Electronics Gadget Reviews

Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL 32XBR9 32 Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Experience the beauty of Full HD 1080p with the 32″ Class XBR9 HDTV. Perfect for your bedroom, office or kitchen, this flat panel has a 40,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, which produces deep blacks in darker scenes. Motionflow 120Hz refresh rate technology delivers crisp, clear images while gaming or watching sports and fast-action movies. Additionally, you can connect your camera or USB-enabled MP3 player and view photos or listen to your favorite MP3s. The 32″ Class XBR9 incorporates advanced power saving features and comes with 7 HD inputs (4 HDMI, 2 component and 1 PC) so you can take full advantage of all your HD components. USB – connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to your HDTV’s USB input to view photos on the big screen or listen to your MP3’s BRAVIA Link compatibility expands your HDTV’s capabilities by letting you connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (not included) BRAVIA Sync capability combines the one-touch access and control functionality of BRAVIA Theatre Sync with the ability to control CEC-enabled Sony Handycam(R) camcorders and Cyber-shot(R) digital still cameras using the TV’s remote and an on-screen display 24p True Cinema mode provides a direct connection to 24p video sources, avoiding conversions and allowing you to enjoy films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second) cinematic picture quality In the box – Remote Control Batteries (Type AA x2) AC Power Cord 4 Screws Operating Instructions Quick Setup Guide Warranty Card (limited 1-year parts & labor, Manufacturer) Table Top Stand (separate, pre-assembled) Tuner (Terrestrial) – ATSC Tuner, NTSC Tuner VESA Hole Pitch – 200X200 M6/12-16MM Speakers – 20W (10W X 2) Unit Dimensions – 31 1/2 x 23 x 9 in (798 x 584 x 227mm), 31 1/2 x 21 1/4 x 3 5/8 in (798 x 537 x 89mm) without pedestal

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Sony has fix for backlighting problem in the advanced contrast section.
We were unhappy with this TV and then found that Sony has fixed the back light issue so you can adjust it or turn it off and this has fixed the screen changing from dark to light with different scenes. It was easy to down load this onto a usb memory stick and the TV automatically did the update. The channels seem to change faster also. Here is the web site for downloading it from Sony – just make sure you follow all of the steps and read the info first. They will mail you the update on stick also.

[...]

Darlene

3 Stars No bad…Not Great either!
I’ve been using this TV for about 22 days. Picture is great…I got deeper blacks and sharper colors than i did on my 26 inch samsung.

This TV seriously lacks in features that the older models have such as the xross media bar, ethernet port. Being someone who rarely uses cable, i’ll very much like news feeds from my tv, at my convenience. Sound is terrible…my girlfriend says her polaroid 22 inch has better sound quality, which is true.

So what am i gonna do now? well, i’m going to sell this set or return it amazon, get my money back, add 600 bucks and get the 40xbr7…it might be an older model but i think it’ll better suit my needs

5 Stars State of the art” LCD perfect for bedrooms or anywhere!
I think this Sony XBR9 is simply a perfect LCD TV. It has perfect quality and a vivid and accurate picture.

I saw it in 2 stores and it stands out from the other 32″ TV’s. Not the cheapest on the block but if you want the very best that you can get, this light and outstanding Sony will meet your needs easily.

If you use 1080p resolution you will be able to tell how ultra clear and sharp the image is and its outstanding!

Sony, you have done yourself proud with this baby!

2 Stars XBR9 Not As Good As XBR6
Well as the title of my review states, I didn’t like the xbr9 as good as the xbr6.I bought the xbr6 at Best Buy.I got it home and hooked it up and loved the picture and sound.I also liked the TV Guide feature and the PIP feature.I liked this tv so much that I decided to take it back after a couple of days and get the newer xbr9.This is probably one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made.I didn’t like the sound through the tv speakers as well as the xbr6 and the picture to me was grainer.Well, to make a long story short,I boxed the xbr9 back up and returned it to Best Buy.I was hoping that when I got there the xbr6 that I had bought first was still there.When I walked back in the store, a surge of relief came over me.They hadn’t sold my xbr6 yet.Remember, this was the only xbr6 they had in the whole town because it was an older model.I was so thrilled that I was able to trade my brandnew xbr9 back for my xbr6.When I got it home I started to breathe normally again knowing that I would never lose this model again.I agree with one of the reviewers on the xbr9 that the xbr6 is better.The xbr9 just looked and sounded so much worse in my house at the same exact hook-up place as I was using for the xbr6.Anyway, now I am so thrilled to have things back the way they were before. I made a terrible mistake. Luckily,I was able to undo the mistake I made.I think I thought in my mind that since I liked the xbr6 so much,I would really love the xbr9.Not so.I really thought the grass was greener on the other side but it wasn’t for me.Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-32XBR6 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

