Video Reviews

Using the component input on your TV can make a huge difference in picture quality, but the differentce between the lower priced monster cables and the most expensive monster cables in not noticeable. Save yourself $50 and buy the cheap ones.

I haven't actually owned these Monster Video 2 Component cables, but I did own the Monster Video 3 Component cables which run for about 100 bux for the same length. If you're going to run all over these cables and pound them with hammers then these cables are wonderful. But if these cables sit quietly behind your audio and video equipment then these cables function as well any other component video cable.

Whether or not you really see a big difference in picture quality will depend on your setup. For example, my TV is a JVC rear projection that upconverts all video to 1080i so that the use of component connections at 480p is not a very big difference in picture quality. And of course your dvd player should have progressive scanning if you want to capitalize on the benefits of component connections to begin with. Also, having the same manufacturer for your TV and DVD player tends to yield better results in general.

The point being that all of these others factors and more will determine the quality of your video much more so than any 'special' cables. The cables do no work, they are just a medium that signals must pass through. Hence, the better cables are the ones that preserve the 75 ohm signal without distortion. But this is precisely the problem with ALL component cables that use RCA interconnects. The physics of the RCA connection do not allow for the ideal 75 ohms to pass through unmolested by interference, regardless of how great the cable is or how much it costs. In fact, the implementation of RCA interconnects was never intended for video use. It began as an audio solution and manufacturers gradually implemented it instead of the BNC interconnect because of cheaper costs and user familiarity.

In the end, I don't think these more expensive cables make a noticable difference in performance. For that matter, I don't see why people prefer to use toslink (optical) over digital coaxial. The toslink is much more unstable and sensitive to movement even though it's not susceptible to electrical interference since it uses light (but using light also requires the hardware to do more work in translating the signal). Point being that the audio quality is identical, but the toslink just costs more. Here again, the cable is not 'special', it only acts as a medium for signals to pass through, your actual equipment does all the work. So the ultimate question: Is it justifiable to spend so much more money on these high-end cables? Sure it is, in the same way some people choose to buy a Rolex over a Timex.

These cables are the bomb! I could totaly tell a difference in the picture quality. If you want a good home theather system then ya gotta get these cables. You will love them like i do. It was cool

Big Truck

Using the component input on your TV can make a huge difference in picture quality, but the differentce between the lower priced monster cables and the most expensive monster cables in not noticeable. Save yourself $50 and buy the cheap ones.

I haven't actually owned these Monster Video 2 Component cables, but I did own the Monster Video 3 Component cables which run for about 100 bux for the same length. If you're going to run all over these cables and pound them with hammers then these cables are wonderful. But if these cables sit quietly behind your audio and video equipment then these cables function as well any other component video cable.

Whether or not you really see a big difference in picture quality will depend on your setup. For example, my TV is a JVC rear projection that upconverts all video to 1080i so that the use of component connections at 480p is not a very big difference in picture quality. And of course your dvd player should have progressive scanning if you want to capitalize on the benefits of component connections to begin with. Also, having the same manufacturer for your TV and DVD player tends to yield better results in general.

The point being that all of these others factors and more will determine the quality of your video much more so than any 'special' cables. The cables do no work, they are just a medium that signals must pass through. Hence, the better cables are the ones that preserve the 75 ohm signal without distortion. But this is precisely the problem with ALL component cables that use RCA interconnects. The physics of the RCA connection do not allow for the ideal 75 ohms to pass through unmolested by interference, regardless of how great the cable is or how much it costs. In fact, the implementation of RCA interconnects was never intended for video use. It began as an audio solution and manufacturers gradually implemented it instead of the BNC interconnect because of cheaper costs and user familiarity.

