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

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 have been using this camcorder little over than 1 year. This has great features especially optical and digital zoom. Never used EIS, MagicVu features but I am sure I will someday. Easy accessibility to the DV cassette (to remove and replace). Ergonomic features like zoom, record buttons. Blank search is really helpful. Memory card that comes with the cam is useless and also the pictures are not that good. Have to buy i.Link interface cable to transfer videos to Pc as its taking too long with USB cable. Battety life is less but you have to buy a spare one. Overall this camcorder is a good one and worth to buy than a Sony which has less features for the same price.

I got a good deal on this minidv. I got it from CompUSA for $199 it was a demo and their last model. I compared it to sony trv 19,22, jvc, canon zr series and optura 10. I like the way that the panasonic feels. It feels like consideration of was put into this camcorder as to how it would fit in the hand. The videos look absolutly great, colors are vibrant. The ZOOM MIC works really well and helps the sound too. It has MAGICVU whiich it their version of nightvision. It works wonderful. You can see at night. It is equal if not better than sony's nightvison. Only one problem. The MAGICVU button is on the side of the lense. I thought it was in a akward place.
There are a few accessories that are avaliable for it like, 2x telephoto lense $45, batteries from 75min 9.5 hours. I picked up a 75 min battery for $32 at walmart. The 9.5 hour battery is $95 at walmart and other online stores, additional lighting is avaliable and expensive from $69-$229. Since mine didn't have a charger, I picked that up at best buy for $49.99. The camcorder is awsome. I recommend it to everyone

Batteries,accessories and disks still hard to find. Product works well. Disk and card option neat for quick computer interface. Simple controls, PHd not rquired. Pricey but seems to have the bells to be worth it. Small DVD's a plus. Fast recording speed. No negatives.

I have a dell 600sc (a server machine). The ATI install
program either (I tried about 4 diffrent version, on the CD
and their web site)
1) hung the machine hard (had to reset)
2) complained I wasn't the administrator (I was)
3) ran for a little bit and then terminated doing nothing

I tried it in a gateway 6400 (another server machine) and it
seems to work.

All times I tried it with windows xp -- eventually I'll use linux but I like to try out boards with the "vendor supplied"
software -- ATI may be the exeception to that rule.

On dells web site in the customer forums, I read about others who had the same problem...

No, not everyone can afford a nice beefy graphics card to show off at the LAN party, and sometimes we can't even afford a computer with an AGP slot inside it. In which case, this card ought to fill up one of your PCI slots nicely.

The graphics boost is what you'd expect. But you know how these things are with computers - this card will be a proverbial goliath in less than a year. In the meantime, it should be enough to let you play graphic-intensive games with all your buddies until you've saved enough money for your next upgrade.

Having video input and output is nice. Since I can run wires to the back of TV, my computer serves as the de-facto DVD player of the house. The inputs are useful to friends with camcorders - though I personally haven't had much use for them.

But you know, it's nice to be able to watch my favorite shows on my own when the group concensus won't let me do so on the normal TV. Why pay for Tivo when you've got all of the same functionality right here? Just be sure you have ample hard drive space while you're recording (sadly, the included software won't let you record your shows straight to DivX).

Bottom line, it's not the greatest when it comes to just the graphics, but it'll certainly get the job done, and it'll do it with enough nice quirks to leave you feeling oddly satisfied with your purchase.

If you are looking for a PCI graphic card with TV option, your search should stop here. This ATI AIW 64MB PCI card was a perfect solution for my Dell dimension 2400 XP home (it doesn't have AGP). First, I disabled my integrated display- installed the card- and the program/driver from the included CD (I didn't have to download from ATI), and I was watching TV on my computer in no time, and I love the GUIDE PLUS+ feature where you can click the TV program guide to select channels!! I'm sure there are plenty of powerful graphic cards out there for hardcore gamers, but this one does the job for me perfectly.

