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- Review count101
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- First reviewJanuary 16, 2015
- Last reviewAugust 18, 2024
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- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count30
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- First answerNovember 7, 2015
- Last answerDecember 11, 2021
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Simplify device management with this Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control. Amazon Alexa is built in, letting you issue voice commands to access entertainment, ask questions and a host of other features. This Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control lets you change TV channels, open apps on tablets and tackle numerous other tasks.
Customer Rating
3
Version One of a New Kind of Remote
on May 13, 2019
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
- I have to admire Logitech for thinking out of the box here. Their remote-control models have become ever more complex and feature laden over the years and this seems like a sincere attempt to use technology like Lexa to make our lives easier. However, this one missed the mark for me and more importantly, for my less gizmo-loving family members.
Features:
- The “Express App” for setup is accessed via the internet on your phone and gives a very clear step-by-step process for connecting the handheld remote to the included Hub and then connecting to all of your home theater devices
- Alexa on the Harmony Express is accessed by pressing the large round button rather than saying “Hey Alexa”. This will prevent other Alexa devices in the home from chiming in and trying to adjust your home theater devices when you only want your Harmony Express to make the changes.
- The remote contains its own microphone, which means you can speak the commands relatively quietly rather than loudly across the room. It also contains a small speaker so you can hear Alexa’s response to your request.
- The Harmony Express package includes an IR (infrared) emitter on the main Hub and a small infrared blaster that repeats the pulsed code if some of your components are not near the location of your main hub for example one inside and one outside of a component closet.
- If the Harmony Express is lost between cushions, it can be commanded to make a sound so it can be located.
- The “Express App” for setup is accessed via the internet on your phone and gives a very clear step-by-step process for connecting the handheld remote to the included Hub and then connecting to all of your home theater devices
- Alexa on the Harmony Express is accessed by pressing the large round button rather than saying “Hey Alexa”. This will prevent other Alexa devices in the home from chiming in and trying to adjust your home theater devices when you only want your Harmony Express to make the changes.
- The remote contains its own microphone, which means you can speak the commands relatively quietly rather than loudly across the room. It also contains a small speaker so you can hear Alexa’s response to your request.
- The Harmony Express package includes an IR (infrared) emitter on the main Hub and a small infrared blaster that repeats the pulsed code if some of your components are not near the location of your main hub for example one inside and one outside of a component closet.
- If the Harmony Express is lost between cushions, it can be commanded to make a sound so it can be located.
PROS:
- A very Lightweight Remote
- A Contemporary simple design
- Excellent Guided Setup available through your smart phone.
- A very Lightweight Remote
- A Contemporary simple design
- Excellent Guided Setup available through your smart phone.
CONS:
- Relatively Expensive.
- Changes a simple well understood task (press a button) into complex task (rigid scripted voice commands).
- Cannot perform some functions of current button-focused Harmony remotes, such as mood settings where activating the home theater automatically activates things like Phillip Hue lights to dim the Livingroom lights or change their color output.
- Relatively Expensive.
- Changes a simple well understood task (press a button) into complex task (rigid scripted voice commands).
- Cannot perform some functions of current button-focused Harmony remotes, such as mood settings where activating the home theater automatically activates things like Phillip Hue lights to dim the Livingroom lights or change their color output.
CONCLUSION:
- As the pendulum swings back and forth in technology, it sometimes it swings too far. With the Harmony Express remote-control, Logitech makes the overall assumption that selecting and pressing buttons is confusing or laborious, while talking is simple. The problem is that eventually even remotes with too many buttons, become easy to operate once the location of the buttons for 5 or 6 common operations like pause and skip are muscle memorized. Memorizing a strict script of words for commanding each operation and then simply hearing Alexa say “Sorry, I don’t understand” instead of giving hints like “Did you want me to pause the movie?” can be frustrating. I know that many might say “Hey, you can memorize the exact voice commands too”, and they would be right, but what happens when a guest or other family member needs to know the voice commands to operate your home theater when you’re away? It’s not as simple as picking up the remote and reading the buttons. I think this system is just an early version of what will become common and successful once real AI comes. When all I have to say to Alexa or Cortana when the phone rings (if that’s still a thing) is “Hey I need to answer that call” and she knows enough (without me writing a script) to mute the sound or pause whatever video is playing and then bring the phone call up on the sound system for me to answer, THAT will be progress, as well as a little scary. The Logitech Harmony Express is worth a look if you are the only one controlling your home theater. If you have a family with equal access and use, I would personally not recommend it at this time.
- As the pendulum swings back and forth in technology, it sometimes it swings too far. With the Harmony Express remote-control, Logitech makes the overall assumption that selecting and pressing buttons is confusing or laborious, while talking is simple. The problem is that eventually even remotes with too many buttons, become easy to operate once the location of the buttons for 5 or 6 common operations like pause and skip are muscle memorized. Memorizing a strict script of words for commanding each operation and then simply hearing Alexa say “Sorry, I don’t understand” instead of giving hints like “Did you want me to pause the movie?” can be frustrating. I know that many might say “Hey, you can memorize the exact voice commands too”, and they would be right, but what happens when a guest or other family member needs to know the voice commands to operate your home theater when you’re away? It’s not as simple as picking up the remote and reading the buttons. I think this system is just an early version of what will become common and successful once real AI comes. When all I have to say to Alexa or Cortana when the phone rings (if that’s still a thing) is “Hey I need to answer that call” and she knows enough (without me writing a script) to mute the sound or pause whatever video is playing and then bring the phone call up on the sound system for me to answer, THAT will be progress, as well as a little scary. The Logitech Harmony Express is worth a look if you are the only one controlling your home theater. If you have a family with equal access and use, I would personally not recommend it at this time.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Enjoy timeless vinyl in modern quality with this Sony wireless turntable. Bluetooth connectivity pushes high-quality audio to wireless speakers and headphones, while a built-in phono audio output ensures wired devices can be connected as well. A minimalist design simplifies use of this Sony wireless turntable to a single button press, and two operating speeds allow for customizable playback.
Customer Rating
5
A Great "Way-Back-Machine"
on April 6, 2019
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
The relentless march of progress of consumer audio has changed coarse in recent years. At first it was all about improvements in sound quality from scratchy near unintelligible wind-up Edison Cylinders with no electronics introduced in 1877, to the high-fidelity audiophile systems of the 1980s. From the 1980s on however, the push was for portability and ever more compact and rugged data storage systems and codecs. Audiophile grade fidelity took a back seat for a few decades and that is partially (along with nostalgia) why audio recorded on vinyl records is making a resurgence. The Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable is capable of higher fidelity than a digital MP3 file because it can output an analog phono signal (phono out) directly from the high-quality Moving-Magnet stereo needle and cartridge, into an amplifier capable of processing the pure but very low voltage signal.
If it’s less about high fidelity and more about playing handed down vinyl records from your parents attic or a garage sale, then the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable has many different outputs that are not as high fidelity, but have the modern convenience of Bluetooth and USB.
Wireless Bluetooth does not have the digital bandwidth for true high fidelity, but most younger people have grown up only hearing and accepting lower fidelity and they love convenience. They usually own headphones or ear-buds that can receive the Bluetooth output of the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable without hooking anything up to the turntable except the included power supply. My Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II headphones paired up easily to the Sony Turntable and played the Bluetooth signal with no dropouts from as far as 30 feet. The sound was in stereo but it was not dynamically impressive. I tried to pair my JBL portable Bluetooth stereo speakers to the Sony turntable, but they could not find and pair with each other, even though I tried several times at several distances. This is a inherent problem with Bluetooth devices and the Sony manual warns that not all Bluetooth receivers are compatible with this turntable.
