Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player

Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player Review



Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player Feature

  • 400-disc mega DVD and SACD changer; measures 17 x 7.8 x 21.1 inches (WxHxD)
  • Up-converts video to high-definition (1080i/720p) resolution
  • Compatible with SACD, DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG, CD-RW/-R, VCD and SVCD formats
  • Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 component, 2 S-Video, 2 composite, 1 coaxial audio, 1 optical audio, 1 multi-channel
  • Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel output
Amazon.com Product Description Conveniently store your entire DVD library (or all your favorite CDs and Super Audio CDs) in the Sony DVPCX995V 400-disc, progressive scan Mega Changer--the perfect tool for organizing your media library as well as providing extraodinary high definition sound and video to your home theater. It up-scales video to high-definition (1080i/720p) resolution and transmits high quality audio through a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). It also features a redesigned Disc Explorer on-screen graphic interface, providing intuitive and easy access to the expansive disc library. With the ability to conveniently house and sort through 400 media discs, this cool player can eliminate the need for racks and racks of CD and DVD storage.

Picture of DVD-to-TV communication It features Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channel outputs, and also offers coaxial and optical digital outputs. It's compatible with DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG, CD-RW/-R, VCD and SVCD formats--so it can play just about any disc you have from movies and video to music. Other convenience features include multi-disc resume (40 discs), custom parental controls (on all 400 discs), playback memory (400 discs), background graphics that display on your TV while music plays, and a multi-brand remote control.

Tech Talk
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface).
This is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV or monitor.
Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive. This feature detects image changes at the pixel level versus other types that detect image changes at the scan line level. Separate algorithms are used to process the moving and still parts of an image to achieve sharper backgrounds and moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.
SACD (Super Audio CD). Super Audio CD is a high-quality audio disc standard in which music is recorded in the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format (where conventional CDs are recorded in the PCM format). Using a sampling frequency 64 times higher than PCM and with 1-bit quantization, the DSD format provides both a wide frequency range and a wide dynamic range across the audible frequency range, providing music reproduction that's extremely faithful to the original source.

Sony's 3:2 Reverse Pulldown

DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 reverse pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture. Composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.

Picture comparing film and video frames

Film and video use different numbers of frames
Conversion from 24 frames to 60 frames can cause motion blur, horizontal lines that flicker on and off, or an unnatural shimmer.

Picture showing standard 3-2 pulldown

3-2 pulldown
The traditional method for converting film images to video for television: Take one film frame and split it into three video frames. Then take another film frame and split it into two video frames. The video frames are classified as odd or even.

DVD players and other electronics then take the 60-frames-per-second video, and send it to a TV for viewing.

Picture showing Sony 3-2 reverse pulldown

3-2 reverse conversion
The process of converting 3-2 video back to movie-quality images at 24 frames per second. This allows the DVD player to combine the correct film frames, reproducing the film's original picture quality and texture.

Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive technology

Precision Cinema Progressive technology uses a 12-bit video DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with high-bandwidth, 108 MHz processing to detect image changes at the pixel level, rather than at the level of whole scan lines. That makes this player's picture more faithful to the source--whether film or video--because it uses separate, optimized algorithms to handle different pixel behaviors. Separate algorithms are also used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.

Picture showing pixel-by-pixel conversion     

Picture showing example of pixel-by-pixel conversion

What's in the Box
DVPCX995V DVD player, remote control, batteries, AV cord, printed instructions Simplify your life and manage your entire DVD and CD collection in one place with the DVP-CX995V mega-changer. This 400-disc DVD/CD/Super-Audio CD (SA-CD) changer is not only the perfect media storage device, it also provides excellent video and audio performance, with video upscaling to high definition (1080i/720p) resolution and high quality audio transmission through an HDMI connection. It features Precision Cinema Progressive circuitry, Dolby Digital and dts 5.1 channel outputs and compatibility with DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG , CD-RW/-R, VCD and SVCD playback.


