Video Reviews

I've had this receiver for over 2 years now. It's a great name, with a clean, modern look. Here's what I have to say:

Buy this receiver. I cannot turn the volume up beyond half way without blowing my ears off. (I also have a JBL powered sub-woofer, which I recommend for anyone who is an audio/video enthusiast.)

I can find no flaw with this receiver. I should be able to keep it for 20 years. It has plenty of power, a slew of features a mile long (I still haven't figured out the entire remote control) with on screen programming (that blew me away, being able to adjust the stereo features through a TV menu).

Don't even hesitate to buy it. I bought it new ... and I think I only paid around [money] for it, brand new, including shipping.

The only reason I would not buy this receiver is if your budget allows, and you can buy one of HK's bigger brothers, the AVR-310 or higher. But if you are in the "I think I can justify [money] on a new stereo" this is THE one!!

I thought I had the ultimate home video setup, that is until I bought this receiver. I was blown away within seconds of getting it up and running. Try playing the opening scene of "Twister" on this machine. I wanted to run and hide in a closet! Or try the scene in "Jurassic Park" with the T-Rex's footsteps approaching the stalled jeeps. I kept looking for a T-Rex to come in my den. My mother thought someone was ramming the house. I have my system hooked up with Klipsch surrounds, it is devastating.

I only have one bad thing to say about this receiver and that is the remote. I can't get it to control the majority of my name brand components (but what universal remote does that).

I hope everyone gets a chance to at least hear a good Harmon Kardon system. You would be amazed!

I just picked up one of these beasts. It is awesome. Don't let the power rating fool you. It says 40 watts, but that is over the full 20Hz to 20k Hz, and that isn't peak power, like cheaper recievers tell you. It can drive the speakers at high current without any detectible distortion.

This thing has more inputs and outputs then anything else I have seen, for example. Check out the detailed specs. It will convert s-video in to composite out, which is nice for me, since my tv does not have s-video in.

I love the auto level setup for the speakers, using a pressure sensor on the remote. Incredible.

The remote now controls my tv, dvd player, cablebox and reciever, plus you can set up macros on it, up to 17 steps, you can make it turn on your cable box, reciever, and television with one button, plus turn them off with another.

The On Screen display is nice. The best part for me is that I got it as an open box for $300 at circuit city.

Try it, you'll like it

Intel Home PC Camera / Model #CS331 / Original Retail was $79.99
I have two of these. Intel definitely got it right when they designed this cam, and it's a shame they've discontinued it. This is by far the best USB driven camera I have ever seen. The CCD based (instead of the standard CMOS) optics on this camera are phenomenal, and the video rivals that of my Sony camcorder! Sensitivity & color balance are very good. This cam performs well above average in low light conditions. The video is clear, with no distortion, and does not granulize or pixelate. If you're looking for a top-end USB web cam, try to track one of these down. It will be well worth the effort.

This is the best webcam I've ever had, it has excellent image quality due to its very best optics and CCD sensor. It performed beautifully under all light conditions, and extremely well in low light condition. After I used this webcam, I just dumped my two Logitech webcams ( which have very poor image quality and are junks compared to this Intel webcam)

Inevitably, all computer purchases are dictated by compatibility. This camera /does/ work with Windows 2000. A word from the wise: Do not use the software disc that comes with the camera unless you actually want to do the things that are advertised on the box.

Instead, go directly to the Intel website and download the camera drivers alone. After unpacking the driver file, run the hardware setup as administrator. Now, you can use whatever webcam/pc cam software you want.

Following the above, I had this camera working inside 5 minutes. The Intel drivers increase the camera resolution and refresh rate over those of the default Windows drivers.

The default color balance is a tiny bit off and the USB cord is a bit short. But, overall, it's a fine camera and well worth the money spent over cheaper cameras.

This is the best feels just like the ps2 controllers, no delay, battery life last a very long time it will surprise you, there is no other controller to have if you have a baby in the house its the best just give it a try you'll never go back I'm going back to the store to buy another one hehe

Sure, a little pricey, but worth it. I did some online review hunting and this seemed to be the one to get. Was a little tricky finding it through Amazon's search, not sure why. It's great. Feels nice, substantial but not heavy, buttons don't feel cheap or gimmicky. I'll never go with a cable laden controller again. Never drops out, connection solid. No problems. Battery life is pretty sweet too.

One thing I always hated about game consoles was the constant tripping over tangled wires. Wires intersecting each other, making a mess of things.