I connected the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable to my desktop computer with a USB (not included) cable. With the proper software I was able to listen to the turntable’s output and even make MP3 files of the music. I could have burned these MP3s to CDs or DVDs to play in my car. I also could have installed the MP3 files onto a USB thumb drive and plugged that into my car stereo’s USB port.
If it’s more about high fidelity than convenience, you can use the permanently attached cables with RCA jacks to connect the turntable to something like my Denon Home Theater Receiver. THAT was impressive. The actual output from the turntable was simple L-R Phono-out stereo, but the HT Receiver was able to accept the Phono-out signal and process it into 5.2.2 Surround Sound. My old vinyl never sounded so good.
If it’s less about high fidelity and more about playing handed down vinyl records from your parents attic or a garage sale, then the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable has many different outputs that are not as high fidelity, but have the modern convenience of Bluetooth and USB.
Wireless Bluetooth does not have the digital bandwidth for true high fidelity, but most younger people have grown up only hearing and accepting lower fidelity and they love convenience. They usually own headphones or ear-buds that can receive the Bluetooth output of the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable without hooking anything up to the turntable except the included power supply. My Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II headphones paired up easily to the Sony Turntable and played the Bluetooth signal with no dropouts from as far as 30 feet. The sound was in stereo but it was not dynamically impressive. I tried to pair my JBL portable Bluetooth stereo speakers to the Sony turntable, but they could not find and pair with each other, even though I tried several times at several distances. This is a inherent problem with Bluetooth devices and the Sony manual warns that not all Bluetooth receivers are compatible with this turntable.
I connected the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable to my desktop computer with a USB (not included) cable. With the proper software I was able to listen to the turntable’s output and even make MP3 files of the music. I could have burned these MP3s to CDs or DVDs to play in my car. I also could have installed the MP3 files onto a USB thumb drive and plugged that into my car stereo’s USB port.
If it’s more about high fidelity than convenience, you can use the permanently attached cables with RCA jacks to connect the turntable to something like my Denon Home Theater Receiver. THAT was impressive. The actual output from the turntable was simple L-R Phono-out stereo, but the HT Receiver was able to accept the Phono-out signal and process it into 5.2.2 Surround Sound. My old vinyl never sounded so good.
Features:
- A variety of older as well as modern signal output choices.
- A computer controlled, very accurate two speed motor connected directly via a belt drive to a relatively heavy (in this case heavy is good) aluminum platter for a steady playback speed with no discernable wow or flutter.
- A very accurate MM (moving coil) cartridge mounted on a light precision balanced tone-arm.
- Plays 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records.
- After pushing the Start Button, the Tone Arm will automatically drop at the start of a 12-inch (33 1/3) or a 7-inch (45) record. When the tone arm reaches the end of the record, it will lift, return to the arm support and shut the turntable off.
- Includes a hole adapter for playing 45 rpm records.
- With proper software and a USB cable, the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable can be used to Rip vinyl records to MP3 files.
- Includes an attractive hinged Dust Cover.
- A variety of older as well as modern signal output choices.
- A computer controlled, very accurate two speed motor connected directly via a belt drive to a relatively heavy (in this case heavy is good) aluminum platter for a steady playback speed with no discernable wow or flutter.
- A very accurate MM (moving coil) cartridge mounted on a light precision balanced tone-arm.
- Plays 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records.
- After pushing the Start Button, the Tone Arm will automatically drop at the start of a 12-inch (33 1/3) or a 7-inch (45) record. When the tone arm reaches the end of the record, it will lift, return to the arm support and shut the turntable off.
- Includes a hole adapter for playing 45 rpm records.
- With proper software and a USB cable, the Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable can be used to Rip vinyl records to MP3 files.
- Includes an attractive hinged Dust Cover.
PROS:
- Very accurate and steady platter speed.
- RCA L-R Jack, Line-out and “phono” outputs will work with vintage 1950s to 1980s amplifiers.
- Wireless Bluetooth and USB outputs will work with modern amplifiers and earphones.
- Very accurate and steady platter speed.
- RCA L-R Jack, Line-out and “phono” outputs will work with vintage 1950s to 1980s amplifiers.
- Wireless Bluetooth and USB outputs will work with modern amplifiers and earphones.
CONS:
- Plays only one side of one record at a time. No auto-changer.
- If the table or shelf that the turntable is sitting on is bumped, the needle will often jump out of one groove in the record and land in another. This is common to most turntables and taking care not to bump the turntable is an old skill that modern users will have to re-learn. The Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable is slightly more prone to this skipping than many turntables because it has such a light down force on the needle. This light down force is good in that the excellent tracking and light force on the needle will make the vinyl record and the needle last a long time, but skipping can be annoying to people new to playing vinyl records.
- Plays only one side of one record at a time. No auto-changer.
- If the table or shelf that the turntable is sitting on is bumped, the needle will often jump out of one groove in the record and land in another. This is common to most turntables and taking care not to bump the turntable is an old skill that modern users will have to re-learn. The Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable is slightly more prone to this skipping than many turntables because it has such a light down force on the needle. This light down force is good in that the excellent tracking and light force on the needle will make the vinyl record and the needle last a long time, but skipping can be annoying to people new to playing vinyl records.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Cordless cleaning made easier. The Dyson V11 Animal cordless vacuum intelligently optimizes suction and run time to deep clean everywhere.
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
Dyson has been very successful in developing a brand that is highly regarded as innovative and cutting edge by the public. The Dyson SV14 V11 Animal cordless stick-type vacuum continues that reputation. I’ve owned an older DC35 since 2009. It had worn out its third battery and after ten years of service I decided it was time to see what the newest Dyson cordless stick-type vacuum had to offer. The newest model SV14 V11 shows that Dyson has improved every feature of this category of vacuum and has added a few more. To make a performance comparison I used my old DC35 to clean a throw rug at our back door as thoroughly as I could and then went over the same rug immediately with the new V11. It picked up an amazing amount of sand, dust, pollen and fibers that the DC35 had left behind just minutes before.
Features:
- A 25.2-volt battery and a new brushless digital DC motor in the upper section delivers twice the suction of any other cordless vacuum according to the Dyson literature. My personal results seem to back that claim up.
- The Cleaner Head that rides on the floor or carpet, also has a high-torque motor but rather than run continuously at its highest speed and power, the head is computer controlled. When the V11 senses carpeting, it adds power to the Cleaner Head and upper vacuum motor to maintain brush RPM and increase the suction to lift the dirt from deep within the carpet. When it senses that the Cleaner Head is back on a hard floor surface, the power is reduced to appropriate levels. This constant sensing and adjustment ensures the cleanest floors possible with the lowest amount of battery drain. When the Cleaner Head moves back over the hard floor, you can hear the power decrease.
- The upper power head contains a final stage hepa type filter that prevents fine dust particles from escaping the Dust Bin during operation.
- The Dyson SV14 V11 has a large 0.2 gallon Dust Bin. When you want to empty the bin over a trash can, pushing one lever ejects the dust and dirt effectively with a shot-gun-pump-action-like mechanism. My older Dyson required banging the collection bin on the trash can to get the dust out. That sometime resulted in some of the dirt falling to the floor.