In the end, I don't think these more expensive cables make a noticable difference in performance. For that matter, I don't see why people prefer to use toslink (optical) over digital coaxial. The toslink is much more unstable and sensitive to movement even though it's not susceptible to electrical interference since it uses light (but using light also requires the hardware to do more work in translating the signal). Point being that the audio quality is identical, but the toslink just costs more. Here again, the cable is not 'special', it only acts as a medium for signals to pass through, your actual equipment does all the work. So the ultimate question: Is it justifiable to spend so much more money on these high-end cables? Sure it is, in the same way some people choose to buy a Rolex over a Timex.

These cables are the bomb! I could totaly tell a difference in the picture quality. If you want a good home theather system then ya gotta get these cables. You will love them like i do. It was cool

Big Truck

I am a Sony fan, generally, and even own some Sony stock, but not based upon my experience with this unit! Four months after receiving it, the hard drive failed, and I had to send it back to Sony for repairs (at about $90 and had to pay shipping!). It was sent back and worked fine. Now, 5 months later, same problem!

We also have another TIVO recorder and have had no problems. I do not recommend this player!

I previously reviewed this at 5 stars, but there is a huge problem due to the fact that this is a sony unit and tivo software.

Whenever you have a problem with the TIVo in anyway, you must first decide who to call. If it is a hardware problem you call SONY to get it fixed. If it is a software problem you call TIVO to get it fixed. This is only a slight problem. Yes it would be better if you call the same number everytime, but it really isn't a big deal. The big problem lies whenever you have a SOFTWARE problem. TIVO will ALWAYS try and pass the buck off to SONY. Their customer support is awful, and sony customer support is much better. However just because Sony has better support doesn't mean they have the know how to take care of software problems that occur with the TIVO service.

I would much prefer for someone else (like SONY) to provide the software and service to this unit. It doesn't look like this is ever going to happen so you are stuck with the TIVO service.

My advice to anyone having problems is this:
It shouldn't be too difficult to figure out if it is hardware or software. If it doesn't even turn on (for example) it is a hardware problem. If it is a software problem call TIVO. The number isn't available anywhere at www.tivo.com because they want you to call sony first. Sony is aware of this, so it is easier to get the number from www.sony.com or the number listed for sony at www.tivo.com. Once you get tivo's number, it will be difficult getting a live operator because they want you to get your questions answered in the FAQ section. Once you get to talk to someone at tivo (wait is only about 5 minutes) they will put you on hold and come back on the line and say something like "I just talked to my supervisor and he/she told me it was a hardware problem and you need to call sony". Insist that it is a software problem, you will then be placed on hold for a tivo technical assistant (this is who you want). Generally you will be on hold for 45 to 60 minutes. Once you get to talk to them, they will be able to help you. The only difficulty is getting them on the phone because they do not have a direct number and anyone else will refer you to sony.

SONY SVR-3000 = 5 stars
TIVO SERVICE = 1 stars
overall = 3 stars

I can't imagine watching TV the old way. The unit works perfectly and I highly recommend it. It's my favorite gadget!

To anyone who thinks that this card allows you to capture analog video from your VCR, DVD or TV, think again! This is simply a Firewire interface for your PC; it does not have analog inputs for audio/video and does not perform analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion.

It's hard to believe this FireWire card is less than $50, and comes with PC Magazine's top-rated consumer video editor: Ulead VideoStudio. I've used a lot of video editors and it has the best combination of power and usability.

For the price, i was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this little package. I have a relatively old computer - p3 500 w/ 192mb ram, and a 16mb voodoo3 video card - all on windows 98.
The card installation was a breeze, and the installed software was great. I had my first movie made in two days.
I've used this for a month now w/ no complaints. Highly recommend it.

Several years ago we'd purchased TV/VCR combo, based on our past experience with the brand name. Boy, what a mistake. Their quality had apparently gone downhill and we didn't have a clue. In fact, we were so disgusted with having the VCR part repaired every year we decided to buy a regular VCR and hook that up to the combo, instead.

