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MiketheD
 
 
 
MiketheD's stats
 
  • Review count
    40
  • Helpfulness votes
    210
  • First review
    February 27, 2009
  • Last review
    August 6, 2017
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.6
 
  • Review comment count
    14
  • Helpfulness votes
    55
  • First review comment
    July 11, 2010
  • Last review comment
    November 27, 2016
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
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  • Answer count
    3
  • Helpfulness votes
    3
  • First answer
    July 23, 2014
  • Last answer
    May 6, 2017
  • Featured answers
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MiketheD's Reviews
1 2 3 4 >>
 
Watch 4K content in stunning clarity with this 27-inch LG LED monitor. Its IPS technology provides consistent viewing quality of movies and games from any angle, and it displays fast-paced scenes seamlessly with its 5 ms GTG response time. Use this flexible LG LED monitor in different viewing setups thanks to its pivot function and height-adjustable stand.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Bye, bye tearing.
on August 6, 2017
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
My wife uses her computer for a number of things, and she started to experience tearing on some pretty basic apps. Got her a new graphics card that is FreeSync capable and then went for this monitor. Took a minute to realize that you have to get a control program from LG to activate the FreeSync function but smooth sailing after that. Beautiful picture. No tearing yet. She is happy. I am jealous. But she deserves it! Terrific buy and recommend if you have a FreeSync capable card. The $100.00 off didn't hurt, either!
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Smart security you can trust. See who’s at the door and monitor your home when you’re not there with this video doorbell. The 2-way audio lets you listen and talk to anyone on your property, right from your mobile device. Plus, you can easily recharge the battery with the included power pack.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Hopefully a defective unit
on August 2, 2017
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
Have been very happy with my first Ring Video Doorbell. When the Alexa Echo Show came out, I wanted one and got it along with the new Ring Video Doorbell 2 as the first Ring Doorbell is said not to be compatible with the Show. Well, got it all hooked up and nothing. No Live view. Stayed on the line with tech support for hours and still no joy. Finally, I was told that the problem might be that the firmware upgrade the unit went through did not download the current firmware and that would solve many problems. However, no matter what we did, we could not get it to update. Then I was told that since I had a Netgear Orbi router (extremely fast) the dual 2.4 and 5MHz band confused the Ring as you cannot set a separate SSID with the Orbi. I am exchanging it today and will try the initial setup at work so as to see if I can get the newest firmware. If not, it will be back to the old version 1 as this one will have caused more problems than it is worth. Will keep the Show, however. Very cool upgrade for the Amazon Echo line.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Listen to music wherever you want with this Pioneer wireless audio receiver. It connects via wireless technology to music services such as Pandora and Spotify. Any mobile device connect to program the receiver, which uses the Google Cast app. This Pioneer audio wireless receiver delivers quality sound with 400W of power. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Very good entry level or second room receiver
on May 6, 2017
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
We watch a good bit of TV/movies in the bedroom. Wanted an Atmos system so added the two height speakers and started looking for a receiver. After a bit of research decided on the Pioneer Elite line. Was between the 101 and the 301. Decided that I really did not need to upscaling feature as the TV did a great job of that. Setup was a breeze and the sound is very full, dynamic and pleasing for a small room. Using it with the DefTech ProCinema 800 system (added two matching speakers for the Atmos height speakers). Atmos definitely makes an audible difference. Have it in the main theater room and it really adds a new sonic dimension. Would recommend for the applications noted: small room or secondary unit (bedroom, etc).
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy thumping bass from your personal playlists with these Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth headphones. The wireless functionality lets you listen from across the room, and the thick padded earpieces keep your ears comfortable during long listening sessions. These Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth headphones are adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Bass heaven
on January 1, 2017
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
My son injured his eye (scratched a cornea - ouch!) and I wanted to get him something that would help him pass the time while his eye healed. That left out videos and most other entertainment gadgets. Thought wireless headphones might be a good idea. Looked at Bose and Beats. Had a set of the Bose and while nice sound that kind of describes it - nice. My son is a bass head from way back and wanted something with a little more punch. Reviews suggested these and the local Best Buy guy I spoke with agreed that these for bass were the best gadget out there in headphone land. Took the plunge (on sale for $139.00) and gave them to him. Well, he loves them. Let me try them out, and frankly I was impressed as well. As I am a bass head too, I finally gave in and got a pair for myself. The bass is really phenomenal for a set of headphones. Paired easily to my computer. Shoot to Thrill gets your feet tapping thorough these things. Mids and treble are good but not superb and sound just a tiny bit "muted" to me, but not a lot. If I could have given a 4.5 I would have. Then again, I am listening through Bluetooth and headphones. But comparatively speaking I think these are a better buy that the Bose I have. In this price range, if you like bass these are your boys.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Gaggia Brera 59100 Brewer - 1400 W - 15 bar - 1.27 quartSilver, Stainless Steel
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Priced much less elsewhere - very good basic unit
on November 4, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
First, this item can be purchased at a significantly lower price elsewhere. Be sure to do price match if you are going to buy. That said, a very good basic machine. Makes very good espresso if use the right bean (not oily). Decent crema and smooth taste. Brew group is very easy to clean. I recommend it highly but not at this price. At $399.00 it is a bargain.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
This Sony 65-inch 4K HDR TV is slim enough to place or mount in most areas. Android TV offers more entertainment options, and Sony's 4K processor X1 generates a wider brightness range than typical LED TVs. Use a smartphone to quickly find information and search by voice command on this Sony 65-inch 4K HDR TV.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A lot of TV for $1799.00
on October 13, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
Have a 940D as my main viewing screen and wanted to upgrade the older Sony we had in the bedroom. Also wanted to keep the Sony brand as it is the brand I have used for many, many years. Looked at a lot of 60 and 65 inch models from many manufacturers. Both Samsung and LG make 55 inch models with HDR at a much lower price that have excellent picture quality. But took the plunge. Picture quality is excellent. Not full array LED backlighting like my 940D but frankly I am hard pressed to say I notice a significant difference. Black levels are good, color is excellent. Bought the 4 year replacement warranty as I always do with TVs. Had one freeze up since purchase a couple of weeks ago and had to unplug the TV to get back on track. After a firmware update have not had a glitch since. A very good TV for the money and I recommend it highly. Unless you can go for the 940D! <g>. But 75" is an awful lot of TV for nay room except the main theater room. Kudos to Sony on another success.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
+12points
13of 14voted this as helpful.
 