- The V11 comes with several attachments both powered and unpowered to clean difficult spaces like stairs, chairs and automobile upholstery.
- The stiff rotating bristles in the Cleaner Head combined with the very high suction force, clean carpeted stairs so well that it lifts the dirt filled crushed carpet in those high traffic areas and re-fluffs the fibers to refresh the flattened out high traffic areas of the carpet.
- A 25.2-volt battery and a new brushless digital DC motor in the upper section delivers twice the suction of any other cordless vacuum according to the Dyson literature. My personal results seem to back that claim up.
- The Cleaner Head that rides on the floor or carpet, also has a high-torque motor but rather than run continuously at its highest speed and power, the head is computer controlled. When the V11 senses carpeting, it adds power to the Cleaner Head and upper vacuum motor to maintain brush RPM and increase the suction to lift the dirt from deep within the carpet. When it senses that the Cleaner Head is back on a hard floor surface, the power is reduced to appropriate levels. This constant sensing and adjustment ensures the cleanest floors possible with the lowest amount of battery drain. When the Cleaner Head moves back over the hard floor, you can hear the power decrease.
- The upper power head contains a final stage hepa type filter that prevents fine dust particles from escaping the Dust Bin during operation.
- The Dyson SV14 V11 has a large 0.2 gallon Dust Bin. When you want to empty the bin over a trash can, pushing one lever ejects the dust and dirt effectively with a shot-gun-pump-action-like mechanism. My older Dyson required banging the collection bin on the trash can to get the dust out. That sometime resulted in some of the dirt falling to the floor.
- The V11 comes with several attachments both powered and unpowered to clean difficult spaces like stairs, chairs and automobile upholstery.
- The stiff rotating bristles in the Cleaner Head combined with the very high suction force, clean carpeted stairs so well that it lifts the dirt filled crushed carpet in those high traffic areas and re-fluffs the fibers to refresh the flattened out high traffic areas of the carpet.
PROS:
- A much improved (compared to my old Dyson) on-off trigger is far more comfortable to use.
- Automatic load sensing and variable power output extend battery life.
- The configuration of the power brushes and Cleaner Head has been changed so that the head pushes forward through heavy carpet much easier than earlier Dyson models.
- The ball-swivel head allows the vacuum to be easily maneuvered around corners and obstacles.
- Includes a wall mounted charging station with necessary screws and brackets to mount the entire V11 and SOME of the vacuum accessories when they are not in use.
- Vacuums various floor surfaces VERY well.
- A much improved (compared to my old Dyson) on-off trigger is far more comfortable to use.
- Automatic load sensing and variable power output extend battery life.
- The configuration of the power brushes and Cleaner Head has been changed so that the head pushes forward through heavy carpet much easier than earlier Dyson models.
- The ball-swivel head allows the vacuum to be easily maneuvered around corners and obstacles.
- Includes a wall mounted charging station with necessary screws and brackets to mount the entire V11 and SOME of the vacuum accessories when they are not in use.
- Vacuums various floor surfaces VERY well.
CONS:
- The extra power comes with extra weight. My old DC35 weighed 5 lbs. while the V11 weighs 6.5 lbs.
- The V11 come with 4 extra head attachments, but the charging station only has mounting points for 2 of those attachments. There is a plastic clamp to mount two extra attachments to the main down-tube, but that makes the entire vacuum heavier and more awkward to use. That means 2 of the 4 attachments will wind up in a drawer someplace and may be forgotten.
- The extra power comes with extra weight. My old DC35 weighed 5 lbs. while the V11 weighs 6.5 lbs.
- The V11 come with 4 extra head attachments, but the charging station only has mounting points for 2 of those attachments. There is a plastic clamp to mount two extra attachments to the main down-tube, but that makes the entire vacuum heavier and more awkward to use. That means 2 of the 4 attachments will wind up in a drawer someplace and may be forgotten.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The MR8300 Max Stream™ AC2200 is a high-performance Tri-Band router. Perfect for households that thrive on entertainment, it delivers up to 2.2 Gbps of superior speed throughout your entire home. The Tri-Band and MU-MIMO technology make it ideal for simultaneous streaming of HD movies, online gaming, video calling and supporting all of your smart home devices. MR8300 also grows as your needs do. With its built-in mesh Wi-Fi, instead of investing in a new router, you can expand coverage by simply adding Linksys Velop™ Mesh Wi-Fi nodes for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere.The MR8300 serves as the master router and must connect directly to your modem to create your network. Sets up in minutes with the Linksys app.
Customer Rating
5
A Focus on WI-Range and Coverage Area
on February 13, 2019
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
Though even Linksys makes some routers that are technically “faster” than the MR8300 because of more cores or cycles in their CPUs etc., the MR8300 is still by today’s standards “fast” (716 MHz, quad-core) but that’s not the reason I have one. Where the MR8300 really shines is its easy hook-up to available Mesh Extenders to make full Wi-Fi coverage of large homes, out-buildings and even outside the house simple. No more walking from one room to another dropping Wi-Fi signals and having to return to the room with the router in it to reestablish a connection. The Linksys MR8300 Tri-Band Mesh Router with active MU-MIMO switching and optional Mesh extenders really has me and everyone in my family Wi-Fi covered and happy.
Features:
- Easy plug and play setup (no CD required) out of the box with easy to follow instructions on your device’s screen or on the paper quick-start guide.
- 4 adjustable antennas allow vertical orientation whether the router body is sitting horizontally on a table or is mounted vertically on a wall.
- The Tri-band (up to 2.2Gbps) output delivers both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signals operating independently.
- MU-MIMO technology means that Wi-Fi devices designed since 2017 to receive MU-MIMO will switch seamlessly between bands and the main router or Mesh units for the maximum signal available as you move through your house.
- Beamforming Technology is used to focus the Wi-Fi signal between the router and your device in a narrow beam (like a lighthouse’s focused light), rather than wasting signal strength sending the signal in all directions at once.
- Facilitates LAN and Wireless Network connections
- Intelligent Mesh Technology adapts to the particular devices trying to use the network by “talking” directly through the ports connected via Wi-Fi at the moment and not wasting precious milli-seconds switching through ports unused at the moment with every CPU Clock cycle. This reduces Lag and Latency during gameplay. Intelligent Mesh Technology is also “Self-Healing”. This term means that if one Mesh node fails or is unplugged, the rest of the nodes will take over for the missing node. Also, if a new Mesh Node is plugged in, the rest of the Nodes will automatically incorporate it into the total Mesh in the most effective way possible. This intelligent switching can handle between 1 and 15 devices simultaneously in the most effective way possible.
- Works with all of the latest security protocols in WPA/WPA2 and SPI Firewall.
- The Quad-core CPU operates at 716 MHz for fast data transfer speeds.
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
- Easy plug and play setup (no CD required) out of the box with easy to follow instructions on your device’s screen or on the paper quick-start guide.
- 4 adjustable antennas allow vertical orientation whether the router body is sitting horizontally on a table or is mounted vertically on a wall.
- The Tri-band (up to 2.2Gbps) output delivers both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signals operating independently.
- MU-MIMO technology means that Wi-Fi devices designed since 2017 to receive MU-MIMO will switch seamlessly between bands and the main router or Mesh units for the maximum signal available as you move through your house.
- Beamforming Technology is used to focus the Wi-Fi signal between the router and your device in a narrow beam (like a lighthouse’s focused light), rather than wasting signal strength sending the signal in all directions at once.
