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Samsung BD-P1600 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Description:

Plays Blu-ray high-definition discs (selectable output resolution: 1080p signals available through HDMI output only; 720p/1080i signals available through HDMI or component video). There is selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for DVD (upconverted video available through HDMI output only) and built-in audio decoding to PCM for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential * Netflix video and Pandora music streaming (subscriptions to these services required). There are 2 USB ports (1 front, 1 rear) for storing downloaded BD-Live material.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14 in Television
• Color: Grey
• Brand: Samsung
• Model: BD-P1600
• Released on: 2009-03-10
• Dimensions: 2.10″ h x 16.90″ w x 7.80″ l, 4.90 pounds

Features

• Experience vivid, crystal-clear visuals that are more natural, more realistic and simply stunning with Blu-ray’s full 1080p HD resolution
• Stream Blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube & Pandora
• Multi-format playback lets you enjoy Blu-ray Discs, DVD, CD, MP3/WMA, JPEG, AVCHD and more
• Enjoy BD-Live support for accessing fresh content
• Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA technologies for high-definition audio

Customer Reviews:

Good value player
This is a good value for a blu-ray player with the new online features available such as Netflix, Pandora, and BD-Live. It is small and easy to install and setup. I use the HDMI output to my Samsung HDTV and the Optical Digital Audio output to my AV receiver. The Anynet+ feature is convenient which helps the Samsung components work together reducing button pushing. I hooked up an ethernet cable and easily got it online and setup with my pre-existing accounts with Netflix and Pandora. I’ve read BD-Live requires a USB 1GB flash drive. I have download cable modem speeds in 6MB/s range so the picture quality is very good from Netflix, I’d say equivalent to upconverted DVD quality. Audio quality from Pandora is also excellent and the commercial-free music service is supreme. Blu-ray DVDs look fantastic and upconverted standard DVDs look great too. This does not have the higher-end HQV chip to my knowledge. The face pushbutton interface is cool and has a high-tech feel to it. Load time is very fast - about 8 to 10s. The menus look good and are easy to navigate. No complaints here. I’m very pleased getting all these features for entry level money.

Recent Issues Ruin a Good Player
I received this blu-ray machine at the and of April, 2009, along with a Samsung HDTV. The player has worked fine - playing discs, streaming NetFlix and Pandora - until last month. An automatic firmware update which I accepted via the internet introduced a bug which renders the machine inoperable. The machine is now locked with the display only showing “LOAD.” There is no main menu and discs in the player when turned on have no effect of ‘jump-starting’ the machine.

I discussed the issue with Samsung Tech Support (’support’ being used loosely here) and they informed me that this is a known issue and their engineers are working on a solution. In the meantime, I’ve seen bulletin board discussions with people having the same problem. Samsung representatives continuously suggest the same, ineffective ’solutions’ : hold down the FF button; install the latest firmware update - which, a> is impossible since the player is locked and b> the original cause of the machine not working.

The final solution from Samsung representatives is to send the machine in for repair. During a support chat session with Samsung, I was informed that the price of this would be $160.00. I paid only $80 for it, as there was an Amazon discount of $200 on any player purchased with a qualifying TV.

The idea that Samsung is expecting customers to return the machine for repair and pay for those repairs is ridiculous. It is their own firmware, which they deliver to these machines, that is the cause of these problems.

As I mentioned earlier, the quality of the player - when it was functioning - is great. However, with it in its current state, and Samsung’s fleecing of their customers, it has led me to “spread the word” and in no way, shape, or form can I possibly recommend this product - or any other Samsung product - until something is done.

Samsung should be offering a re-call of this product and replacing it at no cost to consumers. Until then, Samsung goes on my “Do Not Buy” list.

UPDATE (12/23/09): Finally got Samsung to resolve issue. See my comment below for details. Changed from 1-star to 3-stars. Can’t go any higher than that based on original issues, though.

Good Quality But Noisy
This blu-ray player functions well and is reasonably priced. Blu-ray loading takes about 20 seconds. Picture quality is excellent. My only negative comment is that the motor is noisy, which makes for a rather distracting whirring sound - much more noticeable than my standard dvd player - that is ever present in the background. This would be fine if the unit were stored in a cabinet to muffle the sound.

From the Manufacturer
Experience the Blu-ray difference with the Samsung BD-P1600. Enjoy incredibly detailed images and brilliant color in full high definition 1080p resolution. In addition to a fantastic picture, enjoy cutting edge features like support for Netflix and Pandora movie/music streaming; BD-Live support; and two USB connections for updating firmware, adding wireless ability, or playing back MP3/WMA files. Watch your favorite DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, listen to CDs with the highest-quality audio, and plenty more.

A sleek, stylish and powerful Blu-ray player. Click to enlarge.

Experience vivid, crystal-clear visuals that are more natural, more realistic and simply stunning.

Get more out of a Blu-ray Disc than what’s on it with BD-Live.

Experience billions of colors, high definition audio and improved frame rates with a single cable.

Blu-ray full HD playback
Digital imaging is made up of pixels. The more pixels in a picture, the clearer it is. With Blu-ray full HD (and 24 frames-per-second) playback, you get every single pixel out of a film possible. Experience vivid, crystal-clear visuals that are more natural, more realistic and simply stunning.

BD-Live ready
Get more out of a Blu-ray Disc than what’s on it. BD-Live 2.0 lets studios future-proof their Blu-ray titles, so they can add content to BD-Live Ready discs even after they have been shipped. Simply connect your Blu-ray player to the Internet (through the included Ethernet port or using an optional Link Stick USB wireless dongle) to download images, subtitles and more. Text-chat with friends during a movie, or play against others in online trivia games to unlock exclusive video content and earn discounts on other products.

Multi Format Playback
In addition to Blu-ray discs, you can drop in a normal DVD and watch the picture get upconverted to near HD quality. Your CDs will also sound great, and you can play MP3/WMA audio from CD, DVD or USB. Or enjoy looking at your favorite JPG files from photo CDs.