Insignia™ TV Stand: Maintain a neatly organized home theater with this TV stand, which accommodates your flat-panel TV and features 2 tempered-glass shelves to house A/V components. Metal construction provides stability.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Spacious, sturdy and easy to put together.
on July 23, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
The summary says it all. Lots of room on two spacious shelves. Needed something to organize the A/V gear in the front room (where the kids go when we are watching our main HT in the den). Top shelf holds a cable box, an Xbox One and a PS3. Bottom shelf currently has a Monster Line Conditioner and a lot of room left. 50" TV and soundbar easily fits on top. Look great and very functional. Thought it was a tad on the high side, but had a bunch of RZ points to ease the pain. Not so much more that I would take away a star. Good purchase.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
This Sony 4K HDR TV boasts 4K technology for vibrant hues. Its X940D series features a bold 75-inch screen and slim design. Wires remain hidden, and the unit is easily wall mounted. This television has a 4K Processor X1 and 4K X-Reality PRO for crisp video. This Sony 4K HDR TV is easy to control via voice commands.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Finally a replacement for my 70' Sharp Elite
on July 14, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
Have had a love affair with my Pro-70x5fd for many years. Full array local dimming, Elite technology from Pioneer ported over the LED. Gorgeous picture. Heaven! But along comes Sony, and my reticence over the foray into 4k vanishes. Gorgeous colors. Blacks are every bit as deep as on the Elite. Clarity is beyond description. I try not to deal in superlatives in my reviews, but this unit is deserving of them. You simply cannot go wrong with this set, and I highly recommend it.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
+15points
19of 23voted this as helpful.
 