- Facilitates LAN and Wireless Network connections
- Intelligent Mesh Technology adapts to the particular devices trying to use the network by “talking” directly through the ports connected via Wi-Fi at the moment and not wasting precious milli-seconds switching through ports unused at the moment with every CPU Clock cycle. This reduces Lag and Latency during gameplay. Intelligent Mesh Technology is also “Self-Healing”. This term means that if one Mesh node fails or is unplugged, the rest of the nodes will take over for the missing node. Also, if a new Mesh Node is plugged in, the rest of the Nodes will automatically incorporate it into the total Mesh in the most effective way possible. This intelligent switching can handle between 1 and 15 devices simultaneously in the most effective way possible.
- Works with all of the latest security protocols in WPA/WPA2 and SPI Firewall.
- The Quad-core CPU operates at 716 MHz for fast data transfer speeds.
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
PROS:
- A Top Spec, High Performance Modem
- Easy set-up with Linksys App
- Attractive design
- Very compact for its power
- Well cooled with efficient quiet convection vents
- Handles all of the latest Wi-Fi and Internet connection protocols
- VERY easy to increase the range of the main MR8300 Router’s Wi-Fi network at any time by plugging optional (not included) Mess extenders like the Linksys AC1300 unit into any 120v wall outlet. Linksys App helps you locate the extender for maximum effect in the total network.
- A Top Spec, High Performance Modem
- Easy set-up with Linksys App
- Attractive design
- Very compact for its power
- Well cooled with efficient quiet convection vents
- Handles all of the latest Wi-Fi and Internet connection protocols
- VERY easy to increase the range of the main MR8300 Router’s Wi-Fi network at any time by plugging optional (not included) Mess extenders like the Linksys AC1300 unit into any 120v wall outlet. Linksys App helps you locate the extender for maximum effect in the total network.
CONS:
- After a couple of weeks of use I honestly could not think of a single negative in the great increase in speed and range for my home Wi-Fi network that the MR8300 gave me. If I do find anything negative in the next few months, I will edit my review accordingly.
- After a couple of weeks of use I honestly could not think of a single negative in the great increase in speed and range for my home Wi-Fi network that the MR8300 gave me. If I do find anything negative in the next few months, I will edit my review accordingly.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enhance your home audio with this Class D Sonos amplifier. Its 125W of power per channel lets you enjoy high-resolution sound from your bookshelf speakers, TV and other passive components, and Wi-Fi connectivity supports multiroom setups and wireless streaming via AirPlay and the Sonos app.
Customer Rating
5
For a Retro-System with all the Modern Features
on January 2, 2019
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
I’m old enough to remember when relatively simple separate amplifiers were a common and key part of every “Hi-Fi Enthusiast’s” sound system along with a separate equalizer, tuner, turntable, tape deck and speakers. But, electronics were evolving rapidly in those days and separate components allowed upgrading individual parts of the system as each sub-category improved. It was part of the “fun” of the hobby. Later, as integrated circuits became cheaper and also far more capable and the average consumer just wanted a thing that worked without the mystery, one box does it all systems became the rage. Everything was incorporated into one device. I’m not saying that this hasn’t been progress and this Sonos Amp and a couple of good speakers (and a Sub-Woofer for great bass) can import music from the internet with its built in LAN/Wi-Fi capabilities. However for ME, its greatest feature is the ability to take the line signal from my stereo vinyl record turntable into the amps left and right Line-In RCA Jacks. 1970’s simple visual aesthetics (the round passive heat-vent on the top resembles a Turntable) on the shelf, with 21st century clear powerful sound.
Features:
- 125 Watts per Channel
- Left and Right RCA Line-In for legacy devices like phono turntables
- HDMI ARC connection to connect in from and back to, the speakers or sound bar of an HD TV if the TV and and/or the soundbar are also ARC (two-way over HDMI) compliant.
- An optional Optical Audio Adapter is available at extra cost to connect the Sonos Amp to your TV’s optical audio output if your TV doesn't have an HDMI ARC port.
- LAN and Wireless Network connections
- Can be controlled via the Sonos Phone App, Apple “AirPlay” or many Music Service Apps
- Silent convection assisted Air Cooling System.
- The included Banana-Plug sets, drop the speaker wires 90 degrees straight down for a clean installation.
- Has a separate RCA Out-Jack for a Powered Subwoofer Speaker.
- The Amp’s Operating System is designed to be upgradable over the internet connection if it ever becomes necessary.
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
- 125 Watts per Channel
- Left and Right RCA Line-In for legacy devices like phono turntables
- HDMI ARC connection to connect in from and back to, the speakers or sound bar of an HD TV if the TV and and/or the soundbar are also ARC (two-way over HDMI) compliant.
- An optional Optical Audio Adapter is available at extra cost to connect the Sonos Amp to your TV’s optical audio output if your TV doesn't have an HDMI ARC port.
- LAN and Wireless Network connections
- Can be controlled via the Sonos Phone App, Apple “AirPlay” or many Music Service Apps
- Silent convection assisted Air Cooling System.
- The included Banana-Plug sets, drop the speaker wires 90 degrees straight down for a clean installation.
- Has a separate RCA Out-Jack for a Powered Subwoofer Speaker.
- The Amp’s Operating System is designed to be upgradable over the internet connection if it ever becomes necessary.
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
PROS:
- A Top Spec, High Performance Stereo Amplifier
- Attractive design
- Very compact for its power
- Well cooled with efficient quiet convection vents
- Works with many Music Services and input devices
- A Top Spec, High Performance Stereo Amplifier
- Attractive design
- Very compact for its power
- Well cooled with efficient quiet convection vents
- Works with many Music Services and input devices
CONS:
- Uses only 2.4Ghz for Wi-Fi. In some settings, devices have trouble communicating over 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi because there are so many other devices in the home using 2.4Ghz. In these cases, switching to 5Ghz Wi-Fi will solve the communication problem.
- Its high end price is totally justified by its high end features. However, if simple stereo amplification of a single Left-Right analog Line-In source is all that’s needed, a less feature laden amplifier might suffice.
- Uses only 2.4Ghz for Wi-Fi. In some settings, devices have trouble communicating over 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi because there are so many other devices in the home using 2.4Ghz. In these cases, switching to 5Ghz Wi-Fi will solve the communication problem.
- Its high end price is totally justified by its high end features. However, if simple stereo amplification of a single Left-Right analog Line-In source is all that’s needed, a less feature laden amplifier might suffice.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Play to your full potential with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop. Fluid gaming is ensured with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series graphics and an Intel Core i7 processor, running on Windows 10 Home. Make a statement with customizable RGB lighting and a transparent side panel, and perform easy toolless upgrades in adherence to micro-ATX standards with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop.
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
Computer evolution isn’t progressing at the scorching pace it was 20 years ago, so we tend to hold on to our computers longer now than we did in the 90s and 00s. However computer features are still improving. Eventually even your favorite old reliable PC begins showing its age as new versions of software appear. I use my home PC for high end gaming and also occasionally bring SolidWorks Engineering 3D models and prints home to modify when things get too busy at work. Lately the new 2018 version of SolidWorks and the latest PC games would only run at their lowest graphic settings on my old PC. The last straw came though when I purchased an Oculus Rift VR headset. My old PC groaned under the weight of the GPU demands of the Rift VR, so I knew it was time to look for a new PC.