HDMI 1.3
Experience billions of colors, high definition audio and improved frame rates even at full 1080p resolution. HDMI 1.3 is a video cable format that delivers it all from your Samsung Blu-ray player without any loss of quality. Since you only need one HDMI cable, there’s no ugly mess of tangled-up wires. So your set-up is as clean-looking as the picture.

Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA
Both of these HD audio technologies deliver the sound of the original audio master to your home, bit-for-bit. Listeners enjoy the same audio that was recorded and mastered. Paired with high-definition video, this means an unprecedented home theater experience.

Netflix Instant Streaming Ready
Are you a Netflix member? You no longer have to wait by the mailbox to satisfy your flix fix. Instantly stream from a selection of over 12,000 (and growing) movies and TV shows. The number of titles you can stream per month depends on which Netflix subscription plan you choose.

Stream movies instantly from your Netflix account.

Upgrade firmware easily via Ethernet or USB.

Instantly streaming movies and TV episodes from Netflix is done through a broadband connection and a Netflix Queue-based user interface. Netflix members visit the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on members’ TVs and available to watch instantly through the Samsung players. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. With the included remote control, Netflix members can browse and make selections right on the TV screen, read synopses and rate movies, and fast-forward or rewind the video stream.

Pandora Ready
The BD-P1600 can stream music though the popular Pandora music service. Enjoy a fresh way to discover new music and stay up-to-date with your favorite artists.

Wi-Fi Ready
By adding Samsung’s proprietary Link Stick 802.11b/g/n wireless dongle (not included), users can wirelessly connect to the latest Blu-ray features when the dongle is connected to one of the players’ two USB 2.0 ports, or via the traditional wired Ethernet connection.

Analog/Digital Audio Out
Know what sounds great when it comes to your Blu-ray Disc player? Having audio output options. For picture-perfect audio there’s the HDMI output. If you prefer analog audio, the player comes with a stereo RCA output for two channels of analog audio. An optical output is also included for the happy medium.

Firmware Upgrades
Your new Samsung Blu-ray Disc player won’t be obsolete the moment you bring it home from the store. It’s equipped with an Ethernet connection so you can download the latest firmware upgrade and add new features. If your player needs more local storage to take advantage of these features, simply plug in a memory stick with at least 1GB of memory into the USB port.

What’s in the Box
Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray Disc Player, 47-key Remote control, Batteries, AV cable (RCA type), User’s Manual, Quick Start Guide

APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V Description:

APC’s Back-UPS 0¡­3 ES series is now “reener” than ever. The ES 550 utilizes an ultra-efficient design that consumes less power during normal operation than any other battery backup in its class, saving you money on your electricity bill. It’s also RoHS compliant, which means its manufacture and ultimate disposal is easier on the environment. Even the packaging has been carefully selected to minimize energy use in it’s creation, and to maximize the use of recycled materials. Coupled with all the standard features of the Back-UPS ES series, the ES 550 is the best value for home and home office computers..

• Brand: APC
• Model: BE550G
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.31″ h x 12.01″ w x 7.01″ l, 14.15 pounds

Features

• Output Power Capacity: 330 Watts / 550 VA Nominal Output Voltage: 120 V
• Output Connections: 4x NEMA 5-15R (Battery Backup) & 4x NEMA 5-15R (Surge Protection)
• Nominal Input Voltage: 120 V Input Frequency: 60 Hz +/- 1 Hz Input Connections: NEMA 5-15P
• Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed Lead-Acid battery with suspended electrolyte - leakproof
• Control panel: LED status display with On Line - On Battery - Replace Battery

Customer Reviews:

Great product!
I ordered this for my new computer, and we had a power flicker just a few hours after I set it up! It worked perfectly. There is software included that will let you check the status of the battery and tell the unit what to do if it loses power (such as turn off the computer). Very useful!

Two things to note:
1) Make sure you connect the battery! There’s a note on it to do this, but just in case you get in an unwrapping frenzy, you have to turn it over and slide the cover off in order to do that.

2) Only 4 of the outlets are powered by the battery- the other 4 are JUST surge protection. So if you want more than 4 items plugged into the battery, you may want to upgrade to a different model! It works perfectly for me though!

Plug and Play Operation on Mac OS X 10.5.5
So far I’m very pleased…I purchased this to safeguard my fiancee’s Mac Mini. Setup was a breeze, just connect the battery, charge, plug in the AC and connect the data port to the Mac’s USB port. The Mac instantly recognized the UPS in the Energy Saver section of System Preferences and provided me with several automated shutdown options…no additional software or configuration was necessary.

Good Basic UPS
Great product. We use these at the company I work for. They are great in the case of a “flicker” in power, no lost data. Or in the case of a longer outage, this gives you approx. 3-5 minutes to save what you are working on and shut down your computer. In my eyes, 4 receptacles on battery is plenty. All you really need is monitor and tower, all other peripherals can be plugged into surge protector. I would absolutely recommend this unit and we plan to purchase more in the future.

Epson 68 Series DURABrite High Capacity Color Multipack T068520 Description:

Epson 68 High Capacity Color Multipack w/ Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Cartridges for the Epson Stylus C120, Stylus CX5000, Stylus CX6000, Stylus CX7000F, Stylus CX7400, Stylus, CX7450, Stylus CX8400, Stylus,, CX9400Fax, WorkForce 30, WorkForce 40, WorkForce 500, WorkForce 600, WorkForce 310

• Brand: Epson
• Model: T068520
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.05″ h x 4.05″ w x 5.00″ l, .25 pounds

Features

• Better quality than lab-processed prints
• Worry-free handling-smudge, fade and water resistant
• Convenient individual cartridges
• Excellent for double-sided printing, because DURABrite Ultra ink doesn’t bleed through
• Acid-free Cartridges

Customer Reviews:

WARNING! DOES NOT WORK WITH NX400!
I have a NX400 and bought these because I have previously purchased a 68 series in black and they work great! However when I got these 3 colors and I installed them normally as they fit perfectly, but the printer doesn’t recognize them! I called Epson @ 800-533-3731 and got a technical support specialist who confirmed that the NX400 will only read the 68 series in black. Just a heads up.

