Product: Onkyo DVCP706

List Price: $299.00
Average customer review:

Amazon Price: Too low to display
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

Compare Prices on Onkyo DVCP706

We’ve had this product just a few weeks, but are quite pleased with it. The only snag was when we hooked it up to both our receiver (with RCA analog jacks)and our new HDTV (with an HDMI cable)so that we could play our CD’s through our receiver and our DVD’s through the television. The problem was in hooking up the TV. We received a picture but no sound. Talking to our tv technician was of no help. We figured the problem out through trial and error, namely that the Onkyo’s menu had a variety of sound options, to include some that we had no idea what they were for. One option, I believe it was the “PCM” option, did the trick when we turned it on. Apparently this option lowers the kHz frequency of the output so that it is compatible with the television (whatever all that means). Once I clicked that option on, the sound came through the TV. These instruction booklets all assume that consumers understand these technical terms, so you have to be something of a detective to finally figure it all out. Now everything (finally) works.

As previously posted, this unit will NOT play rental (or even mildly scratched) DVDs. Which is a problem because a number of our DVDs are kids movies and they get scratched with repeadted use. All the problematic DVDs play perfectly fine on a cheapo ($20) DVD player but this “high-end” unit is too much of a prima donna for these DVDs.

Purchased for parents who are not tech-savvy (was somewhat of a worry with setting this up), and are huge movie fans. (They like movies so much, they even sleep to them…) I wanted to make sure the DVD changer supported both their new TV (HD) and their old, CRT tube TV. And this certainly fit the bill.

The setup is very easy. (I was able to help with the setup over the phone in minutes.) However, the ease of setup doesn’t mean that it is lacking options; there are plenty of options that are available to tweak the sound, the picture, etc. But for just getting the machine playing DVDs (maybe not optimally, but playing nonetheless), it’s simple.

When visiting, I was able to see and hear this player in action. It’s mostly silent itself, and had a picture/audio quality that was adequate for how it was hooked up – using the composite cables (”RCA cables” – red and white for audio, yellow for video.) When using an HDMI connection, everything really came to life, stepping into the modern world.

On a side note (in regards to some negative reviews here) – Amazon.com *is* an authorized seller of Onkyo products (the “refurb” version part – Warehouse Deals or whatever, likely is not.) If there’s a problem, I can’t see how you wouldn’t be covered by either Amazon or Onkyo. I had actually purchased this same unit from another online vendor, and the DVD sounded like it was going through a meat grinder when it was playing. Returned it, bought from Amazon and the new one is working great… bottom line: Onkyo is a very quality and reputable brand, but no brand is going to be perfect 100%.

Would definitely purchase again.

****************UPDATE, September 2009*********************

This unit is now receiving “Cannot Read Disc” errors pretty randomly. It may not work on a disc, but the next time you try, it works fine. We tried cleaning all the discs, but after purchasing a few brand new DVDs and having the error, it’s going to head back to Onkyo. Meanwhile, the $30 backup cheapie DVD player still works… bummer.

****************UPDATE, November 7, 2009****************

We finally got around to taking this in for warranty work. The nearest authorized service center was King Audio/Video (Redmond, WA.) The service folks were very pleasant and professional… after about 10 days, they called us up to come pick it up. (Apparently, Onkyo also covers shipping charges once the item is repaired, but we decided to just pick it up.)

Now, this is back to being a fantastic player. It’s quieter than it was before, and it plays ALL DVDs, even if you can see some visible damage (scratching and such) on it.

If others are experiencing the disc read errors on older/scratched DVDs, I’d recommend getting it repaired while under warranty. (The problem eventually gets worse to where it won’t even read a brand new DVD.) Yes, it’s unfortunate that you have to get it repaired. But on the other hand – that’s what the warranty is for, and now this this is working GREAT.

Product: Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter

List Price: $15.99
Average customer review:

Amazon Price: Too low to display
Add to cart to see low price@

Availability: In Stock
Usually ships in 24 Hours
Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter

The product felt strong, solid, and well put together. The glass was clear with no visible tint or imperfections. Although this and another filter (same type different size) both arrived with smudges on the glass. The smudges were fairly easy to wipe off, but I suspect the items are either not cleaned before packaging, or I received someone’s returned item. However, I had to return this item since they DON’T contain any anti-glare/reflective coating on them. When shooting towards a light source (light bulb, tv, sun, etc) a green reflection of the light source would appear on the recorded image. The green reflected image was caused by a reflection bouncing off of my lens’s green tinted anti-glare coating which was bounced right back into the camera by this filter. If your lens isn’t coated in an anti-glare coating the result will be even worse.