5 Stars Great set
Received Sony Lcd in a short amount of time. No problems after was hooked up. Just will have to get used to the short screen as compared to old style TV.

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Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film Negative Photo Scanner 2168B002

The Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner features high-luminance white LED lamps, which means it can scan immediately without warming up. Its simple, streamlined design includes seven simple buttons you use to scan, copy, create emails and multi-page PDFs, and automatically scan with an incredible color resolution–up to 4800 by 9600 dpi. With the CanoScan’s sophisticated retouching technology, you can improve old and precious photos by digitally removing dust and scratches from antique, faded, or otherwise aging prints. The CanoScan 8800F is able to simultaneously scan up to four slides or twelve 35-millimeter frames, using either positives or negatives. In addition, a USB 2.0 interface makes scanning and image transfers faster than ever.

The CanoScan 8800F includes a compact 10.7-by-18.9-by-4-inch design and weighs 9.2 pounds. This flatbed, color, and monochrome scanner is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Mac OSX 10.2.8 through 10.4.x. It includes a CD-ROM with printer driver, setup software, and user’s guide, Adobe Photoshop Elements, ArcSoft PhotoStudio, MP Navigator EX, NewSoft Presto! PageManager (Windows only), and ScanSoft OmniPage SE. In addition, the manufacturer offers a 1-year limited warranty.

What’s in the Box
CanoScan 8800F color scanner, AC adapter, Adobe Photoshop Elements CD-ROM, cross sell sheet, quick start guide, setup software and user’s guide CD-ROM, warranty card, film guides (35-millimeter negative/positive, 35-millimeter negative/positive mounted slides, 120 roll film strip), power cord, and USB cable.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Canon 8800F – Computer Don’t Know It Nohow….
Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Film/Negative/Photo Scanner (2168B002)

Installed software, then tried to scan slides using the ArcPhotoshop. Computer message: does not recognize device. Then tried ME Navigator alternative. Computer does not recognize device. Then tried one-button (on scanner) scan command: Computer does not recognize device. Unloaded software, reloaded software. Computer does not recognize device. Uninstalled driver, re-installed driver from Canon web site. Computer does not recognize device. Unplugged and replugged USB cable into three different USB ports (all work with any other USB device): Computer does not recognize device. Phooey. Got Amazon authorization for return. My life is worth more than this……..

5 Stars So Far So Good
I’ve had this scanner only a few months and have not used all of its functions yet (slides and films). But wow is it fast and accurate in all that I have utilized thus far. The OCR is right on! I will report later on how it functions with slides and films.

3 Stars Scanning multiple pictures
From description it seemed that a feeder would facilitate scanning multiple pictures at once. The process is limited to 4 on the flat bed. Saving as individual pictures is difficult. It could be the way I am scanning however I have not been able to download a friendly user manual to help me with the process.

5 Stars You can’t go wrong
The Canon CanoScan 8800F scanner is one of the best buys on the market. The machine is easy to use and gives outstanding results with the LED lights. Look around and you can get this on sale. The software might take some time to learn but it is not beyond the skill level of the average user. Quality at a good price!

The inserts provided for 35mm film (positive and negative), 35mm slides, prints and 120 film work fine. Unless you are ham-handed you should have no problem with many years of use. The scanner comes with Adobe Elements 5 but you can also use Picasa (free from Google) for all the basic touchups you are most likely to ever need.

A 5 star value!

