly with all the IR-controlled devices we tried it with. We got an entire home entertainment center up and running perfectly within 15 minutes, and we also set up an unsupported device, an old Photodisc player, by using the TC's ability to "learn" the codes of an existing remote.

If your home entertainment device is supported by the Setup Wizard (most will be), the TC emulates the controls on the unit's native remote, including any annoying eccentricities it may have. This is where the bundled Windows customization software can help. With the TC connected to your PC's serial port (cable supplied), you can customize the control screens or extend the unit's built-in repetoire of activities. Admittedly, this kind of tweaking is for gearheads, and most users probably won't bother. But if you enjoy this kind of fine-tuning, the TC's software is flexible and easy to use.

Pros:

• A single control unit that groups controls by natural use patterns
• Simple, intuitive controls
• Quick setup, with most home entertainment devices supported out of the box
• Robust, well-constructed unit

Cons:

• Unit is heavier than most conventional remotes

... Read more

Features

• Easy wizard-based setup
• Operate all your IR-controlled components from one device
• Simple UI with touchscreen
• Robust case, solidly built
• Supports most home-entertainment devices out-of-box

Reviews (22)

Easy programming and configuration with software
I saw this offered ... which seemed like a good deal after reading a few reviews and seeing it sold elsewhere.Now that I've used it, I'm pretty impressed with the ability to progam and synchronize it with my PC, as well as find codes for download from the internet from other people who have the remote.

I have two problems with this remote though, one is the dim LCD and the second is that Harman Kardon and Microsoft have discontinued manufacturing it and ceased developing software updates for it.

Idea Needs Work
I bought this remote in the hope that my wife would actually learn how to turn on the home theater system. It hasn't fulfilled that purpose for a vaiety of reasons, some having to do with flaws in the product itself and some having to do with the design of the components that it is supposed to operate.

In a nutshell, the product flaws are (1) dim, almost unreadable display; (2) poor control design, (3) voracious appetite for batteries and (4) unpredictability of operation.

Item one is self-explanatory.You just can't see the display in many light environments.Item two has to do with the scroll wheel. The product design requires you to scroll to your selection then depress the scroll wheel to select. Well, about half the time when you depress the wheel, it turns slightly causing you to accidentally select the next menu item up or down. This is really frustrating. Item three: self-explantory.

Item 4 refers to the fact that no matter how much you fine tune the programming, its impossible to get the thing to go through a set of macros (e.g., turn on TV, turn on amplifier, set amplifier to DVD, set TV input to amplifier... etc.) successfully with any reliability.Sometimes it works, sometimes you end up setting some of the components manually.

Also relevant to this category are the difficult to use touch screens. With no feedback you don't know whether you've activated the button or not.

On the plus side, the PC programming is very easy to use.

In short, I regret paying so much for a product that has not lived up to its promise.

Nice idea, so-so execution
The PC software used for programming the remote is very easy to use and a nice surprise coming from the kings of bad user interface design--Microsoft.You will have no trouble setting it up nor will it be difficult to modify the setup at a later date.Unfortunately, the remote itself eats batteries (I use NiMH rechargeables, but they still only last a month or so) and the touch screen is balky (it has trouble accurately sensing pressure at the edges in particular.)You can do anything with this remote, but its just not the panacea I had hoped for.I would not recommend it, nor would I condemn anyone for buying it.If you have very, very complicated home theater needs, it will certainly be able to meet them. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JFHW
Subjects:  1. Remote Control   

Olympus Eye Trek FMD-200
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $499.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Built-in RCA audio-video input enhances connectivity
• Ultracompact multimedia glasses create personal, big-screen viewing
• 180,0000-pixel display per eye delivers outstanding resolution
• Built-in stereo headphones with bass boost control
• Connect to any DVD player, VCR, computer, or TV with video output

Reviews (7)

Great product-Not the dealer
This is a great product when a tv is not available.I have used another model (fmd-20p) before.Great with my PS2.... a great product.