Enter the Logitech Cordless Action Controller!! This is without a doubt one of the best controllers I've ever used! The controllers is very well made. The feel of it is very natural in your hands, though slightly different than the original PS2 Dual Shock. There's a nice satin like finish that prevents alot of dirt from your hands from making the controller too slippery. There is literally no notciable lag or delay in the controller's operation. The controllers 2.4 ghz signal ensures that you won't miss any of the action. Every function of the original is reproduced faithfully. Installation is extremely simple. Plug the reciever into your PS2's controller port and simpley press the action button to get a signal. There is also a button on the reciever to make the connection if needed. The battery life (the controller takes two AA batterys) is approximatley 300 hours without the vibration mode and 50 hours with the vibration mode on. A small sacrifice to make for a great product such as this.

I really can't say enough good things about this product. It's great if you have small children in the house especially. No more worrying if they are going to trip and drag the console across the room. In fact this is such a great controller I'm considering buying a second!

If you want to get the very best out of your video equipment, definitely upgrade your cable to Monster cables. We couldn't figure out why our picture on our 52" TV looked so inferior, despite having satellite -- turned out to be nothing more than inferior cables that came with the set! Even if you have new equipment, it may come with cheaply made cables. Monster cables are excellent -- worth every penny! I also bought some to connect one VCR to another when copying tapes. If you have older equipment and aren't happy with the quality of the picture, this is an inexpensive fix! You'll be glad you did it!

I agree with Max. Don't use those inferior cables that come with your DVD player. I just bought a DVD player and immediately got these Monster cables to connect between the TV and DVD. Image quality is the best I can get on my 20" TV, really cool.

I use these cables with my DVD player. I didn't want to spend($) or ($) on just cables! Also, I didn't want the crappy cables that came with my DVD player. If you are using the video cables that came with your DVD player, throw them out! Get these. They are sooo much better. Amazon says these are good for VCRs but you have to have a good VCR to appreciate Monsters.

Anyway, if you don't want to spend a ton of money on cables, and want quality, choose these.

If you want to get the very best out of your video equipment, definitely upgrade your cable to Monster cables. We couldn't figure out why our picture on our 52" TV looked so inferior, despite having satellite -- turned out to be nothing more than inferior cables that came with the set! Even if you have new equipment, it may come with cheaply made cables. Monster cables are excellent -- worth every penny! I also bought some to connect one VCR to another when copying tapes. If you have older equipment and aren't happy with the quality of the picture, this is an inexpensive fix! You'll be glad you did it!

I agree with Max. Don't use those inferior cables that come with your DVD player. I just bought a DVD player and immediately got these Monster cables to connect between the TV and DVD. Image quality is the best I can get on my 20" TV, really cool.

I use these cables with my DVD player. I didn't want to spend($) or ($) on just cables! Also, I didn't want the crappy cables that came with my DVD player. If you are using the video cables that came with your DVD player, throw them out! Get these. They are sooo much better. Amazon says these are good for VCRs but you have to have a good VCR to appreciate Monsters.

Anyway, if you don't want to spend a ton of money on cables, and want quality, choose these.

If you want to get the very best out of your video equipment, definitely upgrade your cable to Monster cables. We couldn't figure out why our picture on our 52" TV looked so inferior, despite having satellite -- turned out to be nothing more than inferior cables that came with the set! Even if you have new equipment, it may come with cheaply made cables. Monster cables are excellent -- worth every penny! I also bought some to connect one VCR to another when copying tapes. If you have older equipment and aren't happy with the quality of the picture, this is an inexpensive fix! You'll be glad you did it!

I agree with Max. Don't use those inferior cables that come with your DVD player. I just bought a DVD player and immediately got these Monster cables to connect between the TV and DVD. Image quality is the best I can get on my 20" TV, really cool.

I use these cables with my DVD player. I didn't want to spend($) or ($) on just cables! Also, I didn't want the crappy cables that came with my DVD player. If you are using the video cables that came with your DVD player, throw them out! Get these. They are sooo much better. Amazon says these are good for VCRs but you have to have a good VCR to appreciate Monsters.

Anyway, if you don't want to spend a ton of money on cables, and want quality, choose these.

This receiver met my specific needs perfectly. My criteria were as follows:

1. Plentiful S-Video Connections
2. Excellent Home Theatre Sound
3. Multi-Room Capability with the ability to drive a different Source into other rooms.
4. Ability to vary amplifier power into Sub-rooms.
5. RF Remote capability
6. Relatively inexpensive

I have a large den with a DISH satellite receiver and a five speaker home theatre set up. Off the den is a patio with outdoor speakers and next door is the kitchen with ceiling mounted speakers. The kitchen and patio are connected to the receiver through a Niles Speaker/Volume box.

Experience with my previous receiver showed that I needed the ability to drive considerably more power to the patio than to the kitchen; if speaker volume was OK in the kitchen, you couldn't hear the patio speakers. Also, if I was in the kitchen or patio, I could not control the receiver because I needed to be in the "Line of Sight" of the IF remote. With these factors in mind, I sought a new receiver.