I don't own this, but I read the specs. Anyway, with no S-Video, you won't get the best results possible from DVDs, but keep in mind that if your TV is more than 3 years old, you probably couldn't use it anyway. Look for a black input with 6 holes right near to your A/V inputs. If it's there, you DON'T want this reciever. You might also want to count your sources. If you have more than 3 (count your TV, VCR, DVD, MD, Tape, Satellite, etc.) you can't use this.

I have every component plugged into this thing, dvd, cd, tape, tv, vcr. i like how it automatically switches the output to the tv based on the component you select. digital connections allow me to use coax, or optical for dvd, giving a very crisp picture and sound. one issue that i've found is that if you turn it on to DVD mode, then turn on your dvd player and start a dvd, it will not play through the system. if you turn the dvd player on first, then the HK, everything works ok. (may be specific to the COAX connection). the system has two coax inputs for multiple types of components. the front of the system is vintage HK. very slick look, not too many buttons, very crisp and clear LEDs. as with many of the other reviews, i agree that you will probably never turn the volume knob up past half way...it pumps out a lot of power to multi-speaker systems.

Beware that the AVR 100, while excellent at audio processing, lacks a Phono input (for those who still care), and lacks the ability to record one thing to VCR while watching another. Both of these features were removed when H/K moved from the 5 series to the hundred series. It also lacks S-video inputs/outputs.

This Panasonic DVD/digital video recorder is great! I haven't had the problem described (concerning the TV guide feature)--but note that this feature only works with the cable directly attached to the unit (cannot be hooked up to a digital cable box). The TV guide feature does not work with satellite either. TV guide feature is awesome...and you don't need a phone line (like TIVO). See epinions.com for my expanded review http://www.epinions.com/content_143539670660

Best thing since sliced bread. No idea why other reviewers whinge and whine. Granted the TV guide feature does not include ALL channels, but that is not the fault of the hardware; more likely a channel or cable supplier specific shortcoming. Of course, then you have to spend 5 seconds more on the recorder set up!
Although I am not an avid TV viewer (life is too bloody short) this device has ensured recording of sporting events and quality movies/dramas (etc. - add as appropriate) a breeze.

After our 8 year old DVD player finally began to have problems, I decided to get this DVD recorder despite my fears of quirky behavior in fairly new technology. All my fears were unfounded, and I love this new piece of electronics. For us cheap guys with just basic cable, the TV Guide feature worked immediately to provide us with both great show info and great ease of recording shows. It's just as easy to watch the recordings, and the DVD player quality is wonderful with our home theater setup. I highly recommend this Panasonic to anyone who can afford the price (nicely improved upon by Amazon, of course).

I am quite happy with the performance of this VCR. The VCR's display is visible from all over the room and programming is quite simple. The remote's buttons are very small and recessed, making them a little hard to push, but I do find that it keeps buttons from getting pushed by mistake if one of my cats steps on it (unlike my other remotes with large, flush or raised buttons).

The only complaint I have for this product is the manual. There is sufficient information to hook up and run it, but barely. For someone who is purchasing this item as their very first VCR, it would not have enough information - fortunately for me, I have owned quite a few VCR's prior to this one.

All in all, for the price, this VCR has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. It is a great value considering its features!

Very happy with this product -- easy to use, QUIET, and easy to see from across the room.

I have had other VCRs but non of them have the features that this one has. the feature that I like is the one in which you can press power then stop and it will stop the progress of the programed recording. One of the other features I like is you can press rew then power and the VCR will shut off after it gets done rewinding.
One of the features I do not like is VCR plus+ because you have to use the tv guide to get the numbers and you have to change that number for ever time and channel that show is on. what I wanted it to do is you tell it the show and it records it no matter if the channel that show is on changes or the time that it is on.