I wanted something that was not only a top notch Gaming PC, but also had the capability of Ray Tracing Graphics to speed up Engineering software and reduce pixilation (Stair stepping) of thin straight lines on the 4K computer screen that ran at angles other than straight up and down or straight left to right. Ray Tracing technology is why the video card model in the HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 is an Nvidia RTX-2080 and not a GTX-2080. Ray Tracing has been used in Engineering software for years to make multiple fine lines in drawings clearer and the lighting and reflections of 3D models more accurate. Ray Tracing will be used in the newest video games to make lighting and shadows much more realistic.
I ran a series of 3DMark PC Benchmark tests on my HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 and got scores in the top 5% to 9% of all PC submitted for testing. THAT’s impressive. I’ve attached a picture of one of the test results. The Omen runs every game on my Oculus Rift at the highest performance settings. I could go on and on about the amazing capabilities of the HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 so I’ll shorten it by saying that it is currently “Bleeding Edge” and I’m confident it is future proof enough to capably run the newest software I throw at it for years to come.
I wanted something that was not only a top notch Gaming PC, but also had the capability of Ray Tracing Graphics to speed up Engineering software and reduce pixilation (Stair stepping) of thin straight lines on the 4K computer screen that ran at angles other than straight up and down or straight left to right. Ray Tracing technology is why the video card model in the HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 is an Nvidia RTX-2080 and not a GTX-2080. Ray Tracing has been used in Engineering software for years to make multiple fine lines in drawings clearer and the lighting and reflections of 3D models more accurate. Ray Tracing will be used in the newest video games to make lighting and shadows much more realistic.
I ran a series of 3DMark PC Benchmark tests on my HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 and got scores in the top 5% to 9% of all PC submitted for testing. THAT’s impressive. I’ve attached a picture of one of the test results. The Omen runs every game on my Oculus Rift at the highest performance settings. I could go on and on about the amazing capabilities of the HP Obelisk Desktop PC 875-0024 so I’ll shorten it by saying that it is currently “Bleeding Edge” and I’m confident it is future proof enough to capably run the newest software I throw at it for years to come.
Features:
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7
- 16 GB of DDR4 SDRAM Memory
- 256 GB Solid State Drive for rapid access to main programs/games
- 2 TB Disk Hard Drive for storage of Pictures/Video/Documents etc.
- Seven USB type 3.1 Ports
- One HDMI Port, three Display Ports and one USB-C type Video Port
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Graphics Card with 8 GB DDR6 memory
- Will drive up to 4 Monitors Simultaneously
- 5.1 Surround Sound Out for Speakers
- DTS Headphone:X for realistic 3D Sound on any set of Headphones
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7
- 16 GB of DDR4 SDRAM Memory
- 256 GB Solid State Drive for rapid access to main programs/games
- 2 TB Disk Hard Drive for storage of Pictures/Video/Documents etc.
- Seven USB type 3.1 Ports
- One HDMI Port, three Display Ports and one USB-C type Video Port
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Graphics Card with 8 GB DDR6 memory
- Will drive up to 4 Monitors Simultaneously
- 5.1 Surround Sound Out for Speakers
- DTS Headphone:X for realistic 3D Sound on any set of Headphones
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on Parts
PROS:
- A Top Spec, High Performance Gaming PC
- Will power the most high end Virtual Reality Goggles with ease at top Frame-Rate settings
- Well cooled with efficient quiet fans
- Glass Side Panel with LED lighting to show high-end interior parts
- Omen Logo on front panel with user-selectable multiple back-lit colors
- LED lighting can be turned off using HP software by user if desired
- A Top Spec, High Performance Gaming PC
- Will power the most high end Virtual Reality Goggles with ease at top Frame-Rate settings
- Well cooled with efficient quiet fans
- Glass Side Panel with LED lighting to show high-end interior parts
- Omen Logo on front panel with user-selectable multiple back-lit colors
- LED lighting can be turned off using HP software by user if desired
CONS:
- The stark "Ominous" (thus the name “Omen”) “Gaming PC” look, is not for everyone even though the colored lights can be shut off.
- It is unnecessarily powerful for the great majority of home PC users just cruising the internet and sending emails and thus is relatively expensive.
- The stark "Ominous" (thus the name “Omen”) “Gaming PC” look, is not for everyone even though the colored lights can be shut off.
- It is unnecessarily powerful for the great majority of home PC users just cruising the internet and sending emails and thus is relatively expensive.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prepare shakes and complete blending tasks with this Ninja smart screen kitchen system. It uses FreshVac technology to preserve the vitamins, flavors and appearance of natural ingredients, and with 1400 watts of power the stacked blades help the processor puree and chop with maximum precision. The touch screen display of this Ninja smart screen kitchen system offers easy access to various functions.
Customer Rating
5
Cutting Edge Blending
on November 26, 2018
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
At one time blenders were only good at making milkshakes and soup puree. Now they can slice, dice and make delicious smoothies among many other things. The Ninja Smart Screen Kitchen System has control and finesse over the process that old blenders never had.
FEATURES:
- “Smart Vessel Recognition” sets the LCD display and options depending on which mixing apparatus is set on top of the motor base.
- The Touch Screen display lets you select the automatic programs or operate the blender in manual mode. The bright LCD screen resists moisture and is easily wiped clean.
- The 9 pre-set auto programs are calibrated with patterns of pulsing, pausing and various speeds to blend different things like dips, smoothies, juice, pizza dough, shakes and make ice-cream with just one button touch.
- The package includes a vacuum system that can extract much of the air from the container before blending starts. This reduces foaming in finely chopped liquids like juice and also helps stop air currents flinging materials like herb leaves up under the lid during blending.
- Comes with three difference blending containers; a 20 oz. smoothie travel drinking cup, a wide 40 oz. container for slicing items like cucumbers for salads or potatoes for frying into potato chips and a 72 oz. pitcher shaped container for mixing liquids.
- Includes a 10 recipe “Inspiration Guide”.
- 1-year limited warranty.
- “Smart Vessel Recognition” sets the LCD display and options depending on which mixing apparatus is set on top of the motor base.
- The Touch Screen display lets you select the automatic programs or operate the blender in manual mode. The bright LCD screen resists moisture and is easily wiped clean.
- The 9 pre-set auto programs are calibrated with patterns of pulsing, pausing and various speeds to blend different things like dips, smoothies, juice, pizza dough, shakes and make ice-cream with just one button touch.
- The package includes a vacuum system that can extract much of the air from the container before blending starts. This reduces foaming in finely chopped liquids like juice and also helps stop air currents flinging materials like herb leaves up under the lid during blending.
- Comes with three difference blending containers; a 20 oz. smoothie travel drinking cup, a wide 40 oz. container for slicing items like cucumbers for salads or potatoes for frying into potato chips and a 72 oz. pitcher shaped container for mixing liquids.
- Includes a 10 recipe “Inspiration Guide”.
- 1-year limited warranty.
PROS:
- Attractive styling looks good on the counter.
- Simple controls allow different repeatable degrees of chopping and blending.
- Has a POWERFUL 1400-Peak-Watt motor base.
- Attractive styling looks good on the counter.
- Simple controls allow different repeatable degrees of chopping and blending.
- Has a POWERFUL 1400-Peak-Watt motor base.
CONS:
- Has a LOUD 1400-Peak-Watt motor base. Unfortunately, it seems you can’t have one without the other. If you try to make a crushed ice smoothie to take to work in the morning and you’re up before everyone else, it will wake everyone in the house.