Monday, November 28, 2011

Sony DVP-CX985V 400 Disc Progressive DVD / SACD Player

Sony DVP-CX985V 400 Disc Progressive DVD / SACD Player Review



Sony DVP-CX985V 400 Disc Progressive DVD / SACD Player Feature

  • Progressive-scan DVD player, compatible with DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, SACD (Super Audio CD), and CD-R/RW discs with CD and MP3 audio
  • 400-disc changer holds your entire movie and music library; find your favorites with DiscExplorer onscreen management
  • Connections include component, composite, optical, and coaxial
  • High-speed 108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter; Dolby Digital and DTS output
  • Measures 17 x 7.4 x 21.1 inches (W x H x D)
Store your collection of DVD movies and audio CDs in Sony's DVP-CX985V progressive-scan DVD/SACD player, and they'll just be ready for playback at a moment's notice. The DVP-CX985V multiformat mega-changer stores 400 discs and is compatible with DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, SACD (Super Audio CD) multichannel discs, and CD-R/RW discs with CD and MP3 audio.

Other DVD players detect image changes at the scan line level--Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system detects them at the pixel level. The picture is more faithful to the source--whether film or video--because separate, optimized algorithms are used to handle the differing pixel behavior. Separate algorithms are also used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.

The high-speed 108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter employs 4X oversampling for much more effective noise filtering.

In addition to standard 2-channel CD playback, the DVP-CX985V plays 2-channel and multichannel Super Audio CDs. It reads the disc information of all the discs and loads the information into memory so that disc type, titles, and other text information can be displayed on the TV screen.

It has the following video output options (with number of ports): component video (x1), S-Video (x1), composite video (x1), coaxial digital (x1), and optical digital (x1). It also has the following audio output options: analog audio (x1) and 5.1 channel (x1).

Other features include:

  • Included remote operates the DVP-CX985V as well as a number of functions on select brands of televisions and receivers; its keys glow in the dark.
  • Instant Replay feature enables you to go back 10 seconds to review a scene with a single press of a button.
  • TV Virtual Surround feature generates a convincing surround-sound effect using only 2 stereo speakers.
  • Dolby Digital and DTS output.

Tech Talk

  • SACD: Super Audio CD (SACD) is a high-resolution digital audio format that promises vast sonic improvements over the current audio CD format. SACD discs can be played back on dedicated SACD players or combination SACD/DVD-Video players. Certain SACD discs feature a conventional audio CD layer (hybrid SACDs) which can be played back by any CD player or computer with a CD-ROM drive.
  • Progressive scan: Also called sequential scanning, a progressive-scan system displays the entire image--providing all the horizontal lines per frame, rather than every other line--once every 60th of a second. This method reduces flicker and increases stability. Progressive-scan viewing requires a compatible digital TV.
  • Component video: Unlike a single video input, component video maintains the video signal as three separate signals through these three jacks. This connection provides optimum quality. To ensure maximum picture quality, use three video-grade cables for the Y, Pb, and Pr connections.

What's in the Box
Sony DVP-CX985V DVD/SACD player/changer, remote control (RM-DX500), 2 AA batteries, RCA cable (57 inches), and operating instructions. Progressive-scan DVD player, compatible with DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, SACD (Super Audio CD), and CD-R/RW discs with CD and MP3 audio.


Sunday, November 27, 2011

SONY DVP-NC615/B 5-Disc DVD Changer

SONY DVP-NC615/B 5-Disc DVD Changer Review



SONY DVP-NC615/B 5-Disc DVD Changer Feature

  • Supports the playback of DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD+RW / CD-R / CD-RW / MP3 media
  • Dynamic Tilt Compensation
  • Block Noise Reduction
  • SmoothScan Mode
  • SmoothSlow Mode
Get into the world of DVD with this 5-disc DVD player to hear and see the difference. Connect it to your TV using the component video output for clarity that's dramatic. Connect it to a surround sound receiver and you'll hear sound that makes you feel like you're in the center of the action. You'll also get bonus features like multi-disc resume, which picks up where you left off, and advanced SmoothScanM-^Y mode. You can even control it all with the multi-brand remote.