GOOD INK
The new high capacity Epson “68″ ink is great. It has all the same good qualities of Epson’s Dura Brite Ultra ink - smudge, water & fade resistant with the added feature of lasting longer. For just a bit more money your ink cartridge life is extended. I think it was a brilliant move. And Amazon often has the best price around!! The multi packs are a great deal.

Epson 68 Series DURABrite High Capacity Color Multipack (T068520)

The price is right.
I only buy Epson ink for my Epson Workforce 600 printer, as I have for all of the five Epson printers which I have had over the years. I have never had any problems with Epson ink.

But buying directly from Epson is expensive, especially since I live in Alaska and Epson thinks that Alaska is the edge of world and charges outrageous shipping costs to ship to here. The price at Amazon.com is discounted 40% and the shipping is free. Who can beat a deal like that? It is even cheaper than buying locally for me.

I always wish that cartridges lasted longer, but I think it is how the printer companies make their money –not with the sale of the printer, but with all of the ink that you have to buy. I also wish that Epson cartridges were refillable.

I do think that the high capacity cartridges are worth the higher price.

Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System Description:

Get ready to rock with Sony’s MDR-IF240RK Wireless Stereo Headphones System! This complete kit which includes a Transmitter and Headphones offers features like its lightweight, open-air design, 30 mm Drive Units for deep bass, up to 60 hours of battery life with an optional alkaline battery or up to 35 Hours of Battery Life with the supplied NiHM Rechargeable Battery, and a Transmission Range up to 24 feet. Also utilize the Transmission Coverage Angle - up to 90 degrees. Permitting an easy connection to your home audio system, TV or VCR, the MDR-IF240RK provides a personal entertainment experience you can move to.

• Brand: Sony
• Model: MDRIF240RK
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 3.25″ h x 9.25″ w x 10.00″ l, .28 pounds

Features

• System has 24-foot range and lasts up to 35 hours
• Simple battery recharging
• High-powered ferrite magnets generate superb sound
• Weighs 6.3 ounces

Customer Reviews:

Worth the price
This review is on the Sony MDR-IF240R not MDR-IF240RK, not sure if there’s any difference. I needed a wireless headphone for the bedroom because I watch TV over 2 hours every night while my wife sleeps and about 2 hours early in the morning. I’ve also owned a wireless Sennheiser HDR60 and a wired Panasonic RP-HT970 Vibration Series Headphone. The Sennheiser worked fine, but their rechargeable battery (two included) would only last me about two days. I always had one recharging so I could swap it out, but it was still annoying to have it cut out in the middle of a program. After a year one of the batteries wouldn’t hold a charge any more and when I saw how much a replacement battery cost, I decided to buy the Panasonic. Because it was wired, the Panasonic RP-HT970 sounded great, especially the bass effects with DVD’s. It was very comfortable and I would still be using it, if I hadn’t tripped on the cable and broke it. It had also been an obstacle for my wife when she had to walk across the room.

I decided to go wireless again and bought the Sony MDR-IF240R after reading reviews. I wanted a headphone that used standard batteries and wouldn’t need constant replacing. I have cordless phones and a wireless PC network, so I decided having no interference using infrared was better than having the ability to go room to room using other technology. Since I only used it for TV viewing, I was willing to accept decent, if not great, sound quality. This headphone met all my requirements. I put in one standard AAA battery instead of the rechargeable battery that came with it and I haven’t had to change it in over two weeks of constant use (4 hours/day).

The headphones are mostly plastic and look a bit cheap. They are fairly comfortable, but if I tilt my head, they will fall off because the foam cushions are flat rather than cupped like the Sennheiser and the headband is rather flimsy. That would be my biggest complaint. Sony should also have provided a longer cable for the transmitter to allow more flexibility in placement. Sound quality is fine for TV viewing, but it can’t compare to the quality of a wired headphone like the Panasonic which makes you feel like you’re actually in a movie when played on DVD.

I have perfect reception using it at 12 feet and I’ve walked 45 degrees to the left and right without any loss. If something comes between the headphone and the transmitter, it will cut out, so positioning is very important. You can eliminate the hiss that others have mentioned, if you turn up the volume on the sound source (e.g. TV or Receiver) rather than turning up the volume control on the headphone. On the Sennheiser there was a tuning control, which I had to fiddle with in order to receive a signal, but the Sony doesn’t have or need one.

In conclusion, this headphone met all my expectations, the price was reasonable and I would recommend it to others until someone comes out without something that has better sound quality and excellent battery life.

Sound quality - 4 stars (compared to other wireless)
Battery life - 5 stars
Range - 4 stars
Comfort - 4 stars
Fit and finish - 3 stars
Price - 4 stars

Okay for tv, games, nok for music
These wireless headphones perform as advertised. Almost. I don’t quite get the “24 feet” range but then again all the range I needed and expected was within a standard sized room. The convenience is freedom of movement within the room with decent fidelity to watch late night television or play computer games without distracting others. However the phones have a noticable hiss which is distracting for most music. Also a minor peeve is the plastic bar across the top. The bar is not padded and the phones have built-in springs which force the bar down on the top of your head. Noticably uncomforable for me after a while and I have a full head of hair. The comfort level is okay if you wear the phones draped along the back of your neck (which makes it tough to sit back in a high backed chair or lie down on the couch) or below your jaw (which makes it tough to munch on snacks in that position though). Or you can kludge it to a certain length with some electrical tape. Overall the phones are okay given the price. Just be sure that your expectations match what you are paying. If you want high fidelity and comfort and range, you will be better off paying up for another model.