- Has a LOUD 1400-Peak-Watt motor base. Unfortunately, it seems you can’t have one without the other. If you try to make a crushed ice smoothie to take to work in the morning and you’re up before everyone else, it will wake everyone in the house.
CONCLUSION:
I know from years of use that I am a person who will use a blender regularly. The Ninja Smart Screen Kitchen System blender is top notch and I get a lot of use out of it. It has earned the space it takes up on my kitchen counter. However, if you are not the type who uses a blender regularly, the great utility of this blender means it takes up a lot of counter space and storage under the counter as well. It’s overkill for chefs who only use a blender every few months.
I know from years of use that I am a person who will use a blender regularly. The Ninja Smart Screen Kitchen System blender is top notch and I get a lot of use out of it. It has earned the space it takes up on my kitchen counter. However, if you are not the type who uses a blender regularly, the great utility of this blender means it takes up a lot of counter space and storage under the counter as well. It’s overkill for chefs who only use a blender every few months.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Provide delicious beverages for everyone with this Calphalon Special Brew 10-cup coffee maker in dark stainless steel. The premium boiling system extracts up to 20 percent more flavor. The nonstick warming plate keeps the 10-cup glass carafe warm for up to four hours, and the Delay Brew feature lets you select a brewing time in advance. The strength flavor adjustment feature in this Calphalon Special Brew 10-cup coffee maker ensures the coffee is to your preferred taste.
Customer Rating
5
When a Single Serving Isn't Enough
on November 26, 2018
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
There was a time when the convenience of a quick single serving coffee maker seemed like the preferable choice. However, as our family matured, we found ourselves needing 7 cups of coffee during the breakfast rush, instead of 2. After looking at the available coffee makers that had the features we wanted, we settled on the Calphalon Special Brew 10 Cup Coffee Maker.
FEATURES:
- Precision Brewing Temperature delivers repeatable flavorful coffee
- Delay Brewing lets you have a carafe of coffee waiting for you when you get up.
- Premium Boiling system and temperature control meet SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) guidelines for brewing coffee that meets their “Golden Cup Standard”.
- Pressing the clock button briefly shows how long ago the batch of coffee was brewed to indicate freshness.
- For a stronger start to the day, a single press of the “Strong Brew” button will raise the level of flavor and caffeine for that one brewing session.
- A backlit programmable LCD display controls all features and gives time of day.
- Side view water reservoir level indicator.
- 3-year limited warranty.
- Precision Brewing Temperature delivers repeatable flavorful coffee
- Delay Brewing lets you have a carafe of coffee waiting for you when you get up.
- Premium Boiling system and temperature control meet SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) guidelines for brewing coffee that meets their “Golden Cup Standard”.
- Pressing the clock button briefly shows how long ago the batch of coffee was brewed to indicate freshness.
- For a stronger start to the day, a single press of the “Strong Brew” button will raise the level of flavor and caffeine for that one brewing session.
- A backlit programmable LCD display controls all features and gives time of day.
- Side view water reservoir level indicator.
- 3-year limited warranty.
PROS:
- Attractive styling looks good on the counter.
- Simple controls allow different repeatable flavor and strength.
- The temperature control on the ceramic heater base does not burn the coffee in a near empty pot. It turns completely off after 4 hours.
CONS:
- Some have commented that the lower temperature ceramic heater base does not keep the coffee hot enough. However, properly brewed coffee should not be made with boiling water and keeping brewed coffee at tongue scalding temperatures will ruin the taste quickly. It’s a matter of “taste”. However, if you want coffee brewed hot enough to be drinkable from a thermos after a 45 minute commute, the Calphalon Special Brew 10 Cup Coffee Maker might not be for you.
- A relatively short power cord (25 inches) is fine if you have a counter outlet nearby, but be careful if you need an extension cord. Common household 4 to 5 foot two wire extension cords are too light and will overheat. A more robust 15 amp extension cord would be safe if one is needed.
- Water is added through the top rear of the machine. This can be awkward if the coffee maker is located under a low cupboard overhang.
- Attractive styling looks good on the counter.
- Simple controls allow different repeatable flavor and strength.
- The temperature control on the ceramic heater base does not burn the coffee in a near empty pot. It turns completely off after 4 hours.
CONS:
- Some have commented that the lower temperature ceramic heater base does not keep the coffee hot enough. However, properly brewed coffee should not be made with boiling water and keeping brewed coffee at tongue scalding temperatures will ruin the taste quickly. It’s a matter of “taste”. However, if you want coffee brewed hot enough to be drinkable from a thermos after a 45 minute commute, the Calphalon Special Brew 10 Cup Coffee Maker might not be for you.
- A relatively short power cord (25 inches) is fine if you have a counter outlet nearby, but be careful if you need an extension cord. Common household 4 to 5 foot two wire extension cords are too light and will overheat. A more robust 15 amp extension cord would be safe if one is needed.
- Water is added through the top rear of the machine. This can be awkward if the coffee maker is located under a low cupboard overhang.
CONCLUSION:
The Calphalon Special Brew 10 Cup Coffee Maker looks good on the counter. It matches both stainless steel and black appliances. It just happens to brew great tasting coffee too.
The Calphalon Special Brew 10 Cup Coffee Maker looks good on the counter. It matches both stainless steel and black appliances. It just happens to brew great tasting coffee too.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Lighten household chores with this SHARK® ION™ vacuum system. The lithium-ion battery supplies a long-lasting charge, and the 0.66-quart dust cup and HEPA filter collect dirt, hair, and dander to prevent allergen buildup. This SHARK® ION™ vacuum system comes with a built-in power vacuum to help with those extra cleaning jobs.
Customer Rating
4
The Billiard Ball Navigation Method
on November 21, 2018
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
When so called Robot Vacuums first came out, they were a novelty at best with short range, extremely small capacity dust bins and poor pick-up and cleaning performance. Their main utility was scaring the family cat and making amusing YouTube videos. They have improved tremendously since those early days. They are now a practical home floor vacuuming appliance with enough dust capacity and range to handle a fairly large floor plan. There are two general types of Robo Vacs today, defined by their navigation method. The more expensive and complicated designs (NOT THE SHARK ION) use sonar arrays which the Vac uses to create a map of the entire floor plan and every barrier in the rooms. This map has too much information for the on-board memory in the Vac to store by itself and therefore the map must be uploaded to a dedicated server on the company’s website. Once stored, this mapping allows the Vac to do a very logical cleanup of the rooms traveling in straight lines that rarely cross each other. It’s pleasing to watch in action, but the off-site storage of map data is often it’s Achilles’ Heel, since a momentary drop of the internet can leave the Vac lost and confused. The sonar mapping navigation method OF THESE OTHER ROBOT VACS leaves a straight lined square shaped pattern on the open areas of carpeted floors.
The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum uses the second common navigation method, the random billiard ball bounce. It has no RAM memory and every trip from the charger is a new adventure. It has bump/contact sensors and a computer program that tells it to proceed in a straight line for at least 10-15 seconds or until it bumps into something or senses the edge of a stair drop-off. It will then rotate clockwise about 95 (never exactly 90 or 180) degrees about 5 times in a row and then counter-clockwise the next 5 times in a row. This simple program EVENTUALLY randomly covers most of the open spaces in the rooms it travels through. When the battery begins to run low, it will start seeking out its charging station. The Shark Ion’s navigation method leaves a diamond shaped pattern on the open areas of carpeted floors.