Well worth it!
I travel a ton - and got tired of people sitting next to me watching my movies on my portable DVD player (panasonic).Now I watch in total privacy and ignore everyone around me - it's perfect!

As for the display - it's just like watching a 51-inch screen from about 6 feet away (my best guess).Much better than squinting at the tiny screen on a portable or the airline screens.I look forward to my next roadtrip in a car as well.

I highly recommend the eye-trek, I've only had it for a couple weeks and have already fallen in love.

An OK introductory product but there are some flaws...
I don't know how it started but I somehow got it into my head that I needed one of these gadgets. After tracking down a shop which would let me demo one I handed over my cash and rushed home to try it out "properly" !

I already own a portable DVD player so I thought the Eye-Trek would be a great compliment.

The unit is pretty easy to connect up. The glasses connect to a small cigarette-packet sized unit. You then connect this to the video and sound outputs on your device (portable DVD player in my case).

You wear the Eye-Trek like a pair of shades - I have to wear prescription glasses and the Eye-Trek fits comfortably over these. The side arms also contain the earphones which you just unhook and place in your ears. The unit is quite light but I felt a bit of an idiot with my specs underneath (contact lenses might be better).

Press a button on the main unit and the display appears. You have to go through a warning message and a password screen.

I tried out a few DVD's to test the unit - Gladiator, Fantasia and Kevin and Perry Go Large.

First impressions were WOW!. It really did appear as if a huge projection screen was in front of me. The image was in focus and it felt comfortable quite quickly. I'm not sure if it really is 52" display but if felt like the picture was on the wall on the other side of the room.

After a few moments though I did start to think the image was a bit grainy - nowhere near TV quality. The colours were a bit faded but you can alter the contrast/brightness settings although it won't be perfect.

After a couple of films I decided to return the unit. For me, the lack of decent resolution was the main reason - it's just too grainy.

Also, there are just too many cables - a cable between the Eye-Trek and controller unit. You then have a video connection and left/right sound connections and a power supply lead and PSU. This is supposed to be portable !

I haven't given up on the Eye-Trek though. Olympus produce a high-end version which I have ordered and so will report back with my findings. ... Read more

Asin: B00005044T
Sales Rank: 9381
Subjects:  1. Accessories (Accesssory)    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)   

Garmin eMap Deluxe with MetroGuide USA Mapping CD-ROM (12 Channel, Map Compatible)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $374.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The size of a small, flat calculator, the eMap contains a 12-parallel-channelglobal positioning system receiver and weighs a mere 6 ounces. Even withits compact style, the eMap boasts an extralarge display for showing more mapdata and the same power you've come to expect from Garmin handhelds--even whileoperating for up to 14 hours on two AA batteries.

The eMap features an internal base map containing information on North and SouthAmerica including state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams,airports, cities, towns, coastlines, and U.S. state and interstate highways. Inaddition, the eMap provides exit information for the federal interstate highwaysystem. With the eMap, you will know when you are near services such as food,lodging, and service stations.

With the bundled MetroGuide U.S.A. CD-ROM and 8 MB memory cartridge, you'll beable to easily transfer areas of interest from your PC to the eMap--just selecta desired location and download the data. You'll see details like the locationsof restaurants, banks, gas stations, tourist attractions, and more. And you canuse your GPS to look up street addresses and points of interest, then navigateto them with the help of onscreen arrows and street-level detail.

The eMap features 500 waypoints with name and graphic symbol, 2,000 track logpoints, 10 saved tracks, and 2 resettable odometers. It also has rising andsetting times for the sun and moon, sun and moon position, and moon phase forany day of the year anywhere in the world.