Instead I picked up Quantaray filters from a local Wolf Camera that were coated with the anti-glare. They only cost a little more, and the green reflection is now gone. Make sure you look for a filter with the anti-glare

Camera: Canon 20d, Lenses tested: 18-55, 28-135, 70-300

People are getting reflection with this filter because it is not multi coated. Coating kills reflection and keeps colors correct,a non coated filter on a multi coated lens is the worst thing you can do to a fine lens. Spend a little more to get a good one. Look for the term MULTI COATED !

Product: Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, Manual Air Blower with Extra-Large Rubber Bulb – 5.3″ Long

List Price: $14.95
Average customer review:

Amazon Price: Too low to display
Add to cart to see low price@

Availability: In Stock
Usually ships in 24 Hours
Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, Manual Air Blower with Extra-Large Rubber Bulb – 5.3″ Long

One of the few drawbacks to digital SLR cameras is that they are susceptible to dust on the sensor. This can result in one’s photos showing unsightly spots or smudges. Film cameras did not have this problem because film substitutes for the sensor, and is, of course, constantly replaced. But on digital SLRs the same sensor stays behind the lens and if it gets a piece of dust on it, the problem remains until the dust is removed. The first time I got a dust smudge on the sensor of my Nikon D200 I was pretty rattled. This little accessory fixed it up immediately. Six blasts from the Rocket and my sensor was clean and pristine again.

The Rocket has a narrow nozzle for getting up fairly close to the sensor, and a rear filter to ensure that it does not pump dust *into* your DSLR. The best thing I can say about the Rocket is that it works. Twice since I have needed to clean my sensor, and both times the Rocket came through and did the job.

I have recommended the Rocket to others, and I consider it to be an essential tool for the digital SLR camera enthusiast or professional.

I got this air blower over the smaller size at Amazon, not only because it was cuter, but it was cheaper to boot.

I love this product because I use it for so many different things. In addition to using it for what I purchased it for which is to blow dust off my DSLR and Panasonic camcorder lens, I also use it to dust off my computer monitor, desk, computer case, etc. Prior to buying this item, I would buy the canned air and use that to blow dust around. I never felt comfortable, being the environmentally conscious person that I am, using canned air. The Rocket air blaster is environmentally friendly and as long as you have the strength in your fingers to continue pumping, you can continue to dust away.

With the canned air, you are limited by the amount of compressed air in the can. But also, as you use the canned air, the container gets cold, very cold. Personally I never felt comfortable using something whose temp changed drastically as I used it. Also, the canned air can’t be used when holding the nozzle straight down or at certain other angles. I know because I always try this and it only sprays out pure frozen air. The Rocket Blower doesn’t care what angle you hold it at, it still works!

There are two little holes in two opposing fins. To add to the cuteness of this item, the holes can be used to attach a strap so you can take the blower everywhere with you.

Cons: The wide round size of the blower makes it difficult to control direction of the nozzle. I have to hold the nozzle sometimes with my left hand and compress the blower with my right to get controlled dusting action.

I wish the blowing action was a little more powerful than it is. It produced a little weaker puff of air than I had anticipated. From what people have written, I got the impression this was a high quality product, and it is, don’t get me wrong, the packaging was beautiful and the product is a thick durable rubber material, it is easy to use, and so forth, but I just wish it produced a stronger puff of air. I think if they could do this, they might actually be able to compete with canned air (I’m not kidding) and eat into their market share, rather than confine themselves to digital cameras and the like.

The Rocket Blower does what it is supposed to do and does it well. If they offered a narrower nozzle with stronger blowing capacity I would opt for that model in a heartbeat. My biggest complaint is the lack of ability to aim the air accurately. Too often I will squeeze the bulb and the nozzle will be zigzagging everywhere. This can be frustrating when there’s a stubborn piece of dust in a very specific location and the nozzle is spraying in all kinds of different directions.

Tip: you can wash the blower easily by rinsing it in water and drying off with a towel if it becomes dusty.

**Update**

I have now owned this product for almost 1 year. It sits on my desk right next to my right hand as I rely on it a lot. I use it to blow dust off my desk, and shrine, blow dust from the lense of my sunglasses, digital camera, cracks and crevices of my tv, etc. It is a great alternative to canned air.