Great for TV watching; wish I’d ordered them sooner
These headphones are clearly not intended for listening to music at high quality. But I have been using them to listen to my TV, and am delighted with the ease of setup, ease of use, long battery life, and apparent immunity from interference.

You can’t use them outside the room, and the sound quality is good but not great. Perfect for TV. Even if obstacles partly block the infrared path, the sound continues uninterrupted. The headphones are comfortable and light, and run for many hours before recharging.

I am totally satisfied with the product, and only wish I had ordered something like this years ago!

Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender Product: Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender Sale-$71.19! List Price: $99.99 Amazon Price: $71.19 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Gain complete control of components that are hidden behind cabinets or walls. With a range of up to 100 feet, you can place your equipment out of sight, or even move it to the next room. Designed for use with the Logitech® Harmony® 1000 or 890 Advanced Universal Remotes, Z-Wave (RF) Technology enables remote control of audio, visual, lighting, climate, and security systems without direct line-of-sight. Use additional receivers to control multiple entertainment systems.

• Brand: Logitech
• Model: 915-000044
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.00″ h x 1.00″ w x 1.00″ l, .90 pounds

Features

• Harmony RF Wireless Extender
• Allows your Harmony 1000 to operate equipment hidden away

works extremely well on both Mac and PC setup - using latest firmware
The Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender allows your RF-equipped Harmony Remote (the 890, 895 or new 1000) to control components without having an IR “line of sight” to the components. One RF Wireless Extender is included with the Harmony 890, but it is unfortunately not included with the Harmony 1000.

Make no mistake, this device is an absolute REQUIREMENT for any large room or complex setup. In my configuration, the Harmony 1000 didn’t have the strength to power all of my components through IR from 20 feet distance. The RF extender solved this problem, and now I can control my entire setup even from another room.

One RF Wireless Extender can control up to 8 components within the line of sight of the unit, or within line of sight of the 8 included IR emitters. You can add multiple extenders to your configuration if you have components in different rooms or areas that could not be served by one unit. Annoyingly, even if you have more than 8 components within the reach of the unit or the emitters the Harmony software won’t let you assign more than 8 devices to a single extender.

IMPORTANT: You should try to setup and verify your Harmony configuration using IR-only if possible before adding the extender, even if you have to sit near your components or have cabinet doors open. This is because the Harmony software makes you connect and disconnect both the extender (which must be unplugged from AC power) and the remote each time you make a change. Setting up the Harmony first, by itself, with IR is much easier to make changes to the configuration.

After verifying I could control my components using IR-only, I added the RF Wireless Extender to my setup. The Harmony software updated to the latest firmware, and I have had no problems configuring it using both Mac OS X and Windows clients.

Setup is very easy. If all of your components are behind a cabinet, you can simply mount this “blaster” unit inside, at least 10 inches from the front of your components. Or, you can attach the 8 included wired emitters (in 4 pairs of 2) near the IR receivers of each component. The wires for each of the 4 pairs are roughly 7 feet long, splitting into 2 emitters that must be placed within 25 inches of each other. Also good to note is that the tape is strong enough to attach to your component, but not strong enough to leave any residue should you need to remove them.

Within the Harmony setup, you then assign each component to either IR or RF Extender control. Optionally, you can assign each component to a channel (A,B,C,D,blaster) which corresponds to the 4 sets of 2 wired emitters and base, or all channels which sends all commands to all emitters. I chose to specifically assign each component to its channel, which seems to give better performance. (TIP: label your emitter wires!)

Once configured, you connect the RF Extender and the Harmony Remote to your computer to download the configuration. Then, you must plug the RF Extender into the wall, and optionally attach the IR emitter wires. The Harmony remote must initially be “paired” with the RF Extender, which is done by pressing the “Connect” button on the extender, and following the prompts on your remote.

Operation was flawless. I could control all components from around my house! And, the performance of startup was much faster, I believe because I had assigned each component to a specific channel on the extender.

In my configuration, I was pleasantly surprised to find the RF extender is fast enough to send the repeated command sequences needed to accelerate up and down through the menus in my AppleTV. Great job, Logitech!

If there was one area where Logitech could make improvements it would be the supplied documentation, which attempts to be user friendly but in the process is so oversimplified it is of little use. Since Amazon doesn’t allow half-star increments, I stand by my 5-star review, documentation withstanding.

Based on the large number of problems people had when this was first released a year ago, I was expecting issues, but it would appear that the latest firmware (RF Extender v2.4, Harmony 890 v4.7) and Harmony client software (v7.0.2) have resolved all issues for both Mac OS X and Windows users.

All in all, a highly recommended product - and a great value bundled with the matching Harmony 890 (see my review there). I have since upgraded to the Harmony 1000, but kept this extender to use with it. It’s a shame that Logitech doesn’t include the extender with the 1000, as it really is a requirement.

I would recommend this without hesitation.

Needs hardware change
Works well with both the Harmony 890 and 1000. Fairly easy to set up, though there are two HUGE drawbacks which Logitech should fix.
1. They have hard-wired the cable to the Extender so that you have to unplug the unit whenever you want to upgrade the settings - a royal pain when it’s plugged in behind your components.
2. Even if you want to make a tiny change to the Harmony settings (e.g. changing a couple of icons) you have to update BOTH the Harmony and the Extender. This takes much longer and, because it’s hard-wired, is very annoying.

RF Extender Works and Can Save You Money
I really like this RF Extender. I’ve used it on the H890 remote as well as the new H1000 remote. All I can say is that it really works. You do have to hook it up to your computer and program it separately from your remote. It has its own firmware. It’s easy to do though. I haven’t encountered any problems yet setting one up. I’m a professional A/V designer and installer. This is the new way to go. I’ve installed many hardwired remote IR systems in the past by Xantech and Russound. Those systems cost upwards of $125 on there own. Why not pay a little more and get a great universal remote to boot (H890 for around $250). It comes with a power adapter and IR blasters that plug into this unit then stick on the components you want to control. You can use a flashlight to shine on the face of those source components to help you in locating the IR receiver windows on your cable box/receiver/DVD player etc. (look for a round hole or LED shaped device) Anyways, this is a great product in my opinion.