Stream your favorite music via Bluetooth with this Marantz AV7702MKII preamplifier processor. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
One of the best HT upgrades you can make.
on July 10, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
Replaced an Integra DHC-80.3 pre-pro with this unit. Had just upgraded TVs and wanted an upgrade to my surround system as well. Did I ever get it. With the Integra and most previous pre-pros I have had, to get a good directional surround sound effect I found myself having to artificially bump the gain on the surround channels beyond the settings determined by the particular room correction setup I was running (with the Integra it was the Audyssey MultEQ xt32 software). That is simply not the case with the Marantz unit. The surround channels are clear, distinct and directional without any artificial gain bump. Also, I find that the surround effect is just as effective at lower volumes than at much higher volumes, which I felt I needed with the Integra to experience a really satisfying surround experience. This os one of the best upgrades you can make to your HT system IMHO. Highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Best Star Trek yet, and phenominal video and audio
on July 1, 2016
Posted by: MiketheD
from Lafayette, LA.
Yes, I am a Star Trek geek. I have loved the series ever since it's maiden voyage. I forgive a lot (yes, Star Trek III was pretty lane - even I admit that#. But the new strain is really something else, and the cast truly brought it together in this one. Cumberbatch was the quintissential villian, evil with enough of pathos to almost make us feel sorry for him at times. Pine and Quinto have gotten both their roles and their relationships solidified. These is an ensemble among the entire cast that took at least an entire season for the TV series #all of them# to blossom. And while the video quality is really terrific, the audio is among the best I have ever heard from my system. Surround channels are truly distinct and attention grabbing. While I do not have a Dolby Atmos set up, the 9.2 surround I do have #Marantz 7702 Mk2 pre-pro, full MIrage HT speaker system and 300 wpc Outlaw amp along with dual 800 watt SVS subs) got quite a workout and sounded magnificent. Run, don't walk, to Best Buy to pick this up if you have a 4k TV and 4k blu ray player.
My Best Buy number: 0953167959
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
MiketheD's Review Comments
<< 1 2
 
This Sony 4K HDR TV boasts 4K technology for vibrant hues. Its X940D series features a bold 75-inch screen and slim design. Wires remain hidden, and the unit is easily wall mounted. This television has a 4K Processor X1 and 4K X-Reality PRO for crisp video. This Sony 4K HDR TV is easy to control via voice commands.
 