I re-read my comments about the puff of air being weak. During that time, I learned how to use this product to get more air out of it. I have learned to position my fingers around the widest part of the bulb and still have control over it. By squeezing harder I can now generate more force. It’s difficult to guage, but the air is coming out harder than it seems. I think I’m used to the air being cold from the canned compressed air. Since it’s room temp it doesn’t seem powerful, but it is.

This device is so handy I plan to get one for my brother who always uses canned air. He would be thrilled with an inexpensive option for blowing air around.

Product: Flip Tripod for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders

List Price: $14.99
Average customer review:

Amazon Price: Too low to display
Add to cart to see low price@

Availability: In Stock
Usually ships in 24 Hours
Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Flip Tripod for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RRRZWBU7PZR9C *****

This tripod is the perfect accessory to the Flip Ultra Video Camcorder. I only wish I had ordered it sooner. It is an incredible value and greatly expands how you can use your camcorder. On this video, which is less than two minutes, I show you the tripod and how it can attach to various items. Then I let you see it work in action as I use a tripod for the first time. It will especially appeal to novice vloggers (like me) because it is so very easy to use!

*****

UPDATE: 7/17/08: This tripod also works with the new Flip Mino—YAY!

This is a good tripod for the Flip Ultra, but why not buy either of these two instead? They are a lot less money and is pretty much exactly the same thing!:

Vanguard VS41 Flexible MiniTripod

Sunpak 620-786 Mini-Spider Tripod

Really the only difference is the Vanguard model doesn’t come with the different color feet and it doesn’t say ‘Flip’.

Or you could get the Gorilla Pod:

Joby GP1-01EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)

which is a bit more versatile in that you can attach it to a pole or edge of a chair, etc.

A mini tripod really makes it easier to do videos since you can put it almost anywhere yet still get your Flip Ultra level. It also provides more stability to better prevent it from toppling over.

Download & Watch Eden Log at Amazon.com. Click Here Now to Download & Watch Eden Log Online Now!

I was not too impressed with this film. It was not the color, dialogue, captions, or the lack of a talking dinosaur that let me down- the movie failed to connect with me. For me, it was like watching The Blair Witch Project: you watch because it is something to watch and at the end youre left wanting a little more.

Rundown:

In this movie, “Eden Log” is a corporation that is trying to find an element to unite all people. Something goes wrong and like those Resident Evil travesties, a character gets amnesia and cant remember whats going on, comes across monsters, clean up teams, and the few survivors and computer files to just get a simple understanding before they conveniently die or break. The ending arrives when you expect it to but is lackluster. Thinking about it, “Eden Log” does seem like a French version of “Resident Evil”.

Speaking on the plot, there needs to be some clarification. American cinema is not universal cinema. European films have their own method of engaging the audience. Knowing this will save a viewer frustration if they have not seen any imported films. Knowing key difference between American cinema and European cinema, Im still not sure “Eden Log” would be enjoyable to all. There could be some interesting takes on symbology, possible allegories, and the role of colors but Amazon is not the place.

I did not watch the English version. Im the type of viewer that watches a foreign film in its original language. This means, like the other reviews state, watching the poor quality version that is listed in the Special Features. To my surprise, the quality was not all that bad. The reason being, I watched the film on a PS3. Like most newer players, it upscalled the quality and fit the image to the widescreen TV. If anyone is to watch this movie on a player that does not upscale but is hooked up to any widescreen HDTV via RCA jacks, the quality is going to be horrible. Its simple technobabble. If a viewer has no issue with the higher quality English version then by all means watch that version.

This movie was great. It was very creepy and atmospheric. However, I found myself to be infuriated by the idiocy of the Blu-Ray transfer. I hate dubbed movies. I believe that a movie should be watched as the director intended it to be seen, and in the language it was created in. I always watch foreign language films in the language with subtitles enabled. However, on this Blu-Ray, there is NO OPTION to watch the movie in the original language (French) without going into the special features and selecting it… IN STANDARD DEFINITION! In HD, one can only watch the English or Spanish dubbed version. To recap, a brilliant film and a truly despicable shortcoming on the Blu-Ray. I cannot believe the ignorance of the people who formatted this.

Just a month or two ago Magnet botched the subtitles on “Let the right one in” and there was a big online backlash. You would think that they would tread a little more carefully with future releases but then we get this. It turns out that with “Eden Log” the only way to watch a high definition version of the film is with an English dubbed track. The dubbed audio is in DTS master audio which is nice, but if you want to watch the “French version” (the original version) then you have to look in the extras and it will allow you to do this. If you watch the “French version” it will be in standard definition! That’s right, if you pay a $10 premium to get the blu-ray of this film and want to see it in its unaltered state with the original language and subtitles then you must do it in standard definition and compressed audio (rather than DTS master audio) to go along with it.

