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RRod's stats
- Review count5
- Helpfulness votes144
- First reviewOctober 11, 2013
- Last reviewApril 13, 2016
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.4
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentMarch 9, 2016
- Last review commentMarch 9, 2016
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count4
- Helpfulness votes2
- First answerOctober 11, 2013
- Last answerApril 13, 2016
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
RRod's Reviews
Display your 37" - 90" flat-panel TV with this Sanus VLT35-B1 wall mount that features Virtual Axis technology, so you can easily find a comfortable viewing angle. The open wall plate offers cable management to help maintain a neat appearance.
Posted by: RRod
from Long Beach, CA
What more can you say about a TV wall mount bracket? You need it to be sturdy, obviously, but the icing on the cake is it's intuitive design. For a bracket that's capable of supporting large and heavy televisions, it's surprising how well it's advertised functions work. The tilting is still easy to do on my 75 television that weighs 125 lbs.
My current setup is a 75 inch Sony XBR75X940C, which weighs nearly 125 lbs. The bracket is mounted onto a combination of two wall studs and drywall. This thing is ROCK SOLID. Purchase with the confidence that it will hold your TV in place without a doubt. Just be sure to follow the instructions and don't cut corners. You'll be happy with your purchase!
My Best Buy number: 0960532337
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Sony - 65" Class (64-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 3D - 4K Ultra HD TV with High Dynamic Range
Only at Best BuySony XBR-65X900C LED Smart 4K Ultra HDTV: Enjoy streaming content with a clear picture and bright colors, use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or stream PlayStation 3 games to your TV. Plus, the Android TV function lets you download a wide array of apps and games.
Customer Rating
1
Light Bleed, worse I've ever seen...
on March 9, 2016
Posted by: RRod
from Long Beach, CA
Let me start off by saying I'm a loyal Sony customer. I own several PlayStation's, surround sound systems, smart phones, and other gadgets. So to say I'm disappointed in this television purchase is an understatement.
Even at sale price of $2,299; this is not a cheap TV. For anything above $1,500 I would expect perfection in terms of build quality. But unfortunately, this is not the case with this panel. The physical build itself is gorgeous, the design is great, and the overall aesthetic is very impressive.
However, those positive comments CANNOT outweigh the atrocious light bleeding that this panel exhibits. Being the loyal Sony customer I am, I returned my first 900C and got a nother 900c, hoping that this second attempt would have better results -- I was wrong, this second 900c had even worse light bleeding than my first.
I've tried adjusting gamma correctly, turning brightness down, etc, but this still does not hide that fact that this near "premium" TV is anything but. With light bleeding this bad, I wouldn't even recommend a purchase of anything less than $500.
This is not a bash, and I hope Sony takes note of all these negative reviews regarding their quality control, because this is unacceptable. I would really hope Sony would offer me some kind of discount on their 2016 models because this has really disappointed me and my family. Essentially wasting over $2,500.
My Best Buy number: 0960532337
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+15points
15of 15voted this as helpful.
Get a head start with the Need for Speed Deluxe Edition.Additional Content Includes: Performance and Styling packs, 10% discount on all game items using in-game currency and early access to the BMW M3 E46*. Within the Styling Pack is an exclusive Styling Sticker, Spoiler, RIMS, and Splitter, perfect for ensuring your car really stands out from the crowd. The Performance Pack contains various items, including: Performance Sticker, and early access to a High Performance Turbocharger, Engine Block and Exhaust. Perfect if you're looking to bag yourself a couple of early upgrades. Also includes a VIP icon, unique sticker and some exclusive wraps for you to show off to your friends.Discover the nocturnal open world of urban car culture, driven by Five Ways to Play, in this thrilling reboot of Need for Speed. Carve your own unique path, via multiple overlapping stories, gaining reputation on your journey to become the ultimate icon.Need for Speed delivers on what fans have been requesting and what the franchise stands for — deep customization, an authentic open world filled with real world car culture, and a narrative that drives your game.Ventura Bay is your urban playground — from sweeping hillside roads overlooking the city, to the police infested urban districts with tight city corners — the city comes alive while others sleep. Home to five real world automotive icons, the heroes of today's car culture, they will inspire you, push you, and test you. Build your reputation and earn their respect on your journey to become the ultimate icon.