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Maxell CD-AUTO Automobile CD Lens Cleaner

Maxell CD-AUTO Automobile CD Lens Cleaner Review



Maxell CD-AUTO Automobile CD Lens Cleaner Feature

  • Multi-brush system designed specifically for automobile CD players
  • Restores performance by removing dust, debris and oily residue that accumulates in car interiors
  • On-disc voice instructions
Maxell Auto Only CD Lens Cleaner 190055 Cleaning Kits


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Samsung HT-X50 5.1-Channel 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System

Samsung HT-X50 5.1-Channel 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System Review



Samsung HT-X50 5.1-Channel 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System Feature

  • 5.1-channel home theater system with 1000 Watts of total power
  • 5 disc DVD changer
  • 1080i HDMI-CEC output
  • Progressive scan video
  • Wireless rear channel ready
5-Disc Changer Home Theater Surround Sound System w/1000 watts total output power. XM Satellite Radio ready. iPod connectivity ready. USB Host play w/ MP3, JPEG, WMA, DivX, and photo file support. HDMI Output with up-conversion and CEC. Auxiliary front panel input. Progressive Scan, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS decoding. Wireless rear channel ready. Multi Media Disc playback.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Pioneer DV-F727 301 Disc DVD / CD / CD-R/ and RW Player

Pioneer DV-F727 301 Disc DVD / CD / CD-R/ and RW Player Review



Pioneer DV-F727 301 Disc DVD / CD / CD-R/ and RW Player Feature

  • It's a high-end AV jukebox: the DV-F727 will play DVD's, Video CD's, audio CD's and CD-R's, storing 301 discs in all.
  • 301 Disc Capacity
  • Advanced GUI with Set-up Navigator
  • DTS¿ (Digital Theater Systems)
The Pioneer DV-F727 is not the average, run-of-the-mill multidisc changer. Even if your audio CD and DVD collections are quite sizeable, you can stash the goods neatly inside this 301-disc capacity "media server," then call selections up with the same ease and excitement as you would by keying an entry on a jukebox. An onscreen cataloging system helps manage your inventory, with an auto update feature that scans for new disc additions.

Should your collection really bulk out, it's even possible to double the system's capacity by linking two DV-F727s. All the while, you'll still maintain easy control over the whole kit 'n caboodle via a single, fully-featured and user-friendly remote control (supplied), or using an optional, plug-in PS/2 style computer keyboard or mouse.

One of the most elaborately featured DVD players we've ever encountered, the DV-F727 also takes care of the basics quite well--delivering pristine pictures and sound with component-video (interlace), S-Video, and composite-video outputs. Sound-wise, its optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs definitely deliver the Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM stereo (up to 96 kHz, 24-bit) soundtracks. The player's Burr-Brown audio digital-to-analog converter and conventional analog jacks also proved quite fine.

Handy jog-shuttle dials on both the front panel and the remote make it a pleasure to manipulate the multispeed forward and reverse trick-play options.

Customizable settings let you vary picture parameters to taste or adjust the audio dynamic range for late night listening--so that soft sounds such as dialogue can be heard more clearly without making loud sounds even louder.

Given its immense disc storage capacity, this changer is remarkably compact--measuring about 16.5 inches wide, 17 inches deep, and 7.75 high.

The holding slots are accessible, one at a time, behind a motorized opening/closing Plexiglas "hood." Of course, there's also the option to quickly install and then remove a single disc--via the dedicated 301st slot--with its operation complemented by special "single loader" access and play keys.

Entering menu text and numerical data about stockpiled titles is reasonably easy. Information can be added using the onscreen soft keyboard in tandem with the cursor control joystick on the remote, or with the selection dial on the front panel. To speed up the process, there's also the option of plugging in and entering text on a conventional PS/2 computer keyboard.

Making life easier still, some music CDs now contain and automatically stream their own album and song title info (CD Text), which this changer will conveniently read, display, and automatically integrate into its program menu memory. If implemented, DVD text information is also downloadable. (A front-panel display lights up to indicate the presence of such text on a disc.)

A couple of bummers: you must abbreviate text entries when a title or artist's name exceeds 12 characters, the max this changer's memory will store and display. CD Text titles longer than 12 characters, while not memorized, will scroll across the LCD screen. Also take note: when a disc is playing, you can't enter data, or add or remove other discs.

Once program data is entered into the megachanger's memory, titles can be sorted and accessed by format (DVD or CD), disc title (alphabetically), or disc number.

Another option: you can create and name 20 custom files (10 DVD/Video CD and 10 CD) for automatic playback. However, there's still no avoiding the mandatory setup menus and unskippable FBI Warning before DVD play commences.

All in all, the DV-F727 represents a remarkable piece of engineering and entertainment prowess from the folks at Pioneer.