PROS:
- The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum does a good job of vacuuming the floor. However, because it uses the random billiard ball bounce method of navigation, it is much less complicated, has fewer ways to fail and is less expensive than sonar models.
- The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum does a good job of vacuuming the floor. However, because it uses the random billiard ball bounce method of navigation, it is much less complicated, has fewer ways to fail and is less expensive than sonar models.
- No Robot Vac can get into tight corners, so the addition of a separate hand vac in the charging station is a handy bonus. The hand vac comes with several attachment wands that make vacuuming under stoves and refrigerators as well as cleaning wall vents easier.
- The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum has a lower profile than most Robo Vacs, which makes it more likely to be able to get under beds and sofas.
- The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum has a lower profile than most Robo Vacs, which makes it more likely to be able to get under beds and sofas.
- The free phone app gives the option of three different speeds which can make the Vac either quieter or able to complete its job in less time.
- The phone app allows the owner to start the Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum and see its battery's charge state from anywhere in the world with an open internet connection. The app also has a simple to program scheduling function, that allows the owner to have the Vac do its job when no one is home.
- The dust collection bin is relatively large which will usually allow the entire floor to be cleaned in one run.
CONS:
- The dust collection bin does not have an automatically closing intake opening when it is removed from the Vac (see the included photo). This and the opening's location on the bottom edge of the bin, often results in dirt being spilled out of the bin onto the floor when the bin is removed, unless care is taken to keep the bin level.
- The dust collection bin does not have an automatically closing intake opening when it is removed from the Vac (see the included photo). This and the opening's location on the bottom edge of the bin, often results in dirt being spilled out of the bin onto the floor when the bin is removed, unless care is taken to keep the bin level.
- The random navigation method can sometimes make it difficult for the Vac to find its charging station when the battery gets low.
- The fan and motor on the separate hand-held Vac create a loud high-frequency scream that is unpleasant to be near. It is so loud (even for my old ears), that I was prompted to use noise cancelling headphones when using it. Other than the noise however, the hand vac does a good job.
CONCLUSION:
The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum is not a toy. It is a legitimate house cleaning appliance. If you had a Robot Vac a few years ago and found it wasn’t worth the effort, the current generation of Robot Vacs like the Shark-ION is worth giving a second look. They have really improved. Personally, I’m looking forward to the future generation Robo Vac that will climb and vacuum stairs as it does its thing in a multi-story home! In the meantime, I’ll keep my Shark Ion.
The Shark - ION™ S87 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum is not a toy. It is a legitimate house cleaning appliance. If you had a Robot Vac a few years ago and found it wasn’t worth the effort, the current generation of Robot Vacs like the Shark-ION is worth giving a second look. They have really improved. Personally, I’m looking forward to the future generation Robo Vac that will climb and vacuum stairs as it does its thing in a multi-story home! In the meantime, I’ll keep my Shark Ion.
Mobile Submission: False
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Get peace and quiet anywhere with these Plantronics BackBeat GO 410 wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. The compact, lightweight design provides a comfortable, discreet listening experience and filters out noise in any environment. These Plantronics BackBeat GO 410 wireless noise-cancelling headphones feature advanced 10mm drivers and powerful rechargeable batteries for up to 10 hours of high-fidelity audio per charge.
Posted by: Daddio
from Wesley Chapel, Florida
There are many different brands and models of wireless Bluetooth earbuds available. A relatively rare feature for this price point though, is ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). The components necessary for ANC are the reason for the two lobes that drape on either side of the wearer’s neck. Similar Plantronics earbud models without ANC use the same earpieces as the 410 and give similar sound dynamics at a lower price and slightly lighter package. However, part of the reason we sometimes use headphones or earbuds is to separate ourselves from the annoying noises in public places on the ride to and from work or in the gym. Again, for this price point the Plantronics BackBeat GO 410 earbuds deliver not only good voice and music but some peace and quiet too. You can have slightly better ANC for double or triple the price, but the ANC on these earbuds is reasonably effective.
PROS:
- For the less technical among us, the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds seek out and pair with a Bluetooth device like a Cell Phone when they are turned on the first time, out of the box. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have your phone within 20 feet with its Bluetooth transmitter turned on, before opening the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds box and turning them on for the first time. If you forget, or you want to pair them with a second or third device, there is a button pushing procedure outlined in the owner’s annual to follow for Bluetooth pairing.
- For the less technical among us, the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds seek out and pair with a Bluetooth device like a Cell Phone when they are turned on the first time, out of the box. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have your phone within 20 feet with its Bluetooth transmitter turned on, before opening the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds box and turning them on for the first time. If you forget, or you want to pair them with a second or third device, there is a button pushing procedure outlined in the owner’s annual to follow for Bluetooth pairing.
- The Active Noise Cancelling is effective and produces a noticeable reduction in background noise particularly droning (steady rhythm and frequency) noises like lawn mowers and aircraft engines.
- ANC does require extra power from the batteries, so it’s important to shut the power down when the earbuds are removed, even temporarily. There is a handy feature that shuts the power off just by removing the earbuds from your ears and clicking them together around your neck with the internal magnets in the earbuds.
- ANC does require extra power from the batteries, so it’s important to shut the power down when the earbuds are removed, even temporarily. There is a handy feature that shuts the power off just by removing the earbuds from your ears and clicking them together around your neck with the internal magnets in the earbuds.
- The foam of the earbud insert is sweat resistant, to stop premature deterioration.
- The BackBeat GO 410 earbuds use the latest Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. That means a solid stable connection as far 30 feet between the earbuds and your phone, as long as the phone is up to version 5.0 of Bluetooth too.
- The flat rather than round cross-section wires of the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds, resist tangling and knotting.
CONS:
- The BackBeat GO 410 earbuds use the older Micro USB connection for charging rather than the more current and versatile USB-C connection. That sometimes means carrying around two different types of charging cables for your equipment.
- The BackBeat GO 410 earbuds use the older Micro USB connection for charging rather than the more current and versatile USB-C connection. That sometimes means carrying around two different types of charging cables for your equipment.
- The frequency response and battery life of the BackBeat GO 410 earbuds is only average. However this is the feature price we pay, for Active Noise Cancelling.
CONCLUSION:
- In the end, you have to decide if Active Noise Cancelling is an important feature for you. If it is, I highly recommend considering these earbuds. If you have no need for ANC, then you can get lighter less expensive earbuds with the same sound quality and longer battery life. It’s your choice.
- In the end, you have to decide if Active Noise Cancelling is an important feature for you. If it is, I highly recommend considering these earbuds. If you have no need for ANC, then you can get lighter less expensive earbuds with the same sound quality and longer battery life. It’s your choice.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy crisp 4K images and dazzling color on this Sony HDR Ultra TV, featuring a wide 75-inch screen that's ideal for home theaters. Full-array local dimming and boosting ensures a clear picture, and hidden cable routing makes for a seamless setup. This Sony HDR Ultra TV is compatible with PlayStation Vue to eliminate your cable bill.
How is the volume on this model and the 850E? Do you have to keep volume at high level to enjoy sound or is sound quality very good? Do you need a sound bar to get good sound quality for these tvs ?