Overall3 out of 53 out of 5
Pretty good TV with weaknesses
By AnnaK
This is overall a pretty good television. It have very good picture quality in terms of color and and overall brightness in normal content. HDR content can reach very high brightness level, which is good. Although the brightness is not as high as the complementary 2016 Samsung SUHD televisions, I have yet to notice a difference at such high brightness levels.
However, this brings up a big weakness: black levels. Many other customer reviews claim that this television has very good black levels, but I have not found this to be the case. Perhaps they watch the television in bright areas, but I watch in a home theater setting, with close to zero ambient light. Sony used a full-array backlight to power this television, but its algorithm is very conservative in turning off zones. The pro of this is that blooming is near absent in most content. The con is that the black levels are far from good for a television of this caliber. Even turning up local dimming did not alleviate the problem. I am very disappointed by this aspect of the television, especially since this is a full-array backlit television. With dark room viewing, I actually found that the Vizio-P series is better.
That being said, the X940D is excellent at upscaling non-HD content (ages better than that of the P-series), and motion handling is good, though the brightness has to be reduced to reduce motion blur (though this may be ubiquitous with LED-backlight TVs). However, a glaring problem is that the motion handling is buggy when streaming content. During content with fast motion, blocks form on the screen. I have not noticed this with blu-rays, so I assume the issue is with software, not hardware, allowing for a firmware update-based solution.
The TV has some flashlighting (uneven backlighting) when turning off local dimming and playing back a black screen, but I rarely notice this when watching actual content.
Overall, the X940D is a good televison with great color, brightness, upscaling, motion handling, and disappointing contrast levels. It is, in my opinion, the best 75 inch television that you can get for the $6000 price tag for daytime viewing and upscaling. I have yet to see the newly released 75 inch KS9000, so I can't compare to that.
I have also had some big problems in trying to get those 4 free movies that should have been redeemable due to promotion that was present during the time I purchased the television. I put in my email and made an account for the Sony Ultra service and still have not received the code for the movies. I have contacted Sony customer service at least four times. They claimed to send two 'official' requests, but I have yet to receive the codes.
Customer Avatar
MiketheD
Lafayette, LA.
surprised at the contrast perception.
July 16, 2016
Hi. I don't necessarily agree with your perceptions of this unit's ability to handle black levels and contrast. My experience has been vastly different, and particularly so given that I have directly compared it with the Sharp Elite Pro-70XFD, a set with universally excellent reviews and praise for its black levels. 4k.com reviewed the 940D and had favorable results as well:
"Replicating black truthfully and with near perfect darkness onscreen has been a challenge only LG and Panasonic have been able to successfully take on to date and only with their OLED models. Sony’s X930/40D however comes pretty close. Thanks to new LED backlight technology, the Slim Backlight Drive, which uses a grid-array edge-mounted system rather than a back-lighting system that distributes the back-lighting source precisely to each different region of the screen. As content plays, the screen is able to recognize high contrast areas and dynamically adjust the backlight, highlighting blacks and making other colors comparatively more vivid, a process called ‘local dimming’, but taken to a relatively new degree of precision and light isolation. The larger 75 inch X940D features a slight and somewhat more precise and powerful variation on this backlighting technology with its full array LED backlight, which improves even further on Slim Backlight Drive."
I can say that I have seem some reviews commenting on this as an issue with the 930D but not the larger model (940D).
Also, I had no trouble at all redeeming the 4 movie offer.
I guess its possible that you had a set with issues, or that my subjective perception is off and colored by my desire for the set to perform as I think it does and in concert with the reviews I have read. Regardless, I hope you find a set that you can enjoy, as I am enjoying the 940D.
+4points
5of 6voted this comment as helpful.
 
Samsung UBD-K8500 4K Ultra HD Smart Blu-ray Player: This HDR-compatible, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers 4x the resolution of a standard Blu-ray player. The built-in UHD upscaling technology enhances the picture quality from standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs, and built-in Wi-Fi allows you to stream 4K movies and shows from your favorite services.Learn more about 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray ›
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
good product,but pricey
By thumper from calumet city,il
great product so far.learning more about it every time i use it.
Customer Avatar
MiketheD
Lafayette, LA.
not really pricey when compared to 4k players?
July 26, 2016
While it is more expensive than standard Blu ray or DVD players, for a 4k player I disagree. The upcoming Xbox One S will be available for a bit less, I think, but the Panasonic DMP-UB900 coming out in September 2016 will reportedly go for $700.
+5points
10of 15voted this comment as helpful.
 
Create gorgeous hairstyles quickly with this high-velocity Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. The rapid air flow and a temperature gauge that monitors the heat level 20 times per second ensure efficient drying without overheating tresses. The motor of this Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is in the handle for better balance and reduced arm fatigue during use.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Time Saver
By Nannypen from Pensacola, FL
I love this hair dryer. I use some heat protectant and a dab of oil before drying and in less than 8 minutes my hair is straight enough that I don't need to use my flat iron. I have a lot of fine hair and don't dry on high as I get tangles. With a little practice you'll get the settings right for your hair. The only con for me is the price, but it's a Dyson so expect the best.
Customer Avatar
MiketheD
Lafayette, LA.
$400.00 for a hair dryer???
October 8, 2016
Title says it all. I am not adverse spending money for good electronics, but I see nothing so far anywhere that would justify paying this amount of money for a hair dryer. Wife is on board with this observation as well. What are we missing?
-2points
3of 8voted this comment as helpful.
 
Enjoy your favorite shows on this Samsung 40-inch 4K Smart TV. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth display, even during complex action scenes, and the 2160p resolution lets you see the smallest details. Multiple ports make it easy to connect gaming systems and media players to this Samsung 40-inch 4K Smart TV.
 