This deluxe package contains the MetroGuide U.S.A. CD-ROM, 8 MB data card, and aPC interface cable. ... Read more

Features

• Features large backlit display and includes 8 MB data cartridge and PC cable
• 12-parallel-channel receiver tracks current and average speed, location, and distance
• Automatic track log lets you retrace your path in both directions
• Includes MetroGuide U.S.A. CD-ROM; displays restaurants, banks, gas stations, tourist attractions, and more

Reviews (17)

Reliable and Accurate
I've owned a Garmin eMap since December 2000.I have used it on four continents (Asia, North America, South America, and Europe) and in some of the South Pacific islands.I only use the European and US MetroGuide CD sets relying on the built-in world map for the rest of the world.Obviously I can get great detail in a good part of Europe and in the US, with very general information in Canada, Mexico and the rest of the world.I use the eMap when walking about, in cars and trains.The accuracy of marking trail heads, rail stations, hotels and other points I may need help returning to is excellent even without the MetroGuides.The eMap has never failed, never malfunctioned and has always been accurate.

I understand the eMap is no longer being manufactured but some are still in the supply chain.I am purchasing eMap accessories (data cards, cords, map CDs, etc.) while still available as I intend to continue using the e-Map for years more.I wish all the electro-techi stuff I buy worked as well as eMap does.Top ratings from me on the eMap.

Poor Receive
Lowrance has a better GPS engine, and do to the fact that Garmin seems to sell maps that are out of sight in cost I use the I-finder, these maps are on a web site for the down loading. I have ran Lowrance and Garmin Side by Side and find the Lowrance will out do the Garmin by about 25 percent. The buy in cost is an issue when you do not have extra money to spend.

Best bang for the buck.
I've been using an eMap since July 2000. This is one of four GPS receivers I own. The eMap was designed to be an alternative to paper map and has some really useful features without the fluff. No barometers, fishing & hunting times, calenders, tide charts, etc.
The display is relatively large and easy to see in a car.
The overall size and shape of the unit is very handy
It will store 50 routes.
Memory cards are available from 8mb to 128mb. I use a 64mb and it holds a bunch.
The external antenna port allows for use when the unit can't "see" the sky. GPS receivers need a pretty open view in all directions to get a good fix. There are times when an antenna makes a big difference with any GPS receiver used in a car.
This unit has waypoint averaging which allows for more accurate waypoint positioning, if you need it.
With Metroguide software installed, it has an option on the map screen called "SHOW NEXT STREET". This feature shows the next street on the map as you approach it. This little goodie is worth the price of admission.
The Trip computer function is great on a trip.
Sunrise & set, Moonrise & set as well as Moon phase are available for any location & date.
The base map data that is in the unit shows principal roads, rivers, lakes, cities and towns. This level of map info is probably enough for some users.
The latest Metroguide USA mapping software may not be perfect,but has been reviewed as the most up to date mapping software available for this type of receiver. All maps go out of date eventually and there are streets in my town that are not on the GPS. But this is supposed to be the most current right now. The new Metroguide has "auto-routing" and is easy to learn and use. We have have created routes on our computer and then "loaded" them into eMap. Loading the routes take seconds.We have done whole vacations this way, and it is pretty cool not to miss turns anymore.
With Metroguide you can look up addresses, intersections and a wide range of "Point of Interest". Eleven categories are in the Point of Interest menu. This is a very comprehensive search function.
There are other mapping software packages available,including Topographical, Roads & Recreation, but Metroguide has more features than the others.
Garmin has software updates available on their website for eMap & Mapsource Software. The current(12/02) version of eMap is 2.75 and 4.10 for Mapsource.
There are cigarette lighter cords and a couple of different mounting options available as well as a bunch of other accessories.
On the downside
The unit is water resistant, not waterproof. (Don't drop it overboard)
The case is not as "armored" as some other Garmin units.
The basemap is not upgradeable.
This GPS doesn't have WAAS. (I have WAAS in two other units and it isn't as wonderful as advertised. Standard GPS accuracy is plenty for general use.)

All in all, eMap has more going for it than anything else I've seen FOR THE MONEY. For me, it fulfills its intended role as an electronic map better than two more expensive units (Garmin Vista and GPSmap 168) I own. Highly recommended!! ... Read more

Asin: B000050FGQ
Subjects:  1. GPS (Global Positioning System)    2. Units    3. map (mapping)    4. navigation