Update, I will have to say this. I wish they made the transformer have a connector at the Extender instead of hardwiring it in. I do not like having to reach thru many wires in different A/V racks to pull out the transformer and then plug it back in every time the remote gets updated. It would be far easier to unplug the ir emitters and a power jack all at the same location!

Sima SSW 4 Speaker Selector 4 Speaker Pairs Description:

Sima Speaker Selectors allow connection of 4 speaker pairs to a stereo system for music throughout the home or office. Only Sima Speaker Selectors feature PolySwitches - solid-state circuit breakers to protect the unit from overload.

• Brand: Sima
• Model: SSW-4
• Format: CD
• Dimensions: 2.25″ h x 6.00″ w x 11.75″ l, 2.50 pounds

Features

• Connect up to 4 pairs of speakers to your stereo system for music throughout your home or office
• Pairs can be played individually or in combination
• Impedance protection allows a single amplifier to safely power several pairs of speakers
• Designed for use with amplifiers up to 100 watts per channel
• Accepts up to 14-gauge wire; supports speakers from 4 to 16 ohm impedance

Customer Reviews:

Great value
This simple, straight forward, and affordable little device works exactly as advertised. If you’re a total audiophile and into having all the super high equipment then I’m not sure if this is what you want, but for the rest of us that just want something that works it’s great. It has a couple of nice little touches… The rubber feet it rests on are very grippy so (despite its light weight) it doesn’t slide backwards when you push the buttons on the front. It also comes with a bunch of little pre-printed stickers to label the buttons “Kitchen”, “Living Room”, etc.

Decent for the price
To be honest, I did not purchase this product with high expectations. I simply needed an inexpensive way to supply music to various rooms in my house… The garage, basement, and kitchen.

First the good: It’s cheap and easy to use. The audio signal it sends to the speakers is decent and better than your average clock-radio. In fact, it is probably more than adequate for non-critical listening.

The bad: The unit definitely degrades the audio signal. I currently have it connected to four different speakers brands and all of them reflect the same shortcoming, a loss of mid-to-upper range definition and a tendency to give the music a vague hollow sound. The better the speaker, the more this will be apparent.

For less than $40 you really can’t expect anything better. There is no way I would recommend this unit for a true audiophile. For someone simply wants an inexpensive way to add music to other parts of the house, it’s a cheap way to go.

Just as good as MONSTER’s!
I was seriously considering purchasing the Monster brand equivilent to this product, but didn’t want to pay the $100. I’ve had this for a couple of weeks, and haven’t been disappointed! I have speakers in my media room, living room, game room and porch…and my 100 watt Yamaha receiver drives all of them with the help of the little SSW 4 (we had the speaker wire installed when we were building the house…thank GOD)! I have it hooked up to the “B Speaker” on the receiver, so I can keep the “A Speaker” for my 6.1 media room system (although I can switch on the A & B at the same time with no issue). I’m an organized neat-freak, so the labels included with the SSW 4 REALLY help. Takes up little space, and does the job well (safely). Thanks for the deal, Amazon!

Amazon.com Product Description
Connect up to four pairs of speakers (eight individual speakers) to your stereo system for music throughout your home or office. Dual protection circuits shield the unit from overload, and automatic polyswitches turn it off when overload or excessive volume is detected, then reset it when the overload is removed or the volume is reduced.

Canon CB-2LX Battery Charger for Canon NB-5L Li-Ion Batteries Product: Buy Canon CB-2LX Battery Charger for Canon NB-5L Li-Ion Batteries At Amazon! List Price: $50.00 Amazon Price: $35.99 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Canon is a leader in professional business and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. By developing innovative, high-quality business solutions Canon makes it easy to create, manage, and share images and information better, faster, and more efficiently.

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1133B001
• Released on: 2006-03-31
• Format: CD
• Dimensions: 1.00″ h x 5.00″ w x 4.00″ l, .75 pounds

Features

• Replacement battery charger for the PowerShot SD700 IS digital camera
• Fully recharges the Canon NB-5L in approximately 125 minutes
• Small, lightweight size makes it an easy travel accessory
• Lithium-ion chemistry free from memory effect
• Charge status indicator LED

Happy with a Canon product again
This is a well made battery charger and very easy to use. No long cord with a plug. It plugs right into the electric socket. Handy to carry with you. I am happy with the Canon SD700IS digital camera and not surprised that any accessories would also merit a 5 star rating.

Exactly the charger that came with the camera
If you lost your charger that came with the camera, this is exactly the same one. I looked for cheaper versions at Best Buy and other stores, but those chargers were all so much larger in size. This Cannon charger is so compact that it is easy to keep with the camera, and it seems to charge faster than the cheaper brands as well.

Cheaper at Amazon than anywhere else
I didn’t want to risk a generic charger and got the Canon brand at the lowest price at Amazon.

Caselogic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling Black Description:

Our Obsession: Case Logic is obsessed with organization! No matter who you are, what toys, tools or technology you have, where you are, or where you are going, Case Logic is your partner in managing the things that matter to you. We are the “stuff wranglers” that make life easier. Known for innovative design and functionality, we provide the most complete selection of storage accessories in the industry. The Caselogic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling (Black) is compatible with most SLRs with a kit lens. This SLR camera sling wears like a backpack but allows for instant access to your SLR and accessories (simply swing around and you’re ready to shoot). Holds SLR camera body with attached standard lens. Patent pending hammock system suspends your SLR above the bottom of case, providing superior impact protection. Large zippered compartment stores an additional lens or flash (dimensions: 7.5″ x 3.75″ x 3″). Three additional zippered pockets store memory cards and other small items. Adjustable shoulder strap with waist strap prevents the sling from jostling around during activity. Memory foam on interior helps protect your delicate LCD screen. Industrial strength hook and loop strap holds your tripod. Compatible with the following camera dimensions: 7.75″ x 3.5″ x 7.25″. 25 Year Warranty!