Overall2 out of 52 out of 5
No sound output
By Travis
I'm rating it 2 stars because picture is only half the reason I purchased this TV. I wanted a TV for the bedroom. I like to watch TV late at night when everyone is sleeping. This TV does not have the option to output external sound. I can't believe Samsung would build anything that could not use external sound. No bluetooth or anything. You can't even put headphones on it. Best Buy shouldn't even sell a TV that can't use external sound. I'm going to return this TV.
Customer Avatar
MiketheD
Lafayette, LA.
optical out
November 27, 2016
This set has an optical out. I am using it connected to a ZVOX.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
 
MiketheD's Questions
 
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MiketheD's Answers
 
Listen to music wherever you want with this Pioneer wireless audio receiver. It connects via wireless technology to music services such as Pandora and Spotify. Any mobile device connect to program the receiver, which uses the Google Cast app. This Pioneer audio wireless receiver delivers quality sound with 400W of power. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
 

How do I find the amperage of a receiver? What brands tend to have higher amperage? Isn't higher amperage what produces better audio clarity and depth? Why isn't it listed in audio equipment specifications any more?

That is a great question. Used to be (in the "good old days") that receivers, amps, etc. had a pretty standard power rating system (X watts into 8 ohms all channels driven). Today, harder to gather from the ads and you really do have to go to the manufacturer's site to look at the specific specs. From the Pioneer site for my bedroom receiver (Pioneer LX101) the site gives these reports:

140 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9 %, 1ch Driven FTC)
80 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)

When you see an amplifier wattage rating of 100 watts-per-channel at 1 KHz with one channel driven, the real-world wattage output when all 5 or 7 channels are operating at the same time across all frequencies will be lower, possibly as much as 30 or 40% lower.

A better indicator is to base the measurement when two channels are driven, and use 20Hz to 20kHz tones as opposed to 1KHz. However, that still doesn't fully take into account the amplifier's power output capability when all channels are driven.

Compare the specifics with other products and find the common denominator. That's the best way for me to make a determination of receiver/amp power.

I am no expert by a long shot, but it is more than amperage that goes into the issue of sound quality. The effect of amplifier power is demonstrated by this excerpt I found online:

Sound levels are measured in Decibels (db). Our ears detect differences in volume level in a non-linear fashion. Ears become less sensitive to sound as it increases. Decibels are a logarithmic scale of relative loudness. A difference of approximately 1 db a minimum perceptible change in volume, 3 db is a moderate change in volume, and about 10 db is an approximate perceived doubling of volume.
To give you an idea of how this relates to real-world situations the following examples are listed:
0 db is the threshold of hearing
Whisper: 15-25 dB
Background noise: about 35 dB
Normal home or office background: 40-60 dB
Normal speaking voice: 65-70 dB
Orchestral climax: 105 dB
Live Rock music: 120 dB+
Pain Threshold: 130 dB
Jet aircraft: 140-180 dB

Other features such as THD (total harmonic distortion) can go into the equation, although on most modern equipment I think the THD is so low as to be negligible.

Hope that helps! Good luck.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
MiketheD
 
Enjoy dramatic sound for your TV shows with the Bose® Solo TV sound system, featuring speaker array technology for deep, rich sound and digital signal processing that enhances detail in dialogue, sound effects and music.
 

Lose audio

Have my Bose solo hooked up to optical out on TV . Good quality but ever so often I lose audio and only way to get back is either to channel up or down.. Any idea how to correct.
I do not have an answer, just an observation. I got a Bose Solo for someone and had the same problems with another brand of TV. Got a ZVOX 555 the next time the need arose (less expensive) and IMHO better sound for a cheaper price.
9 years, 7 months ago
by
MiketheD
   Lafayette, LA.
 
Samsung UN50HU8550FXZA LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Step up to a new world of picture resolution with this Samsung Ultra HD TV. Display 4K content at 4x the resolution of Full HD, plus upscale all of your current TV shows and movies in amazing detail. You can also download the newest software and features, so you'll never get left behind as new 4K TV standards and smart technologies arrive.
 

Does this tv have amazon instant video?

Yes.
9 years, 9 months ago
by
MiketheD
   Lafayette, LA.