This time I consulted Consumer Reports, where I discovered in a pretty recent article that Panasonic and its brand Quasar were among the top brands for not needing repairs. This specific model was rated in the article also, and I was happy to find it here on Amazon at a discount.

The VCR was easy to hook up. The instruction manual gives clear directions for many varieties of hook-ups needed (stereo, mono, cable with a box, without a box, etc.) They even give an 800-number to call for help if you need it. But installation was so easy, there was no need.

I haven't noticed any noise problem. Unless you are playing a tape at very low volume so as not to disturb someone, you would not hear it running at all. Be prepared when you rewind, though--it sounds like it's going to take off!

It's got all the options you want: Hi-Fi stereo, SP, LP & SLP, timer, remote, indexing, search, commercial skip, the list goes on and on. At this price you'll be hard pressed to find another VCR of this quality.

Many VCR's today weigh 1 pound, have a plastic case and feel like they could crumple in your hand. Not this one. Sure, it's not as heavy as the VCR from '86 it's replacing, but it weighs in, and for those who know weight means everything in electronics, you know what I'm talking about.

Great picture and great sound. Full featured Universal Remote. Other reviews complained this unit was noisy, not mine. The only time I notice sound is during FF or RW on high speed. During playback and record it's unnoticable.

For the price, it's 5 stars!

As most of you know, Quasar is made by Panasonic. I've always been a fan of Panasonic stuff....its mechanically more reliable than any other brand. And Panasonic makes stuff thats technologically superior. Well, at first I was a little iffy about buying this VCR as "Quasar" is suppose to be a low end subsidary of Panasonic. But at its really low price, I decided to take my chance. Since I have been using it, all I can say is its simply an awesome machine at its price!! There is no annoying noise from the machine like what the past reviewers have said. And the remote works just fine, and being Universal is a plus. Well, you might as well re-badge this VCR as a "Panasonic". Its design looks identical to other lower end Panasonic VCRs, and definitely performs like one too! Even down to the remote control, its the same exact one that comes with Panasonic VCRs (with the Quasar name on it instead of course). The identical remote control is not a big deal, but I just wanted to emphasize how similiar a Quasar is to a Panasonic. If you're in the market looking for a lower end HiFi Stereo PANASONIC vcr, don't bother buying it. Get this QUASAR instead. Its practically the same thing as a real Panasonic....its quality and its features. I love Panasonic stuff, but this "Quasar" rebadging looks more like a marketing scheme to me. Oh well, it saves me more money buying a "Quasar" than buying one of their VCRs with the "Panasonic" badge. Don't let the QUASAR badge on this VCR fool you. It works just like a real PANASONIC.

The Targus Defcon fingerprint security device itself is works fine. However, the SecureSuite 3.1 software that comes with it suffers from a number of bugs and inconveniences:

1) It does not work with Windows XP
2) It hangs the MS Internet Explorer when accessesing a page with two password fields.
3) It does not support network user accounts, only local logons.
4) It makes attaching to network file and print shares troublesome.

These problems make the device unusable in many typical workplace or home networking environments.

Supposedly there is a software package available free from Targus to provide security for Windows XP. However, the version of SecureSuite (3.5) that reportedly resolves the above problems for Windows 2000 users is not yet available from Targus.

My advice: Don't buy this device until it comes with software that works in real-world computing environments.

this is officially one of the coolest things i've seen in a while, but my obscure mind begs a question...

what if you had a twin? identical, same fingerprints? i know, odds are against it, but think about it! sensitive data and an evil twin... this worries me.

On a direct comparison of Biometric Capture Devices for finger prints this is the best that I have used, and I use many.

The advantages of this device are:
1. Faster than the older/larger chipset.
2. Convienient USB hub so that you don't loose a port for a device you use only to logon and unlock.
3. Easier to get used to than other finger print devices (print placement).
4. easer to use on any of your ten fingers, as with a bio enabled mouse you may find that you can only easily use your right thumb.