Who do they have handling the blu-ray and dvd releases over at Magnet? Why didn’t they just put the subtitles and french audio (in DTS master audio would be nice) on the high definition version of the film and get rid of this standard def version of the film? They are really shooting themselves in the foot with this “six shooter film series”.

I’d give the film probably 3.5 or 4 stars though.

Download & Watch Bring It On: Fight to the Finish at Amazon.com. Click Here Now to Download & Watch Bring It On: Fight to the Finish Online Now!

I know what a lot of people are thinking, OMG, another freakin’ bring it on movie. First of all: The franchise is really a trilogy (1,3,5), 2nd: Give this one a chance, you will be surprised. There were new lines that are repeatable, mostly spoken by the Character Gloria. These movies do present an element of cheese, but let’s face it, that is what makes them fun. You aren’t watching these with the intent in finding a new oscar contender. As soon as it was over, I wanted to watch again, something that I would never say about any of the others, except for the original. The movie finally brought it!!!! The music was good as well. I never heard a Christina Milian song in my life, and now I am looking to buy the soundtrack. It was a mixture of the 1st and 3rd movies brought together with a Step Up feel. I loved it an now i will watch it again!

At First When I started watching it I thought that it was going to be stupid but then after I got into it I really enjoyed it…. I am going to add this to my collection with the rest of them….. But Please No More

I have two girls 4 & 12yrs old, they have watch all the bring it on movies, and this would be the only one that didn’t get them excited. the movie was ok, but nothing to get them up and dancing about. they would rather watch the old bring it on movies over & over again.

Download & Watch Half Light at Amazon.com. Click Here Now to Download & Watch Half Light Online Now!

What a pleasant surprise… script, setting, photography, acting, nothing truly outstanding yet all fit together for me like a deep, slowly moving river…a cerebral, visual, audio and intellectual meditation. Much of the innuendo of the script was obvious, much was not, found myself enjoying the second guessing to the ending. One never knows…ah cannot give anything away, for me it was good, I felt good at the ending, listened to the music while reading the credits, the mellowness like after a long run…endorphin doing their thing. This is a “dare to try it movie”…try it at the right time and be surprised by joy, or at least the warmth of a nice merlot.

A little bit of “The Shining” and a little bit of Demi Moore’s own “Ghost” this movie is absorbing and yes my wife and I jumped off the couch at the same time. A fine woven tale with magnificent scenery and possibly the best acting that Demi Moore has ever done, which is saying a lot. A 99 cent rental worthy of a movie theatre price!

Half Light is not the most original plot, perhaps, but it still contains plenty of thrills, chills and challenges for the viewer as s/he attempts to unravel what, exactly is happening. Very well done.

Download & Watch Ghosts of Girlfriends Past at Amazon.com. Click Here Now to Download & Watch Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Online Now!

Just saw this one in the theater and it was a great flick with a lot of laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

In a take-off of the Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, the ghosts of past girlfriends and other voluntary spirits, attempt to help a cold-hearted womanizer bring back the sensitivity and love in his life.

We begin the plot with the much sought-after bachelor ladies’ man, in-demand schmoozer, professional photographer Conner (McConahey). He loves all the ladies, every one he can get into, so to speak. As we watch love ‘em and leave ‘em Conner break the ladies’ hearts, we begin to think of him as a loveable schmuck. Even though we want to slap him, there is something about him. We follow him to his brother’s wedding at the country home he grew up, in a castle-sized estate. We find out that his parents died young, leaving 7 year old Conner to help raise his 2 year old brother. Both were raised by Uncle Wayne (Michael Douglas) at the mansion.

Young Conner grew up with young Jennie (Jennifer Garner). They seemed to be best friends but fell short on the boyfriend/girlfriend end of the stick when they got into their teens. Conner seemed afraid of being hurt and, under the expert tutilage of Uncle Wayne, turned into a ladies man.

Showing up at the wedding and voicing his extreme cynicism about love and marriage, Conner offends everyone. He is soon visited by the now deceased Uncle Wayne who tells him to mend his evil ways. To help Conner out, Wayne warns him of upcoming visits from 3 spirits, just like Jacob Marley and Ebineezer Scrooge.

And so it begins. As I said, it is often laugh-out-loud funny, coupled with sincerety and love. There were times I found a tear or two in my eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would certainly want to see it again. It’s a feel-good movie and enjoyable to watch the sincerity and love return to this man’s life.