I only have a 900E, so I can't speak for the 850E. You question prompted me to turn the TV's built in speakers for the first time. In a 20' x 20' living room open to the dining room and kitchen, the volume was more than loud enough at 75%. The quality is "adequate" concentrated mostly in the mid range. However, to match the impact of the 4K HDR picture this TV is capable of, even a sound bar is a weak match. I highly recommend an A/V receiver pushing 5.2 Surround Sound through speakers backed up by 10" - 12" sub-woofers. THEN the sounds will match the impact of the excellent picture quality.
6 years, 8 months ago
by
Daddio
Upgrade your home theater setup with this powerful Denon Ultra HD receiver. This unit, which works with a range of external device, features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D decoding technology, so you can enjoy 7.1 surround sound in your living room. Stream music and control this Bluetooth-equipped Denon Ultra HD receiver via the HEOS app on your smart device.
Dose this unit have zone two ?
Upgrade your home theater setup with this powerful Denon Ultra HD receiver. This unit, which works with a range of external device, features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D decoding technology, so you can enjoy 7.1 surround sound in your living room. Stream music and control this Bluetooth-equipped Denon Ultra HD receiver via the HEOS app on your smart device.
Does this receiver feature HDR pass thru (2.0a)?
It supports HDR10 4K 60p 4:4:4, 4:2:2 or 4K 60p 4:2:0 10 bit video signal, will but you MUST go deep into the setting menu to do it since unfortunately it defaults to only 2K pass through out of the box. To see the steps required, go to page 152 of the Denon Owner's Manual PDF for this model.
6 years, 8 months ago
by
Daddio
This Klipsch Reference R-12SW subwoofer features a 12" spun-copper IMG (injection-molded graphite) woofer and built-in digital amplifier, so you can easily add robust bass to your existing audio setup.
What is the height dimension for this sub? It doesn't seem to be listed in the specs. Thanks.
The top of the Klipsch Reference R-12SW subwoofer sits 16 5/8" off of a hard floor.
6 years, 9 months ago
by
Daddio
This Klipsch Reference R-12SW subwoofer features a 12" spun-copper IMG (injection-molded graphite) woofer and built-in digital amplifier, so you can easily add robust bass to your existing audio setup.
How does this sub match with Paradigm Monitor 9 V.5 towers?
It's not clear if you mean matching the "look" of your Paradigm Towers or the "sound". I'll address sound. Unlike all of the other speakers in your 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, the sub-woofer operates in a completely different part of the frequency spectrum. It's often a good idea to match the "Timbre" of your Front L-R, Rear L-R and Center speakers since they are reacting to generally the same frequencies at each moment. However, the sub-woofer is thumping away in its own world so to speak, so it won't be overpowering or understating anything the other speakers are producing. I'm very impressed and happy with my Klipsch Reference R-12SW subwoofer even though none of the other speakers or components in my home theater are from Klipsch.
6 years, 9 months ago
by
Daddio
Access HD cable TV programs on devices throughout your home with this SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME CableCARD. It lets you watch up to three different cable TV shows at once on smartphones, computers or tablets. This SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME CableCARD works with your internet connection, saving you the expense of extra cable boxes.
can I watch Israeli tv with your product
Keep in mind that this three tuner unit is only a replacement for every set-top box that the cable company rents to you (one for each TV) for about $15-$25 per month each. The rental price depends on whether or not the cable company's rental box can record (DVR) the shows. With this unit you can rent just a Cable-Card from the cable company which usually costs about $3-$5 per month. Optionally you can subscribe to HDHomeRun's channel guide for about $60 per year. Once you install it and the free software, every Windows 10, Android or iOS device connected to your home network either wired (via Ethernet cable) or wirelessly can receive the live (or recorded on one of the PCs) shows. This device will pay for itself in a few months. IF your cable company offers Israeli TV on the package you subscribe to, this device is capable of recording it and showing it on all of your network devices. HDHomeRun offers another less expensive version that hooks up to an external antennae and allows you to view and record all of the broadcast TV in your location.
6 years, 10 months ago
by
Daddio
Access HD cable TV programs on devices throughout your home with this SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME CableCARD. It lets you watch up to three different cable TV shows at once on smartphones, computers or tablets. This SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME CableCARD works with your internet connection, saving you the expense of extra cable boxes.
Looking for a DVR for Daughter her student housing has cable but there is no box it comes though coax cable direct, no guide , no way to get cable card as its not needed to watch would this still work?
It depends on the content coming through the coax cable. Remember that the purpose of the HDHomeRun Prime is to decrypt (unscramble) signals that the cable company has scrambled to force you to pay for upper tiers. If the signal coming out of that coax is just digital basic cable (not scrambled) then you do not need a decoder like this. Your TV will be able to display the basic channels all by itself. The "Cable Card" that inserts into the HDHomeRun tuner is not free. You have to rent it from the cable company and they have to activate it from their head-end. My Cable Company Frontier Fios charges $8 per monthto rent and activate the card. That's much less than renting their cable Set-Top Box which often goes for $15-$20 per month depending on whether it can record or not. I'd try just hooking up a standard digital TV to the cable in your daughter's dorm first to see if you need or can use the more sophisticated HDHomeRun. I suggest going to the www.silicondust.com website to see how it all works.
6 years, 10 months ago
by
Daddio
Count on high-speed storage performance with this 120GB PNY solid-state drive. Its 515MB/sec. read and 490MB/sec. write speeds let you multitask efficiently, and it's up to 30x more robust than hard drives, ensuring durability and data protection.
Is there a software utility included to copy my existing HDD to this? I have a Windows XP Dell system, dual processor 2 GB memory.
Once you have this NAS up and running on your network, transferring files to it from a HD inside your PC is as simple as transferring files from one drive to another if both drives were still inside your PC. However, you cannot simply put your PC's hard drive into a NAS an expect to begin reading and using the files that were written onto that disk while inside your PC. The first step in using a hard drive in a NAS is to format it (along with a matching one) to pair them as a RAID. This process is just like any formatting. It erases everything from the drive.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
Daddio
Project photos, Web content and more from your mobile device to your HDTV with this Actiontec ScreenBeam Mini 2 SBWD60A01 wireless receiver, which features a USB interface for simple setup and supports Windows 8.1, Wi-Fi Miracast and Intel® WiDi.
I have motrola Moto will this divice stream Netflix with out internet
Since Netflix is ONLY on the Internet, you cannot use this device to watch Netflix without an internet connection. The HDHomeRun Prime is for watching and recording Encrypted TV Channels from your Cable Company without having to rent the Cable Company's Set-top boxes for each TV. It also allows you to watch those live or recorded cable channels on any Windows 10 PC, Xbox One, Android phone or tablet or Apple phone, PC or tablet on your home's wired or wireless network.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
Daddio
This APC Back-UPS BE750G UPS protects your computer system and keeps it running for up to 70 minutes in the event of a power failure.
Other than computer usage
I am looking for a backup power supply for my CPAP machine. I need this for breathing when asleep. When I lose power in the middle of the night, I can't breathe. What I need to know is will this work without using the software? I have no need for the software function, but need a longer lasting backup like this for my medical equipment.
Yes, this unit will switch to outputting battery supplied power in a fraction of a second if the AC power into it is interrupted. The USB connection to the computer is only to provide a way to communicate with an App that shows a history of 120 volt AC power interruptions and how the UPS responded to the event. It's nice to have that information but it's not necessary.
8 years, 10 months ago
by
Daddio
Wesley Chapel, Florida