Customer Rating
3
Good, but could have been much more
on November 3, 2015
Posted by: RRod
from Long Beach, CA
I won't over-write this review, but let me first explain where I'm coming from. I love racers, I love arcade racers, I love sim-racers, I love in-between racers.
What's the racing style?
1. Need For Speed is most definitely an arcade racer. There's different "disciplines" like build, style, outlaw, speed, etc. However, it's essentially "grip" racing and "drifting".
1. Need For Speed is most definitely an arcade racer. There's different "disciplines" like build, style, outlaw, speed, etc. However, it's essentially "grip" racing and "drifting".
2. Environment: It's basically parts of Los Angeles county presented as fictional "Ventura Bay". You'll only be racing during the night and early morning. No day racing.
What's the Good?
+ Decent variety of vehicles with an extensive customization mode. Visually, you can modify pretty much everything about the vehicle you choose.
+ The graphics are gorgeous. I'm on the PS4 version, and there are very few times where the framerate drops down. Lighting during the night adds a lot to the visual style they're going for. The game has a very filmic look to it. It goes along with it's filmic presentation quite well.
+ The controls are quite easy to get used to. You can feel changes made when you tune your cars performance, where you choose more downforce for better handling, or stiffer suspension to more easily drift.
+ I don't really like the music, but I'm giving it a "+" because there's quite a variety. Others might enjoy this genre of music.
+ Decent variety of vehicles with an extensive customization mode. Visually, you can modify pretty much everything about the vehicle you choose.
+ The graphics are gorgeous. I'm on the PS4 version, and there are very few times where the framerate drops down. Lighting during the night adds a lot to the visual style they're going for. The game has a very filmic look to it. It goes along with it's filmic presentation quite well.
+ The controls are quite easy to get used to. You can feel changes made when you tune your cars performance, where you choose more downforce for better handling, or stiffer suspension to more easily drift.
+ I don't really like the music, but I'm giving it a "+" because there's quite a variety. Others might enjoy this genre of music.
What I didn't like
- Always ON internet connection required!
- No PAUSE. I have a new born son, and during his naps, I enjoy playing video games when I can. When he wakes up? I can't pause the game... I know my situation is unique, however, I'm sure others would find it to be a inconvenience as well.
- The game only allows you to play the vehicles as automatic transmission. Come now now, even other "arcade" racers allow you to manually shift gears.
- No photo mode! For a game this gorgeous, it's sad there isn't a dedicated mode for taking some still shots. A disservice for such a beautiful game.
- No drag racing. A lot of street racers and those who currently/previously invested in this car culture would partake in the ritual of a street drag race. So where is it?
- Always ON internet connection required!
- No PAUSE. I have a new born son, and during his naps, I enjoy playing video games when I can. When he wakes up? I can't pause the game... I know my situation is unique, however, I'm sure others would find it to be a inconvenience as well.
- The game only allows you to play the vehicles as automatic transmission. Come now now, even other "arcade" racers allow you to manually shift gears.
- No photo mode! For a game this gorgeous, it's sad there isn't a dedicated mode for taking some still shots. A disservice for such a beautiful game.
- No drag racing. A lot of street racers and those who currently/previously invested in this car culture would partake in the ritual of a street drag race. So where is it?
I think the game is decent. I'm enjoying it for what it is, but I feel like Ghost put out a very incomplete game. It could have been so much better. Maybe next year.
My Best Buy number: 0960532337
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
This RCA LED29B30RQ LED HDTV features 720p resolution and digital noise reduction to display clear, vibrant images with stunning detail. Two HDMI inputs allow easy connection of high-definition components.
Posted by: RRod
from Long Beach, CA
Internet Connectable?No
Lets tart off with the fact that you're considering this TV is because of it's price point, correct? I'm with you -- I got this on sale from BestBuy for $169.99.
My intent on this purchase was to get a dedicated 720p television strictly for my PS3 (since 90% of the games run at 720p, and not 1080p anyways), and eventually, my PS4 will use my main television that's a 50 inch, 1080p samsung unit. Now that you know where I'm coming from, lets move on to the nitty gritty:
My intent on this purchase was to get a dedicated 720p television strictly for my PS3 (since 90% of the games run at 720p, and not 1080p anyways), and eventually, my PS4 will use my main television that's a 50 inch, 1080p samsung unit. Now that you know where I'm coming from, lets move on to the nitty gritty:
Pros:
+This TV features several levels of contrast options, that allow the TV to give you deeper blacks. Like a more natural look? Turn it off. Like a more cinematic feel? Turn that baby up.