5 Stars Amazing Scanner!
The Canon 8800F scanner is the best scanner! It met all my expectations and more! It is very fast to scan photos, and you can even scan multiple photos as once. I was impressed with the quality of the scan for both slides and negatives, even handling the old 120 film negatives easily. You can email the photos, create jpgs and pdf’s, and print. The software that comes with the machine is great…you have many choices of how to scan. I would highly recommend this scanner to anyone who is wanting to archive all their old photos, slides, and negatives!

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Samsung LN40B650 40 Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

39.9″ screen (measured diagonally) * widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio * Touch of Color high-gloss finish — black with red accents * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * Ultra Clear LCD panel (1920 x 1080 pixels) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars samsung LN40B650
I have been using the tv for about a month now and the picture is really great. watching a sporting event you can clearly see people in the stands in the background. the remote and navigating around and changing features is pretty easy. I have it connected to a external AVR receiver which is a improvement over the sound from the tv. I also connected to the internet and have these widgets but i haven’t really regured them out yet. I bought it used from warehouse deals and the thing looks and performs like new. I have never had a problem with purchases from warehouse deals. shipping arrived on time and they did basic setup of the tv.

4 Stars I couldn’t leave feedback for an Amazon purchase, This TV
The shipper dropped it off, no set-up, no warranty card. I was wary about buying such an expensive purchase on-line, but the review and price was right. There is a lag with channel changing, but the clarity is great, which made my son happy. I tried contacting amazon, got no responce. Feeling a bit insecure. Hope all goes well with this Samsung. Won’t know what to do in the event of a problem.

5 Stars Beautiful TV
This is a great TV. Beautiful pictures & easy to operate. We enjoy it very much!

5 Stars DLNA- AMAZING!
As you’ve read with the other reviewers the picture quality is great. The ultra clear panel is certainly clear and shows no reflections for my bright room. I’m gonna try to hit up some different points in this review so that way, others can kind of know what i was looking for in a tv.

Gaming-

If you are a SERIOUS gamer, you should NOT get this. I am not a serious gamer. I just play some call of duty or halo when the time permits. Coming out of the box and tweaking some of the settings, i played call of duty over hdmi with a 60gig pro xbox 360, and the controller to tv response was horrible. When i turned on game mode, this really helped the response, however the pic quality did go down a little bit, and you cannot adjust and image qualities because game mode locks it down. Let me add that the game lag is not a choppy lag, its more of a delay, where the images coming into the tv are smooth but are late. So if you are a casual gamer you should be fine…

DLNA- Probably one of the only reasons i got this tv over other models is because of the DLNA feature, this feature is INCREDIBLE. I’ve held out in buying a tv, because the majority of tv i watch is via hulu or downloaded shows. In reading some of the forums on CNET i was worried about compatability of files from divx to avi to mkv. Because of firmware possibilites I chose this tv, and I love my decision. PC Share Manager was simple to set up and to stream. My laptop had no issues connecting and streaming the material, and the system resources it took were hardly noticeable at all (<7 percent). Im running 2 gigs of memory on a Windows XP Toshiba Tecra thats 5 years old, so I’m really impressed. I played files from 480p to 720p, and the 720p mkv files were definitely flawless. The content was hi-def and it looked amazing on the TV. There were no audio lags or video cuts.

Other notes-

-Tv does feature AnyNet, and I bought a used samsung receiver and it works great. When the feature is on, the unit works great and powers off when you turn off your tv. However you have to activate it everytime you turn on the tv. Its not complicated or a hassle, just a little tedious.

-swivel base is amazing, sony and other manufacturers havent figured this out yet

-havent really used the 120 hz, yet, but I havent set my blu-ray up yet, ill update this post as soon as i do..for a really good detailed spec, check out “matt’s” review on the ln46b650, it has color calibration and intensive explanations on the features of this tv. in the meantime, i hope this all helps! For the money and the features, this tv is an AMAZING buy!

5 Stars Best LCD picture but…….
Probably the best LCD on the market. You can read all the specs and reviews from others, they will all tell you the same thing and I agree.