I really wanted to love this movie. The idea and cast give it the potential to be a hilarious romantic comedy, but sadly, it isn’t.

I love Matthew McConaughey in pretty much everything he’s ever been in. He’s a good actor, but I really didn’t buy him as a charmer in this movie. I really couldn’t see why the women were falling for him. He wasn’t even slightly charming or likable. He was just a jerk. It made me feel like the writers of this movie thought all women were just idiots ready to fall into bed with anyone.

Jennifer Garner is another of my faves in other movies. She wasn’t bad in this one, but it wasn’t enough to save the movie.

One thing I did like about this movie was Lacey Chabert. She was very believable as the nervous bride to be. She was freaking out about every detail as many brides do and was a wreck. She gave us some comedic moments and was cute as a button.

I’m glad I only rented this movie from Netflix, so I’m only out an hour adn 40 minutes of my life rather than $20. If you really feel the need to see this movie, rent it before buying it.

I would agee with the classification of this as more of a malefantasy movie than your classic romantic comdey; it is a bit racy at times. But with its cast of big names-from McConnaughey and Garner to Anee Archer and Michael Douglas-it is what is sets out to be-good entertainment. Iw ould not take young children to see it but my teenagers were suitably amused.

Download & Watch The Man From Earth at Amazon.com. Click Here Now to Download & Watch The Man From Earth Online Now!

There is no, well very little, action or romance here. The movie is essentially and intellectual exploration of what it would be like for someone who lived for 14,000 years. Don’t let that read as boring, because it is not at all.

What would it really be like to live for 14,000 years? Would you learn a bunch of languages and forget them after you haven’t used them for a hundred or so years? Would you be able to identify yourself as a Cro-Magnon man after the phrase has been coined?

John is a college professor who has decided to quit his job and gathers up his friends at his cabin for a going away party. Over some nice Scotch he reveals a captivating story of a live that has lasted 140 centuries.

Do they believe him? Is he lying? Is he crazy? Is it some weird thought experiment? Or, is he telling the truth?

What is his take on the Christ and Buddha? On man? The environment?

I really enjoyed watching this thought-provoking movie. It’s got an independent flavor, but is very accessible.

A man at a goodbye party asks his friends what a Cro Magnon man who had lived 14,000 years would be like. His friends, college professors of biology and anthropology and such, agree that such a person would look like a modern man and have the same intelligence.

The conversation turns to whether or not he is such a person. His friends reactions vary from amusement at his game to taking great offense. His story about the one time he lived as an historical figure that we know today really ruffled some feathers.

This movie reminded me a bit of K-Pax, except he claims to be from earth and not space. It was less funny and more thoughtful than K-Pax. It also gets resolved as to whether or not he is telling the truth.

This is a nice movie if you like thoughtful dialogue and getting your mind twisted around. No action or special effects so some people will find it boring.

Overall, worth a few bucks and 90 minutes of your time.

I love the idea of this movie. To imagine that there is a person who has lived for 14,000 years forces the viewer to rethink so many “truths.” However, I was quite disappointed in the acting, which at times felt over done and I felt that some of the reactions of the main character’s friends seemed unlikely.

Click Here To Get Allan Holdsworth at Amazon.com

In this one-of-a-kind DVD Allan performs 7 electrifying tunes with his band including keyboardist Steve Hunt bassist Skuli Sverrisson and drummer Chad Wackerman. Allan breaks down his creative use of scales and chord voicings in this video and offers suggestions as to how to go about creating your own unique sounds and chord voicings based on his simple yet revolutionary concept for harmonizing scales in intervals other than traditional 3rds. See incredible close-up shots of Allan s amazing technique here and enjoy the unique opportunity to learn from one of the all-time greats!System Requirements:Running Time: 60 minsFormat: DVD AUDIO Genre: MUSIC DVD/LIVE PERFORMANCES UPC: 038081308876 Manufacturer No: ALF28313DVD

Click Here To Purchase Allan Holdsworth at Amazon.com

Learn about Similar Products On Amazon.com

You need to know that Allan Holdsworth is an beautiful product! I love my Allan Holdsworth alot! I Locate the grade a quality of Allan Holdsworth is just beautiful! I purchased my Allan Holdsworth at Amazon.com and found that they have the low prices online for Allan Holdsworth!

I found the service at Amazon for Allan Holdsworth was confounding! I am staggered at how fast they shipped my Allan Holdsworth. It came so fast! Also, most of the products they have on Amazon are shipped free! Remeber, to check out Allan Holdsworth for confounding prices!