This JVC fits the bill perfectly. Extremely versatile Home Theatre that has everything I need. Tremendous power to the Surrounds. The Multi-Room capabilities are tremendous and you can drive more than enough power to your Sub-rooms for any application. I LOVE the RF remote. You can sit on the Patio and when the phone rings, you can turn down the volume or change to a different Source. The remote is able to power up and change channels on my DISH receiver and power up my Toshiba TV. Does it all...

I have become a JVC fan and have purchased a JVC SVHS VCR and a JVC DVD player. They are all wired together with COMPLINK. This is an excellent feature that automatically switches from component to component as you hit the Play Button on the front of the respective units (among other things). Sold on it.

My only gripe is with the User Manual which leaves quite a bit to be desired in explaining how to Configure the Initial Settings. JVC makes up for this with an excellent phone support group.

Once you figure it all out, this is a great sounding receiver.

The surround sound is precise, especially in Dolby DTS 6.1. I love the ability to fine-tune the levels on each of the groups of speakers individually with ease, using either the on screen display or the remote. There are more than enough DSP modes to satisfy anyone.

The remote is a bit clunky. And it's LCD is pretty useless unless you are using it in another room to control a second set of speakers. I found the RF to work really well.

I did have a lot of trouble setting up the receiver. The biggest was getting a digital audio signal from my DVD player. This was actually very easy to overcome by changing the output setting on the DVD player.

More importantly figuring out how control all of my equipment through the receiver and how to manipulate the sound output was a bit challenging. After about a day of fooling around it all began to make sense. Now I can get the sound I want from the source I want easily.

The bottom line is be patient and you will be rewarded.

I am a former user of an Onkyo Pro-Logic receiver, where everything is straightforward and volume level is predictable. I got this unit to take advantage of digital dolby on my satellite system. I have been totally baffled by the instructions, and the basic concept of how this receiver works for the last three weeks, two of which have been waiting for it to return from JVC repair where I sent it when I could not get the fiber optic hook ups to work (instructions take careful and deliberate reading on this and everything else), and the volume seemed to go only so high (Not very). This is an important point-volume is asymmetrical-goes up to a high number without much gain-then rockets over the next five-say 70-75.

I got it back dented yesterday with a one liner explaining that "software was re-installed , it was tested and released." Up until this morning, I was despairing that I had blown a wad, and was ready to send it back to the service center. You have to pay the sending postage.

I was finally able to get the fiber-optic hookups to work, (changed the tv hookup from tv to dvd-go figure), and finally located a help number via the service center. This number might be in the book, but I was so spooked by this experience that I didn't think to look. Find this number first before you panic, unless you are a techie which I certainly am not. Anyhow, the ecstasy after the agony is a dramatic improvement in sound and dolby-just like the theater. Bottom line, get it, don't panic, and call for help before you get embroiled.

This TV/VCR combo looks and performs great. The picture's clear and sharp and undistorted. The sound is so great that often I have to turn down the volumn. The only drawback is the cost of the remote control. I bought this as an open box with no remote. So in order to use all the features on either the TV or VCR, like setting the timers, recording at a certain time, having the tv turn on or off automatically and closed caption feature- one can only use the original remote which runs about $40 plus shipping charges. Trust me on this, this weekend I've purchased 3 different "high end" remotes" only to have to return them. Finally, I broke down and contacted a vendor with the original new remote for this model. Other than that, I'm extremely happy so far and can't wait to receive my remote.

My dad bought me this tv about two weeks ago. We have five tv's in our house and this thing is bad. Best picture I've ever seen and the sound is very very good. Great gift for a son or daughter, take it from me.

I bought this TV after hours of comparison shopping on the internet. I was looking for a 20 inch TV with a silver box for my bedroom (I had a 13 inch TV/VCR combo that wasn't cutting it). I first decided on a JVC 20 inch model for ... when I stumbled on this one. For... more, I could get a flat screen and a VCR! I went to the store to look at it in person before I bought it and instantly fell in love with it. The picture quality is excellent and is even better with DVD's. The sound is wonderful and the overall apperance is very classy. The TV also appears to be larger than 20 inches because the screen is flat, not rounded like regular TV's. I took it home and set it up, and have been extremely happy with it ever since. You will not find a Flat Screen TV/VCR on the market for a lower price or better quality. In fact, I comparison shopped Flat Screen TV's too, and you won't find a 20 inch regular TV with no VCR for under this price. It is an excellent TV, with an excellent price and I highly recommend it. Once you watch TV with a Flat Screen, you'll never want to watch a tube TV again!