But nothing is perfect. As expected they balked on the speakers, my laptop speakers sound better. You can kid yourself but without a good sound system all the bells and whistles of 1080p and 120mhz visuals are useless. You’ll need to upgrade sound system. I purchased Samsung HT-WS1R Speaker Bar for an extra $300 now the system is complete. What ever you choose, Add that into the cost before-hand.

Touch of red, its dumb. I thought it was an illuminated fixture that lit up the brazel for a red effect. Its actually just red colored plastic that looks cheap in poor light.

ONe more thing, the brazel is very shiny which refects lights from the windows, doors etc. It too is or can be annoying. I wont be buying one of these LCD’s for a long time hopfully, its something I did not think about until after I got it home and hung. They should work on brazels that dont reflect light instead of making them shiny

XBox360 never looked so good and wait to you see something like ice age on this thing, spectacular. I just wish that HDMI cable was not so darned expensive. Heck its just cat 5 with a different adaptor on it.

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Sony Bravia L Series KDL 26L5000 26 Inch 720p LCD HDTV Black

Delivering crisp, clear picture quality, the 26-inch BRAVIA L-Series HDTV provides vivid 720p resolution, a dynamic contrast ratio of 13,000:1 and ample HD connections, including 3 HDMI inputs and 1 PC input. The perfect solution for your bedroom, kitchen or office, the BRAVIA L-Series also includes Dynamic Backlight Control, which automatically controls overall image brightness and reduces power consumption by up to 50 percent. BRAVIA Link compatibility – connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (not included) BRAVIA Sync capability – combines the one-touch access and control functionality of BRAVIA Theatre Sync 24p True Cinema mode provides a direct connection to 24p video sources ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM VESA compatible hole spacing 5.1 Channel Audio Out Dolby Digital Audio Power Output – 16W (8W X 2) Power Consumption (in operation) – 75 W Power Requirements (voltage) – AC 120V In the box – RM-YD028 Remote Control Batteries (AA x2) AC Power Cord (attached) Operating Instructions Quick Setup Guide Warranty Card Pedestal (separate) Screws (4 ea.) for Pedestal Unit Dimensions – 26.75 x 17.125 x 3.75 in, 26.75 x 19.125 x 8.75 in (with pedestal); Weight – 19.2 lbs., 22 lbs. (with pedestal) Manufacturer’s 1-year labor and parts warranty

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Super Picture Quality
If you buy a TV based upon its picture quality compared to others in the group, then this is the set for you. Picture quality is outstanding! It’s a little pricier than many, but then, you get what you pay for. I also like the fact that the bezel is a dull black rather than the gloss black of many other sets (no reflection). It arrived quickly, and nothing was broken. I bought the set to replace an older flat screen I use on the porch. This set is too good to use on a porch – so it’s in my office now.

5 Stars Great Sony Product
Love this Sony T.V. This was a replacement for a 22 yr. old Sony. Wouldn’t purchase any other brand of television!

5 Stars One of life’s little bargains!
At the price you may not at first think of this little SONY as a bargain, but wait until you’ve owned if for a month or so. If you have wasted time trying other, less expensive sets, as many of us have, then you will know what I mean by bargain!

Marvelous picture. Easy to set up and program.Easily moved around. I don’t understand the negative comments about sound. What do you want?….a stereo system or a television set??!

This is a GREAT little television.

4 Stars Quality product, great image
I’m probably not the best person to review a TV set because the only other one I’m thoroughly familiar with is the 25-year-old RCA set that this one replaced.

Anyhow, I’m very happy with the decision. The image is very crisp and clear, and there are numerous input options. I’ve managed to set up three different feeds into the TV: one from the cable box, one from the DVD player, and one direct from an antenna. All of them work well.

If you’re used to an old-fashioned TV set that you just turn on and off and change channels on (as I was), this one may take some getting used to as among various other options you can choose among multiple inputs and decide whether you want the image to be normal-sized, widened, or zoomed.

That is in fact my one quibble, though I’m not sure if it’s the TV’s fault or what: I would like to be able to get an image that takes up as much of the screen real-estate as possible without being stretched in any way, and in some configurations that just doesn’t seem to be possible. Either there’s wasted space around all four edges, or it’s zoomed so that the edges of the image are off the screen.

But all-in-all I’m very satisfied with both the quality and the price.