My recomendation though is not to use the software bundled with the device, but to get SAFsolution Enterprise Eddition SAFlink Co. (OTC:BB-SFLK) and use that, as it works for local and network accounts, and can be centrally deployed for domain wide security.

The Targus Defcon fingerprint security device itself is works fine. However, the SecureSuite 3.1 software that comes with it suffers from a number of bugs and inconveniences:

1) It does not work with Windows XP
2) It hangs the MS Internet Explorer when accessesing a page with two password fields.
3) It does not support network user accounts, only local logons.
4) It makes attaching to network file and print shares troublesome.

These problems make the device unusable in many typical workplace or home networking environments.

Supposedly there is a software package available free from Targus to provide security for Windows XP. However, the version of SecureSuite (3.5) that reportedly resolves the above problems for Windows 2000 users is not yet available from Targus.

My advice: Don't buy this device until it comes with software that works in real-world computing environments.

this is officially one of the coolest things i've seen in a while, but my obscure mind begs a question...

what if you had a twin? identical, same fingerprints? i know, odds are against it, but think about it! sensitive data and an evil twin... this worries me.

On a direct comparison of Biometric Capture Devices for finger prints this is the best that I have used, and I use many.

The advantages of this device are:
1. Faster than the older/larger chipset.
2. Convienient USB hub so that you don't loose a port for a device you use only to logon and unlock.
3. Easier to get used to than other finger print devices (print placement).
4. easer to use on any of your ten fingers, as with a bio enabled mouse you may find that you can only easily use your right thumb.

My recomendation though is not to use the software bundled with the device, but to get SAFsolution Enterprise Eddition SAFlink Co. (OTC:BB-SFLK) and use that, as it works for local and network accounts, and can be centrally deployed for domain wide security.

This combo unit performed as advertised for about 9 months. Unfortunately the video output for the DVD player just died. I can hear my DVDs, but not see them through either standard or S-Video output.

So I'm back on Amazon looking for the next unit. Not going to go the combo route this time. I'm hoping the durability will be better with a 'dedicated' DVD player.

I'm very satisfied with this combo. As others have said, the picture quality of both DVD and VCR is excellent. On the VCR/TV side of things, most units offer SVideo out but not input. This is one of the few that offers this (in addition to composite and RF). So, I have my digital cable TV box connected via SVideo, then SVideo out on the JVC unit connects to my HD-ready TV. Then, component out to the TV as well. With progressive scan turned off, I can watch DVD, VCR, or cable TV on SVideo, and just DVD on component. With PS turned on, DVD can only be watched on component and SVideo is only used for VCR or TV viewing. The only drawback using the SVideo input from cable TV is that the unit needs to be turned on in order to view cable TV. It doesn't pass through the signals if it is turned off. A small price to pay for best quality viewing.

This unit features S-Video inputs along with the usual composite inputs on both the front and back panel. The output also includes S-Video. There are component and digital outputs, but these only work with the DVD. The ability to play VHS on the S-Video output is an unusual feature, and was the reason I purchased this unit. So far I am delighted.

Unlike a DVD, VHS video is a composite signal. To convert it to the separate signals required by S-Video requires an expensive "comb filter". Comb filters are generally omitted from VCR's and A/V receivers because of their cost, and because they are critical to picture quality. So I used to run both S-Video and composite video to my TV and switch channels on the TV.

My new setup has S-Video from satellite TV to the JVC, and S-Video to the TV. I never touch the TV and don't need its remote because the JVC remote controls its power and volume. To play a DVD or VHS I just push "play". If I do neither, I get TV. Everything just works.

I do have a slight complaint. When I plugged everything in, I got sound but no picture. It turns out that you must choose between composite or S-Video inputs via a menu selection. I feel this should have been explained on page 15 of the manual where it describes S-Video connections. If you have this problem, refer to page 79, and choose S-Video for the rear input.