• Color: Black
• Brand: Case Logic
• Model: SLRC-205
• Format: CD
• Dimensions: 14.75″ h x 3.75″ w x 4.50″ l, 1.50 pounds

Features

• SLR camera sling wears like a backpack but allows for instant access to your SLR and accessories (simply swing around and you’re ready to shoot)
• Holds SLR camera body with attached standard lens
• Patent pending hammock system suspends your SLR above the bottom of case, providing superior impact protection
• Large zippered compartment stores an additional lens or flash (dimensions: 7.5″ x 3.75″ x 3″)
• Three additional zippered pockets store memory cards and other small items

Customer Reviews:

Easy to Carry, but Not Carry All
After some extensive research and try-ons, Case Logic SLRC-205 Camera Sling Bag is my current favorite bag to carry my small DSLR (Olympus E-620) and two lenses (one attached to the body).

Case Logic must have a great design team that cares. They seem to put a lot of attention on the design that not only looks good, but also very utilitarian. They keep improving the holder for the camera body with a lens attached in their camera back, the latest hammock design exhibits that. It’s a very simple design that will suit various camera configuration. Such effort deserve to be praised.

It’s a pleasure to carry this bag. Weight distribution of a sling bag is crucial, as the load is stressed on one shoulder (in this case, left, and there’s no right shoulder option as noted by another reviewer). However, Case Logic SLRC-205 feels like feather when I put it on me with the bag fully loaded (~5 lbs. of equipment).

In the main compartment, I have put an Olympus E-620 (around the size of Canon XSi/T1i) with Zuiko 14-45mm II (3.5″ long, 3″ diam.) attached with hood reversed. It still has some room at the bottom to store my 50mm macro lens if desired. However, I squeezed my Giottos large rocket Blower Giottos in. It’s a tight fit for that configuration. A larger camera body may have a hard time getting in without removing the neck strap. I had the quick release plate of my tripod attached to the bottom of the camera and it’s a tight fit, but no problem. There is no problem in term of horizontal space.

In the extra lens pocket I was able to put a Zuiko 50-200mm in (6 1/4″ long, 3.5″ diam.) with its gigantic hood reversed and tripod holder attached, which makes it around 5 1/4″ wide, and the pocket still has some room to spare. The nice little touch about that pocket is it has an elastic band near the bottom. I forgot to zip the bag up once, after I changed my lens, and that elastic band held the lens closer to the bag, saved my precious lens from an irreversible disaster (though a smaller lens might have felt through, so don’t bet your life on it, but it’s a nice contingency design).

There is also a spare pocket for small things like memory cards, battery and trinkets (I also put lens cleaning pens inside). It is more accessible than the side pocket, which is blocked by the tripod holder. My other gripe about that side pocket is it’s not deep enough for a standard novel-size camera manual. I just wish there is one non-flat type pocket dedicated for larger item such as the rocket blower, and some pen holders for my lens pens. A cellphone/iPod holder on the shoulder strap would be a nice touch.

There is a filter pocket! I love the design team. They were able to squeeze so many features in a compact bag, and all except the side pocket mentioned are readily accessible when you swing the back to the front, without having to take the bag off (which is the shortcoming of a backpack style bag). The two filter nets inside it hold 67mm filters fine, though the smaller one is better suited for a 58mm filter.

The tripod holder is wonderful. I have a full-size aluminum tripod (Dolica 62″ Proline with Ballhead) retracted and stored in its dedicated tripod bag. Using the two Velcro closure, the tripod was piggybacked onto the back and doesn’t shift around. The tripod is longer than the sling so I won’t carry a tripod that way to a crowded place. However it’s nice to free your hand if you’re hiking.

The shoulder strap is very comfortable and well padded. The length control is a bit weird. Instead of that plastic thing you would loop around twice, you pull the extra strap to the desired length and then roll it up like an omelet, then fasten it with a Velcro strap. I prefer the traditional plastic loop (when done right, the loop is actually more secure).

The interior padding is okay only. It’s not super thick, but should be okay for minor impact. The part I’m more worried about is the spare lens pocket, as it’s more exposed. Main compartment should endure concoction more. The interior material is made of high quality nylon. It feels smooth and I don’t believe it’ll scratch the equipment (just don’t rub the lens glass with it).

There are handles tactically placed. I don’t feel the content will fall out when using them. While the zippers secure the bags well, but the main compartment’s zipper could be smoother when zipped around the corner.

Minor gripe. Though Case Logic team deserves the recognition, but I wish the logo can be a little more low profile. It’s not gigantic or hideous, but when I see the sunshine logo, I know who made the bag already. The way it is put now, it looks like a camera bag, which is not something I like to flaunt about (i.e., rob me!). I also wish the side pocket and the main compartment have a more joint look, so it looks more like a regular sling bag. As of now, the main compartment looks alarmingly like a camera holster…. A discreet, understated design is the best attention grabber.

Overall, it’s a very well-designed bag for a small DSLR with two lenses. Importantly, it is in a compact design with good ergonomics and holds all the crucial items. I just wish Case Logic design team could add one more pocket for lens cleaning supply, or perhaps one pocket for iPod/cellphone on the shoulder strap. Case Logic team deserves the praise.

Pros:
- Holds many gears in a small package
- Good built material
- Holds weight but doesn’t weigh down
- Well thought-out design perks
- Very accessible pockets
- Excellent value

Cons:
- Needs one more pocket for non-flat items
- Exterior design could be slightly more discreet
- No pocket for camera manual

For photographers on the go
I spent a lot of time researching sling-style DSLR cases and this is by far the best I have seen. I’ve owned one for a few months already and I have no complaints.