I previously ordered two of these units and wrote a review. Both were badly damaged, but one was salvagable. The other I had to return, after it overheated and emitted a noxious odor. I decided to take a chance and order another unit this month (goal was to have total of two working units), hoping that whatever warehouse or shipping issues that resulted in previous damage had been resolved. They weren't. This unit also came with crushed top and wheels. Until the manufacturer comes up with a better way to ship these heavy beasts, not worth it.

The Xpower 1500 is a good backup system as it has eveything you need in a convenient handtruck (the batteries are heavy).
Unfortunately the 61 Amphr batteries don't last that long. Adding a 100Ahr battery which you can easily be connected to the xPower make for a nice system which will get you thru a few days of blackout.

I HAVE TWO XPOWER 1500 UNITS . THEY WORK AS ADVERTISED, EACH UNIT WILL RUN A REFRIGERATOR FOR OVER TWO HOURS DURING A POWER OUTAGE. THEY WILL START A SKILLSAW WHEN FULLY CHARGED.
THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD, ONE OF THE CHARGERS WILL NOT CUT OFF AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED.
A QUALITY PRODUCT, BUT NEEDS TO HAVE MORE RESERVE (BATTERY AMPS) FOR LONGER SERVICE. GREAT IDEA.

I actually ordered one a few months ago for about $$$ bucks as B stock from the Harman Kardon site. Prompt shipping. Tried to break it in for a few days, but unfortunately the unit sounded very hissy to me. For somebody who wants to fill a house with big bass though (PLEASE don't annoy neighbors in an apartment building with rocking the walls!) this may be ok. This receiver is very powerful, easy to use, and has a punch, but is not audiophile grade in the midrange and treble. It almost seemed to produce ghost images in the sound, akin to a fuzzy TV picture. To be fair though, maybe that is why the one I had ended up in the cheap B stock bin?? HK was very nice, gave me a paid shipping authorization, and refunded quickly. Listen to it in store before buying. Just because my spoiled ears didn't like it, doesn't mean you won't like it.

I owned a Harman/Kardon home stereo system for 5+ years and it's given me great performance. I believe their receivers are some of the best on the market (must be the 'high current amplifier design'). When I had to replace the CD changer due to a burnt-out & irreplaceable remote sensor, I decided to upgrade the whole system. I almost went with one of the AVR series of Harman/Kardon receivers, digitally designed for home theater systems. But if you're like me, you buy a home stereo to listen to great MUSIC, not heartstopping explosion SOUND EFFECTS on the soundtrack to some hokey Hollywood action/adventure flick in surround-sound (Whoop dee doo...) I decided instead to go for one of their oldfashioned stereo two-channel receivers (when I grow three more ears I'll think about getting a five-speaker surround-sound setup). This is the lesser (in terms of wattage output) of their two stereo models, ideal for my one-room studio apartment. Wow! The sound is even brighter & clearer (more presence) than on my older HK receiver (using FM stereo broadcasts as a basis for comparison). And lots of attractive added features, like PHONO inputs, SUBWOOFER line outputs, jacks for TWO tape decks plus auxiliary, versatile FM-programming preset functions, sleep timer, and a beautiful illuminated front-panel display and control layout. This unit is a beauty. One thing worth mentioning: my older HK receiver was rated at 40 watts per channel and was WAY louder than this unit which is paradoxically rated at 70 watts per channel. I live in a tiny apartment so I don't need earsplitting volume, but don't be fooled by numbers...

I've got my hk3370 for 2years, what i can say about it it's just great. some of reviewers have objections on sound quality, it is a metter of taste, but i find it nearly perfect. I have following system: HK 3370 reciver; harman/kardon DVD 25; Infinity alpha 50 (i use be-wiring); powered subwoofer 12" JBL.(room 40 m2)
some of my friends have a good audio systems like BOSE lifestyle 12; B & O;Nakamichi. i can say proudly that my system's sound quality is not the last.(as to the bass, it beats them)
may be the reason is that all my equipment are from one HARMAN family and are very very very well matched. in short, I am setisfide with my HK .

happy listening