The feature set seems very extensive to me. In particular the unit displays JPEG images and plays WMA and MP3 audio from regular CD-R's. But I find I seldom use fancy features. Sound and picture quality are excellent.

In summary, this is the unit to buy if you have a TV with S-Video inputs, or an A/V receiver lacking a comb filter or fancy switching. If you are running composite video or (gasp) RF, the extra money for this unit will be wasted.

We bought this VCR and have been using it since 2001, to add to the other comments, the feature I like the best, is you don't have to hit Power-off to get a program recorded, any VCR I owned previously would not do so unless it was turned off. This one, it goes as long as you're not playing a tape or already recording something. Good for living with people without a appreciation for electronics, or a basic understanding, basically it'll record as long as you have enough room on the tape. Believe me, this is important livingwith somebody who's scared of the Cd player.

I dont know what I'm missing but I have no idea why anyone would spend more money than this for a VCR. This does everything I could think of (well no VCR+ - but do you really need that?). It is small, plays great, is quiet and has nice sound. If you need a VCR just buy this one and be done with it.

This one really does rewind fast! I have not had any problems with this VCR at all. I own one myself, and I just bought one for my daughter for her birthday, and I'm sure she'll like being able to rewind it so fast. Now she doesn't have to wait as long to see her favorite video.

I previously purchased a VisionTek Ti500 for $400 when it first came out.

Within a few months, the fan failed and the card overheated. Rather then send me an RMA, they sent me a new fan without any instructions on how to replace it - it was no straightforward and the install chipped a ceramic on the board.

They replaced it with another card whose heatsink simply fell off of the card.

When I requested an RMA, they said that VisionTek had gone bankrupt and that they were the new VisionTek who was not required to honor the warranty. They offered me an upgrade option with several cards - all but one resulted in a higher price for the upgrade then to buy the card at Best Buy.

I offered them to exchange me their lowest-priced upgrade card, which would have cost me $40 (mind you, my original card was $400), or I would escalate and FedEx the company CEO at the following address:

Hartford Computer group, 1610 Colonial Parkway, Inverness, IL 60067

and post my experience on online store reviews.

They failed to respond in 2 days, so here is the result.

Please note that I am neither advising or dissuading anyone from buying their cards, but simply posting a truthful and unbiased account of my experience with VisionTek.

I've been a consistent ATI graphics card user from "way back", since the old ISA based VGA Wonder and Graphics Ultra Pro days, circa 1988. ATI has never let me down in reliability, compatibility, and sheer performance. ATI's video chipsets always seem to be the best and most stable performers on the market. I purchased the Radeon 9800 Pro card as a replacement to a newly purchased Radeon 9700 Pro, which is now running top notch in my wife's Athlon 64 3200+ machine. The Radeon 9800 Pro's AGP 8x interface and Direct 9.0 compatibility makes this graphics card a top-notch graphics and gaming performer. The card has its own power plug instead of drawing power from the AGP slot, the first such setup I've seen. When I saw that, I knew I was on to something special in performance. The graphics board is an outstanding performer and the drivers seem compatible with all my software under Win 2000. MPEGS, streaming video, web browsing, scanning and modifying JPEGS, and games just seem to fly around the screen. I plan to buy a 3-D game soon and check out that aspect of the card's performance. I did have some problems loading ATI's Linux Redhat drivers for the card. Redhat natively sees the card as something entirely different (VESA graphics card, 128 Mb). But the card works just fine in Linux, in spite of not having dedicated drivers, so it's not a big deal to me right now.

Its amazing how the nvidia fans jump on here and knock the Radeon Series. I bought this card when it first came out. Smokes nvidia in image quality, and yes I tried the 5900 Ultra, the FX cards are no more than a hopped up GF 4 Ti with DX 9 capabilities..the funny thing is, Half Life 2 wont be able to use AA and AF with the FX line....LOL. Get a grip. Radeon = Mature Adults that like great picture quality. Nvidia = Kids that like the little butterfly on nvidias web site. 8)