+6.5ms latency/refresh rate. For gaming, this isn't too bad. Typically, anything higher than 8ms may give some ghosting. This television has no problems with fast movements and games that run at 60fps.
+Ability to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, as well as options that allow you to change the color range in preset modes: cold, warm, normal.
+Look & Design: While it's not very slim, you have to consider you're buying a $200 TV here. You're not going to get some aluminum built device with chamfer edges. With that said -- the TV is mostly made of plastic, however, the base is partly glass, and the stem is poly-carbonate, that's coated with reflective like chrome-plastic. It looks good for a TV at this price point.
+TV has a decent amount of inputs, even featuring 2 HDMI inputs; which is pretty rare for TV's at this price point.
+This TV features several levels of contrast options, that allow the TV to give you deeper blacks. Like a more natural look? Turn it off. Like a more cinematic feel? Turn that baby up.
+6.5ms latency/refresh rate. For gaming, this isn't too bad. Typically, anything higher than 8ms may give some ghosting. This television has no problems with fast movements and games that run at 60fps.
+Ability to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, as well as options that allow you to change the color range in preset modes: cold, warm, normal.
+Look & Design: While it's not very slim, you have to consider you're buying a $200 TV here. You're not going to get some aluminum built device with chamfer edges. With that said -- the TV is mostly made of plastic, however, the base is partly glass, and the stem is poly-carbonate, that's coated with reflective like chrome-plastic. It looks good for a TV at this price point.
+TV has a decent amount of inputs, even featuring 2 HDMI inputs; which is pretty rare for TV's at this price point.
Cons:
-This TV is pretty sub-standard in terms of built-in speakers. While the TV atleast allows you to customize the range of sound, the speakers that are built in leave A LOT to be desired. If you get this TV, I'd consider getting a soundbar that fits your budget as well. If you're not worried too much about sound quality, then that's fine, however, don't say I didn't warn you!
-TV isn't very thin
-This TV is pretty sub-standard in terms of built-in speakers. While the TV atleast allows you to customize the range of sound, the speakers that are built in leave A LOT to be desired. If you get this TV, I'd consider getting a soundbar that fits your budget as well. If you're not worried too much about sound quality, then that's fine, however, don't say I didn't warn you!
-TV isn't very thin
If you're looking for a television that's in the sub $250 price range, under 30 inches, and you're not looking for full 1080p, I can confidently recommend this unit to you. If you're a PS3/XBOX360 owner on a budget, looking for a television that plays the systems' native 720p content... this TV is what you want. It has 2 HDMI inputs and a stereo/headphone jack for discrete gaming and movie watching!
What's great about it: Cheap price, good performance and quality
What's not so great: Sound
I would recommend this to a friend!
Picture Quality
4
Sound Quality
2
Features
5
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+72points
72of 72voted this as helpful.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 Edition - 10.1" - 32GB: This sleek, stylish tablet comes with a 10.1" Full HD touch screen to display movies, Web sites and more with impressive visual fidelity. The included S Pen is pressure sensitive and allows you to draw, write, edit and more as easily as if you were using a real pen.
Posted by: RRod
from Long Beach, CA
This tablet takes a monumental step forward, in terms of upgrading from it's last years iteration. If you're here, you more than likely read some in-depth reviews from tech sites already -- so I'll skip the intro, and get down to the nitty gritty, and address what's important.
The S-Pen features is what sets this tablet apart from any other out there. Do other tablets have a stylus? Sure, but they're more of a finger replacement rather than a truly functional tool. Samsung's S-Pen and supporting application is far past the competition.
The size and redesigned exterior is very good. The silver trim is somewhat reminiscent of faux silverware for eating utensils, but still better than the last years model, for sure.
To address the elephant in the room -- the tablet DOES have lag right out of the box. When flipping through home screens, there's noticeable stutters and frame rate drops. I switched to the NOVA Launcher, and it now runs extremely smooth. It's apparent Samsung through on this version of Android quickly, to get it out of the door, and didn't truly optimize the software for their own hardware. I have faith that Samsung will release a future firmware update that will address this.