Comfort - adjustable, padded strap allows the bag to wrap around your torso for a comfortable fit. Sometimes I even forget that it’s there. I cannot say the same for the boxy-style camera bags, they just feel out of palce.

Storage - The main compartment has the hammock suspension system, which I think offers good restraint and easy access to your camera: just unzip the top cover and reach for the camera. The compartment is deep enough to fit a super-tele lens attached to the body, or an attached medium sized prime with room at the bottom for another lens. Another compartment has room for two more medium sized lenses or a lens and a charger. A few more zippered pockets offer room for small gadgets like wireless remote control, USB card reader, some filters, lens cleaning gear.

Protection - there’s enough padding to keep your toys safe, though I wouldn’t get on crowded bus with it.

Style - This is the only case I have seen that actually looks great, and not really like a camera bag - bonus points for that; last thing you want is to advertise your stash of expensive toys.

Worth mentioning - a hook and loop tripod holder; pretty useful for a light tripod, though the bag will get heavy if you’re going on a long hike. Build quality is good, feels like money worth spending.

Kudos to the designer of this case.

Love it, though some adjustment is required.
I spent days looking for a sling bag before I bought this one. I travel light, but have a Canon 5D, plus a 28-135mm lens and a 70-300mm telephoto lens. I wanted a sling pack to slide my small amount of other personal stuff into while traveling in (potentially shady) areas (and non-shady ones).

Verdict: I love this bag. It is so awesome. The hammock is so cool. But there are some other things to consider:

1. It is going to be very annoying to constantly stop, slide the bag around and take photos. The bag needs some breaking in at the beginning; it is very stiff (and that is a GOOD thing). If buying it for a vacation, take it out for a romp BEFORE your trip to soften it up and get used to the maneuvers required to load and unload your camera. I only say that because it has an usual design.

2. The height of my 5D (from the bottom, set down, to the top near where the flash module would hook into) seems uncomfortable fit-wise into the hammock compartment. I am not sure if an EOS 1- or 5D with one of those battery pack grippers would be able to fit into this compartment. My 5d JUST fits. However, a camera with a full telephoto lens might fit in here without disassembly. There is a lot of space in the hammock for a longer lens than my 28-135mm lens.

3. In order to use this, it is really optimal to remove any other protection: ie, camera armor (which I had) and the strap. To keep the strap on while storing the camera in the bag is to add serious and repetitive frustration to your life when you unload- and load the camera back into the bag. There is just not space for the strap in the compartment.

4. There is limited space for much else if you have a telephoto & default lens. The small side pocket has space for my mini tripod, my folded strap and a few lens caps. The flat pocket over the camera hammock fits something flat, like a manual and some papers or whatever. There are a few other nooks and crannies but don’t expect this to double as a backpack for personal items if you have a lot of stuff. It will fit a camera, a manual, a mini tripod, some other various doo-dads, 2 lenses (one on, one off), and a small variety of whatever else.

Regardless of the above items, I think this is a fantastic bag and is totally worth the money. I hope it lasts long enough to carry my camera to the Southwestern USA, Denmark, Norway, Bermuda and throughout my winter of snowshoeing and winter sports! The padding is awesome and it is very sturdy. When this bag dies, I hope I can buy another one. Perfect for an on-the-go photographer.

Cobra XRS 9545 Voice Alert 14 Band Radar/Laser Detector with POP Radar Gun Detection and DigiView Data Display Description:

The Cobra XRS 9545 14 band radar/ laser detector with new DigiView data display technology, has the innovative Voice Alert function as well as a built in digital signal strength meter, city/ highway selector, automute, IntelliMute, dimmer, LaserEye 360 degree detection and KU Band Detection. This unit is VG-2 & Spectre 1 Undetectable and alerts you when these tracking devices are being used. Additionally, the XRS 9545 has Safety Alert, Strobe Alert and a memory function. This product is FCC Compliant.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #407 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Cobra
• Model: XRS 9545
• Number of items: 2
• Dimensions: 10.20″ h x 6.70″ w x 2.70″ l, .33 pounds

Features

• 14-Band detection–detects 7 radar, 6 laser and 1 safety signal
• DigiView Data Display Provides easily recognizable digital text display
• Provides complete immunity to VG-2 and alerts for Spectre I/IV radar detector-detectors
• LaserEye provides 360-degree detection of laser signals
• One-year limited warranty

Customer Reviews:

Great radar for the money!
I got this radar detector after doing research on them for a few days. It was the best value out there for a radar that picks up so many different bands of radar. Thing thing has already saved me a few times from Sergeant D-bag. If you are looking for a good radar, then pick this bad boy up.

Note: Automatic doors may set off your radar. I get false alerts on city mode maybe 2 to 3 times a day in extremely busy areas with lots of stores that have automatic doors.

Perefect in all generalities
Bought this item after looking over many other different detectors. And decided on this one. Had a little trouble with hard hard wiring it to the under the hood fuse box but figured it out after a little tweaking. After that had no problems. Product had me extremely satisfied with its performance. Very sensitive when its needed to be, granted not many if any false alarms. And the programing the product allows just adds to another great aspect to this radar detector. Great price, great buy…

It’s working great!
I never had such a thing to compare with, and was surprised when it worked, worked great (like other products from this manufacturer!). Can’t say anything about the range of detection except that I was able to slow down when needed and in time! The only thing that annoys is false detections in the city, even in “city” mode there is lots of them. Overall I like it much, and will recommend to my friends!

Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description The XRS 9545 provides total protection and peace of mind with the Xtreme Range Superheterodyne technology, detecting all 14 radar/laser bands with reliable and proven performance. It comes with the DigiView Data Display, Voice Alert, and much more.

Total protection and peace of mind.