Pros:

  • Immense storage capacity neatly organizes your disc library
  • Easy entry of data via remote control, keyboard, or mouse
  • Fine video and audio performance
  • A host of customizable programming and performance parameters
Cons:
  • Discs can't be exchanged or text entered while a disc is playing
  • Text entries can't exceed 12 characters
  • Menu system doesn't accommodate filing by genre or theme
The DV-727 will play DVDs, Video CDs, Audio CDs and CD-Rs, storing 301 discs in all. Engineered for superb audio and video reproduction, it also offers great convenience: you can enter title/artist CD text with a keyboard and mouse, find a disc or artist automatically, or sort discs for playback by type.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Escient FireBall SE-D1 DVD and CD Changer Manager

Escient FireBall SE-D1 DVD and CD Changer Manager Review



Now available from Escient, the pioneer of home theater DVD storage and management, the affordable FireBall SE-D1 DVD and CD Changer Manager. Imagine instant access to any DVD movie or CD without leaving the couch. Coupled with the 400 disc Sony DVP-CX777ES DVD/CD changer, the Escient FireBall SE-D1 makes storing, browsing, and enjoying your movie and music collection as easy as changing channels on your TV. No more fumbling though disc boxes, looking for missing discs, or worrying about scratched discs. Let the Escient FireBall SE-D1 store, protect, and manage all of your DVD and CD discs through it's easy to use on-screen TV display.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Sony BDP-CX7000ES 400 Blu-ray Disc Mega Changer (Black)

Sony BDP-CX7000ES 400 Blu-ray Disc Mega Changer (Black) Review



Sony BDP-CX7000ES 400 Blu-ray Disc Mega Changer (Black) Feature

  • Organize & play 400 Blu-ray Disc movies, DVDs, and CDs
  • Control with audio / video installation systems via RS-232
  • Experience Full HD 1080p/24p video output
  • Converts DVD video to near HD quality via HDMI
  • Dolby TrueHD and dts -HD decoding/bitstream output
Store, access and enjoy up 400 discs with Sony's premium Blu-ray Disc MegaChanger, the BDP-CX7000ES. A user-friendly on-screen interface makes it easy to sort and search by title, genre, cast and more, to quickly find the movie, TV show or album you’re looking for.


Friday, November 11, 2011

Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver

Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver Review



Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver Feature

  • DVD Video, DivX, MP3/WMA/iTunes AAC playback
  • iPod Direct Control (CD-IU50V Required)
  • SD Card Slot
  • Intuitive touchscreen control and customizable menus
  • Album art display, double-tap Alphabet Search, iTunes Tagging and Passenger Control mode
Get your media on the road with Pioneer's AVH-P3200DVD, an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 5.8-inch widescreen display. With versatile music and video playback, modern features like USB Direct Control and DivX support, a built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and plenty of expansion options, it's the perfect way to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center.

Pioneer Car Audio Systems

Pioneer's Mobile Business Group is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.


Rear A/V RCA input, three 4V RCA preamp outputs, steering wheel remote input, and video out for system expansion.

Intuitive touchscreen controls.

AVH-P3200DVD Features

5.8-Inch Touchscreen Display
The AVH-P3200DVD boasts a 5.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with 1440 x 240 pixel resolution. Navigating your media and system settings from the touchscreen is a breeze thanks to intuitive touch controls and customizable menus. Tap, Swipe or Drag--exactly the way you expect a touchscreen device to work.

Versatile Multimedia Playback
Enjoy your favorite DVDs while parked with the full-featured DVD player, or add a back seat screen for your passengers to watch as you drive. The AVH-P3200DVD will play DVDs, DVD-Rs, Video CDs and even DivX files burnt to CD or DVD (or from a USB device). You can also use the rear A/V input to attach external devices like video game systems.

As for music, you can enjoy your favorite CDs, or listen to MP3/WMA/AAC files from either CD/DVD data discs or a USB device.

USB Input / SD Memory Card Slot
Connect USB thumb drives or other devices and enjoy playback of your digital audio files or DivX video. Ditto for SD memory cards. This makes it a breeze to quickly grab some media from your computer before a big road trip, and enjoy hours of entertainment on the road.

iPod Direct Control (CD-IU50V required)
Connect your iPod directly and experience exceptional sound quality while easily navigating through music, videos and album art on the AVH-P3200DVD's screen. Say goodbye to the annoying static of FM transmitters and other iPod half-solutions.

Advanced Sound Retriever
Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies.