To address the elephant in the room -- the tablet DOES have lag right out of the box. When flipping through home screens, there's noticeable stutters and frame rate drops. I switched to the NOVA Launcher, and it now runs extremely smooth. It's apparent Samsung through on this version of Android quickly, to get it out of the door, and didn't truly optimize the software for their own hardware. I have faith that Samsung will release a future firmware update that will address this.
All in all, this tablet has all the features you'd want in a premium tablet: monster specs, beautiful screen, easy to handle, attractive design, and expandable memory. It's definitely worth the investment.
My Best Buy number: 960532337
What's great about it: Screen, S-Pen Features, Expandable Memory
What's not so great: Buggy out of the box
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Features
5
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+41points
44of 47voted this as helpful.
RRod's Review Comments
Sony - 65" Class (64-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 3D - 4K Ultra HD TV with High Dynamic Range
Only at Best BuySony XBR-65X900C LED Smart 4K Ultra HDTV: Enjoy streaming content with a clear picture and bright colors, use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or stream PlayStation 3 games to your TV. Plus, the Android TV function lets you download a wide array of apps and games.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5fantastic picture
By Spunky1971
from Duxbury, MA
Sony has a fantastic picture on the 900c but corners appear to be burnt in slightly
RRod
Long Beach, CA
Not burn in...
March 9, 2016
That's light bleed which you can see many customers reviewing this product have had issues with.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
RRod's Questions
RRod has not submitted any questions.
RRod's Answers
Display your 37" - 90" flat-panel TV with this Sanus VLT35-B1 wall mount that features Virtual Axis technology, so you can easily find a comfortable viewing angle. The open wall plate offers cable management to help maintain a neat appearance.
can this be mounted to brick?
wanted to mount this on a brick mantle, can this be done?
Yes, manual includes instructions when mounting onto brick/stone.
8 years ago
by
RRod
Display your 37" - 90" flat-panel TV with this Sanus VLT35-B1 wall mount that features Virtual Axis technology, so you can easily find a comfortable viewing angle. The open wall plate offers cable management to help maintain a neat appearance.
How much left - right play is available?
If my wall stud is not perfectly located, what is the maximum distance I can go left or right with this thing?
Roughly 3 inches in both direction.
8 years ago
by
RRod
Sony - 65" Class (64-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 3D - 4K Ultra HD TV with High Dynamic Range
Only at Best BuySony XBR-65X900C LED Smart 4K Ultra HDTV: Enjoy streaming content with a clear picture and bright colors, use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or stream PlayStation 3 games to your TV. Plus, the Android TV function lets you download a wide array of apps and games.
Defective product return?
I've been looking at the Sony XBR65X900C 65" for months. I love the TV but concerned with the light been issue. I was hoping Sony would fix the issue by now, but I still see current reviews of recent purchasers still complaining of the same light bleed problem. I was at a local Best Buy yesterday and spoke to a sales person. I asked him how many of the Sony XBR65X900C TVs are being returned. He stated "none". He stated they inform the customers prior to purchase and won't take them back for the light bleed problem. I can't believe that's possible. I guarantee if I purchased with a credit card and I was unhappy, I'd charge it back and get a return. Anyone willing to relay their Bust Buy experience on this TV?i
It depends on who you get on the sales floor. I returned my 900C with skepticism from the sales rep but still respected my return. I actually tried a 2nd 900C with even worse light bleeding. I will be returning this one and just going to invest in an LG OLED instead.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
RRod
Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 Edition - 10.1" - 32GB: This sleek, stylish tablet comes with a 10.1" Full HD touch screen to display movies, Web sites and more with impressive visual fidelity. The included S Pen is pressure sensitive and allows you to draw, write, edit and more as easily as if you were using a real pen.
Are specs wrong?
I just asked a question based on the Specs entry of 0 USB 2.0 ports. The Samsung website shows USB 2.0 under Connectivity. ??
If Samsung is correct, please just correct the Specs here and dump my earlier question.
If Samsung is correct, please just correct the Specs here and dump my earlier question.
Specs aren't wrong, but they can be more specific. The connection is a micro USB 2.0 connection.
10 years, 6 months ago
by
RRod
Long Beach, CA