System Ready Prompt
Notifies the user that the radar detector has correctly completed a self-test and is ready.

Spectre I Undetectable
Provides complete immunity to Spectre I radar detector-detectors.

14-Band Detection
Detects 7 radar, 6 laser and 1 safety signal. Radar signals include X Band, K Band, Ka Superwide, Ku Band, VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+. Laser signals include LTI 20-20, Ultra Lyte, ProLaser, ProLaser III, Stalker LIDAR and Speedlaser. Safety signal is Safety Alert Traffic Warning System.

Spectre Alert I/IV+
Alerts user when they are under surveillance of Spectre I/IV+ radar detector-detectors.

IntelliMute Pro
Relative speed sensing auto shutdown feature will render your detector undetectable by currently available radar detector-detectors.

VG-2 Undetectable
Provides complete immunity to VG-2 radar detector-detectors.

High Performance
High performance radar/laser detector with reliable, proven performance.

DigiView Data Display
Provides easily recognizable digital text display.

POP Mode Radar Gun Detection
Detects the latest POP Mode Radar Gun (Super-fast Instant-On Mode)

UltraBright data display provides easy recognition of band detected by use of band identification icons.

View controls, indicators and connections. Click to enlarge.

Ku Band Detection
Detects Ku Band Radar Gun currently being used in Europe. Be prepared for future introduction in the U.S.

LaserEye
Provides 360-degree detection of laser signals.

Voice Alert
Warns driver with specific voice annunciation of the signal being detected.

VG-2 Alert
Alerts the user when they are under surveillance of VG-2 radar detector-detectors.

Safety Alert
Warns drivers of the presence and/or approaching emergency vehicles, railroad crossing, and road hazard locations equipped with Cobra’s exclusive Safety Alert transmitters.

Auto Mute
Automatically mutes the alert tone for enhanced driver convenience.

IntelliMute
Relative-speed-sensing Auto Mute system that virtually elminates false alerts.

Digital Signal Strength Meter
Provides the driver with relative proximity to the target using 5-level digital signal strength meter.

City/Highway Modes
Allows the user to select operating mode, reducing the frequency of falsing in densely polulated urban areas.

Dim Mode
Allows the user to dim the radar detector display enhancing night driving visibility.

Stay Set Electronic Memory
Electronically remembers radar detector settings for an indefinite period of time even with the power removed.

What’s in the Box
XRS 9545 Detector Unit, Straight 12V DC Power Cord, Windshield Mounting Bracker with suction cups, Instruction manual

Easycap USB Video Capture Adapter Product: Easycap USB Video Capture Adapter Lowest Price! List Price: $56.28 Amazon Price: $8.76 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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EasyCap USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter provides a link between a PC and a video device with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such VHS, VCR, DVD, TV, DV, analog camcorder, camera.

• Brand: Generic
• Model: DC60
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• EasyCap USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter provides a link between a PC and a video device with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such VHS, VCR, DVD
• USB 2.0 interface, plug and play. Support brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control. Capture audio without the sound card.
• Support All Video Formats: DVD+/-R/RW, DVD+/-VR, and DVD-Video. Applying to internet conference / net meeting. Support NTSC, PAL Video format.
• Video input: One RCA composite, One S-Video. Audio input : Stereo audio (RCA)//Dimension (L)88mm x (W)28mm x (H)18mm. USB bus power.
• Package Contents: 1 x EasyCAP USB 2.0 Video Adapter with Audio, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x Quick Installation Guide, 1 x CD-ROM

Wonderful product! Here’s how to get it to work:
First off, let me tell you - This is an amazing deal. I have 3 computers, and while this doesn’t work with two of them (It gets a scratchy audio noise, I think it’s a problem with NVidia chipsets), it works with the third one. The problem most people are having is that it doesn’t “display video correctly”. After installing it, it should be recognized as a Syntek STK1160. You’ll need to change the video from PAL to NTSC (If you live in America or Japan). Go to Control Panel -> Scanners and Cameras -> and right click on “Syntek STK1160″ and select “Video Decoder Property”. Change it from “PAL_B” (Or whatever it is) to “NTSC_M” (for America) and “NTSC_M_J” for Japan. You’ll know the right one when it says “Signal Detected: 1″. Enjoy ^_^

It doesn’t work right with VirtualDub, but you can use AMCap (Google it) to record your video, and VirtualDub to edit and produce it.

Enjoy your AMAZING deal

Cheap but tricky
I purchased this to try to capture some old VHS tapes and then burn to DVD. The instructions are awful. Since my old VCR can only reproduce a maximum of 270 lines, I did the following: Load the Easycap driver on my XP machine. Insert the Easycap into a USB 2.0 port (without the extension). Go to System in Control Panel and Hardware and locate Imaging device and insure that it is there. Next (don’t even load their old software) run Windows Movie Maker, click capture device, go to camera settings and make sure you have NTSB-m selected. Next click video settings (I used 320×240 good enough for my VHS), and continue following instructions to capture your movie.
Note: I did NOT get this to work on my Vista machine!

Amazing For The Money
I don’t know how the EasyCap works on a Vista machine, but on my XP laptop (with only a 1.8Ghz Centrino processor) it works very well for turning VHS tapes into DVD’s or ISO files. The Driver is simple and straight forward to install, and I am certain that the majority of people that have complained about poor audio quality haven’t taken the time to set up the Capture or Burn settings correctly. The Audio Capture settings default to 64kbs Mpeg, which will result in poor audio quality. The Audio Capture setting needs to be increased to at least 128kbs, or better yet - LPCM Audio. It is easy to overlook this, and it is critical for good audio performance - especially for concert tapes. The Ulead software takes some time to master, but it works quite well after learning it, and the quality of the DVD’s or ISO files (including motion menu’s and chapters) it burns/generates is very good.

It’s an amazing hardware/software package for the money. If you take the time to learn the software and configure it up properly, you will be very satisfied with the results.