5 Stars Buy this t.v., you won’t be sorry
I bought this t.v. after getting fed up with my Norcent LCD unit. I love this set! The picture is crystal clear from any angle. It’s super light, and pretty thin too. It was easy to hook up my DVD and Wii, and I have several ports to spare. It comes with a remote that can be used as a universal remote, which is great. The whole thing is just fantastic, and if you’re looking for a t.v. I would say go for this one…you won’t be disappointed!

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American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar Powered Self Powered AM FM Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger Red

Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger – The Eton Microlink is a great portable radio to have around when things are just fine. It performs even better in emergencies. The Microlink is a portable radio and survival device that is ideal to have on hand when you’re roughing it. It also makes a great addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. No plugs or wires are required. Instead, turn the hand crank to power the Microlink, or capture the sun’s energy and run it on solar power. You’ll always know what’s going on, thanks to the AM, FM, and weather bands. You can also tune in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Add the flashlight, the cell phone charger and you’ve got one versatile little device. You’ll be prepared for any emergency, and there’s an added benefit – each radio includes American Red Cross disaster preparedness tips! It’s a perfect radio to take on family picnics, road trips, hikes, or just for fun. Built-in emergency cell-phone charger Earphone jack – 3.5 mm socket Unit Dimensions – 4.96 x 2.36 x 1.81 ; 126 x 60 x 46 mm (W xH x D); Weight – 7.5 oz.; 200 g Accessories – owner’s manual, warranty card, preparedness guide, cell phone charging cord, card for cell phone tip

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Just as described
Haven’t tried the cell phone charger yet, but everything else works just as promised. Radio reception isn’t the best, but for the price? Great gadget – my 10-year-old son loved it as a birthday present and has been using it daily since then. We’ll be taking it camping soon.

4 Stars Self Powered Radio
Have only briefly tested it, but it had good reception and everything appears to work well

2 Stars Outdated cell phone connector
Would have been nice if the cell phone charger fit more recent cell phone models. The cell phone charger slot doesn’t fit Blackberry models or Motorola models.

5 Stars Ohpattigee
I have bought a lot of sub-standard kinetic emergency radios and flashlights under 70 dollars, but mostly 20-50 dollar range. I think everyone should reduce their battery buying, buy energy saving products that are safe and excelant for emergencies.

It’s very hard to find these kind of products that delivery all that for a reasonable price.

I bought this American Red Cross FR150 Microlink and it is MUCH BETTER than all the others in its price range of 30 dollars, from Amazon. Today I am leaving it in my sunny Ohioan window to listen to the radio. I just realized it played all day long on solar power! I tried the flashlight and though it isn’t super bright LED bulb, it is not real weak either. I can go down my dark basement and read the water meter.

Like my other emergency radios I take them out and crank’em to see if they are working well.

OF COURSE IT IS WISE TO ALWAYS TURN OFF WHEN NOT USING.

I have wrecked a couple of Dynamos by not turning off the radio/flashlight…

The crank action seems to be real solid on it, not wimpy like the others I have come across.American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (White)

Unless you have experience tuning into the weather band, a novice might give up trying to tune in on this item or one like it. I used to give up but now I realize it takes practice and patience to find the weather band forecast.

That is about it. If you are looking for something for emergency purposes or an entry level solar product for a small moderate price, I would recommend this FR150

3 Stars Wonderful, but doesn’t hold a charge very well.
I left it in the sun for 7 hours and turned it on but it only played for 20 minutes, I thought it’d have at least 2 hours of play time on it. I had to crank it for 2 minutes then I got about the same amount of playback in comparison to the direct sunlight, so its great if you’re listening to it out in the sun cause it pulls power well. However the crank is the invaluable part to it, if it was solar powered only it wouldn’t be worth 30 cents. Plus the flashlight is great, its bright even in daylight so if you’re looking for a radio/flashlight and dont wanna spend your monies on batteries then get this thing.

It even gets the weather channels that most car radios can’t pick up! Listen to a 3 day forecast or await instructions on how to kill the undead during the apocalypse. I’ll have this thing with me up in the mountains during 2012, so yay judgement day!

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