Supertuner IIID AM/FM Tuner
Pioneer's legendary Supertuner IIID combines the best of digital and analog tuner technologies to reduce distortion to bring you exceptional FM and AM performance. If you live in an area where reception is weak, you'll hear a big improvement in signal strength. And when you're near tall buildings, Supertuner IIID reduces the effect of multi-path noise, which occurs when the signal is reflecting off of the buildings.

Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and 6 AM user presets. And when you're somewhere new, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the 6 strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets.

Dial in Your Sound
Use and customize EQ curves, adjust the eight-band parametric equalizer, or change loudness and bass boost settings to get the perfect sound.

AUX-In Connection
Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVH-P3200DVD has this A/V input on the front panel.

MOSFET 50W x4 Amplifier for the Power Hungry
Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, delivering power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. And that doesn't just mean a boost in volume: it means that your music will be cleaner at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. Clean, efficient power that will rock your vehicle.

For those who'd like a bit more power, three 4V RCA preamp outputs are also included for system expansion (front/rear/sub).

Available Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation, including talking via the headunit's microphone and your vehicle's speaker system. The system automatically mutes any other audio during incoming or outgoing calls.

Rear View Camera Capability
Keep an eye on your backside using the optional Rear View Camera (ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA): while you're in reverse the rear-view camera can be in full screen. An unit equipped with the optional rear-view camera adds a level of safety and assurance you can rely on. In addition to keeping you and your family safe, this feature also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier.

Ready to Expand
The AVH-P3200DVD is also compatible with Pioneer's XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, HD radio tuner, TV tuner, CD/DVD changers and more.


AVH-P3200DVD Basic Specs

iPod Playback:Audio/Video (Cable Required)
DVD Playback:Yes
USB Input:Yes
Sound Retriever:Yes
Bluetooth:Ready
Navigation Ready:Yes
Display:5.8-Inch Touchscreen
Rear Camera Ready:Yes
RCA Preamp Outputs:Three Sets (4 volt)
HD Radio Ready:Yes
SAT Radio Ready:Yes
Power:MOSFET 50W x 4

What's in the Box
Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual The Pioneer's AVH-P3200DVD is an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 5.8-inch widescreen display. It comes with features like USB Direct Control and DivX support, built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and expansion options.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control

Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control Review



Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control Feature

  • Can learn 13 infrared remote control codes and replay them at your command with 13 easy to learn gestures
  • Control almost anything that can be remote controlled with just a flick and a swish
  • No need for all the codes to be learned from a single remote control
  • Compatible with most home electronics that use remote controls, like televisions, DVD players, DVRs, stereo systems, and more
  • Twirl the wand clockwise to change channels or program the wand to pause/play when the wand is brandished up and down
Imagine walking into the room with your children and their Muggle friends watching TV, whipping out a magic wand from under your jacket and changing the channel in a flash. Why not add a magic spell into the equation to really impress them! An ideal Birthday, Housewarming or Christmas gift for any Harry Potter fan, the Wand Remote Control will have friends and family spellbound as you zap to Eastenders with a flick of the wrist. We can't guarantee that there will be anything decent on telly, but at least you know that if Peter Andre starts bashing out his latest song, you can mute him in a magical instant.The Magic Wand Remote Control is hand finished and beautifully presented in a gift box with full instructions. The unique action only takes minutes of practise, with no Hogwart's training required and can be used on most remote controlled devices such as DVD players, CD players, TV's...even remote controlled curtains and lighting! The remote control will also go to 'sleep' if you don't use it for 1 minute and will awake when you pick it up! How can you not love this amazing TV gadget!Magic Wand Remote Control * The Kymera Remote Control Wand is a Universal Remote in the shape of a magic wand! * 13 different actions that can all be programmed from a standard remote control * Presented in a beautiful gift box complete with instructions * Practice Mode - practise the wand gestures and verify that they have been recognised correctly by the remote control * Sleep Mode - A low power sleep mode to save on battery life when the magic wand hasn't been used for 60 seconds * Learning Mode - Teach your wand new actions for each gesture, customising it for your use! * Ideal for any magic or Harry Potter lover * The Remote Control measures approx 35.5 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm * The magic wand takes 2 x AAA batteries (Included!) * Great magical gifts for ages 10 to 100!If you love your TV and want to show the kids how to pick ...