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Comment on You should know about Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] by Ten D

Ten D — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:50:15 +0000

1,009 of 1,061 people found the following review helpful

Why pay out the wazoo when you can get this cable?!?!, June 18, 2007

Ten D (IL United States) -

This review is from: DVI Gear HDMI Cable 2M (6 Feet) (Electronics)

OK - here's the story. I was going to buy a Toshiba HDTV. I had picked it out already and was ready to purchase it and that was when I found a promotion at a local retailer that if I bought a Toshiba HDTV then I can get $200 off of any of the Toshiba HD DVD players. The HDA2 was normally $399 but was on sale for $299 and with the $200 off I got it for $99!! You can't beat that!

Well, I got that on Tuesday and it was an unexpected purchase. I asked the person at the store how much the HDMI cable would be so that I can hook it up as soon as I get home. He said, it's a Monster Cable and it costs $124.99! Whoa! I went up to the shelf and saw the sticker that said $124.99 on it and on the sticker it said "Financing Available"! What?! I'm not going to pay more for the cable than I did for the DVD player! These guys are crazy!

I told the guy "You are nuts if you think I'm going to pay that amount" and I logged onto Amazon and purchased this HDMI cable I'm doing the review for. I paid, with shipping, less than $9 for it. I was a little worried about it though - I'm sure that there must be a difference between the $124.99 cable and the $9 cable. So, I took the test. I went and purchased the $124.99 cable (mostly because I was too anxious to try out the new HD DVD player and couldn't wait for it to arrive). I plugged it in and of course the HD DVD I played looked absolutely amazing! The very next day I got the $9 cable (pretty fast shipping by these guys by the way) and I hooked it up. I was worried what I would find but when I started watching the same HD DVD that I watched the night before on the $124.99 cable I could notice NO DIFFERNCE WHATSOEVER between the two cables' results. So I returned the $124.99 cable.

You will not be sorry if you purchase this cable over the other ones in the major retailers. Don't let them tell you "it's a better quality cable" or anything like that. This cable is built very well - you can just tell when you hold it in your hand that it was made well. You don't get the fancy plastic packaging that you have to tear into with a knife and cut your fingers on though (oh what a bummer!). Get this cable. It's great!

The only thing you will want to research is that I have seen in some literature that there are two different kinds of cables. I think there is a special one for 1080p DVD players (dont' quote me on this). So do your research before purchasing just to make sure that this is the correct "type". As far as build quality - picture quality, for use with an upconverting DVD player as well as the Toshiba HDA2 HD DVD player, it's an absolute steal.

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Comment on You should know about Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] by Moviefan

Moviefan — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:03:57 +0000

2,772 of 2,886 people found the following review helpful

Works for me and I'm a moron., August 24, 2007

Moviefan (NJ, United States) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: DVI Gear HDMI Cable 2M (6 Feet) (Electronics)

This cable has received a lot of attention on Amazon, so I thought I'd throw in my two cents. I'll write the most simple review I can:

Me buy this cable. Me plug this cable between Sony PS3 and Philips 42" LCD TV. Sony PS3 say "HDMI Detected". TV say picture from source is "HDMI 1080p". Me point to Monster cables and laugh.

I will now go back to banging coconuts together. Thank you.

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Comment on You should know about Tritton AX 720 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC by J. Kwon

J. Kwon — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:49:07 +0000

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

better than the X41 for the money. And for people with glasses!, May 23, 2010

J. Kwon -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tritton AX 720 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC (Accessory)

I've been trying to decide on a gaming headset for Modern Warfare and other FPS for a while and researched many products. I even tried a few. I started out with the Ear Force X41 and while they were great for the surround sound effect, I found the quality very lacking (tinny) and sometimes painful (crackling, popping, hissing, you name it). I also liked that it was wireless... until I used it for a few days. After three, 3-4 hour sessions, the battery was dead. I have plenty of rechargeables but I just didn't like having the headsets go out during a match and then having to find replacement batteries (and getting killed in the process). Being wireless is a convenience and a nuisance at the same time.

Then I tried the Ear Force PX21 because it was able to connect to PC, PS3, and 360, all of which I play on. BUT, there was no surround effect to speak of.. at least none that I could detect. The quality was there but just in stereo. Not much else to say about it.

Lastly, I ordered the Tritton AX 720. What a difference from the PX21 and the X41. It's better than the PX21 because it does have surround and can connect to all 3 systems. It's better than the X41 in sound quality. I'm not an audiophile but these had much warmer lows and cleaner highs that was clearly noticeable from the X41. I immediately returned both of the previous headsets. The surround sound on the AX 720 is there and very noticeable. I found myself instinctively turning toward footsteps before I saw them. The only thing the X41 has is the chat boot feature... but I haven't had any issues talking to my friend in-game with the 720s.

Now, I set about 6 feet away from the TV in my office and the wire from the volume control to the audio processor doesn't get in my way. The wireless headsets out there including the X41 only removes that one wire from the volume control to the audio processor. You still need the volume control and the mic cable to your controller if you're on the 360. Not a big deal for me... the crackling, popping, and hissing was.

Aside for all that, here's the most important reason I like the 720s... I wear glasses and anyone who does can attest to the fact that over-the-ear headsets can be painful! The X41 are a good example. The cups pressed on my rather large ears and onto the stems on the glasses. At first, it was unnoticeable but after a couple of hours, I had to take my glasses off and hang them over the cups so I could still see (at an odd angle no less). My ears and the skin behind them were sore from the pressure. The PX21s led to the same effect.

I don't know what it is with the AX 720s but they designed a great headset for glass wearing geeks. They don't press on my ears or the stems on the glasses AT ALL! Most of the pressure (which isn't much) come from the top rim of the soft cups so the rest of the cup doesn't seem to apply that much pressure. I've gamed for 8hours with my glasses on without any pain. It's a miracle!

Just for those interested, I also was looking at the Tritton AX Pro for the discreet adjustments you can make on each channel. I'm wondering if that would make an even bigger difference in noticing the surround sound effects. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't sell them directly as well as costing $70 more, and returns with 3rd party sellers are a pain. I also, just yesterday, came across the Sharkoon Xstatic 5.1 which seems exactly like the Tritton AX Pro as far as the audio processor goes down to the volume control module (but about $30 less or $40 more than the AX 720) ...hmmm. They're either a sister company or someone's going to get sued for patent infringement. lol

All in all, you can't go wrong with the AX 720... especially if you wear glasses.

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Comment on You should know about Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] by DrZ

DrZ — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:31:32 +0000

1,234 of 1,264 people found the following review helpful

Sweet bargain, great performance, July 14, 2006

DrZ (Chicago, IL, USA) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: DVI Gear HDMI Cable 2M (6 Feet) (Electronics)

I got this HDMI cable for under $10 with shipping just to see whether it will work as well as the expensive ones and it was well worth the risk. I tested it with my upconverting LG DVD player on 1080i resolution on my 42" 1080p Westinghouse LCD TV (update 2009: now used for Blu-ray from PS3 to 46" Sony LCD TV) and it works just like any other HDMI cable, including those loud names who charge you ten-fold for "golden plated extra special micro gravity nanotechnology space age wireless high conductivity low noise extra gauge supercalafragilisticexpialidocious" cables with no difference in performance. By buying this cable I avoided the huge "naive citizen tax" included in these products. Considering its price, this is an amazingly good cable.

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Comment on You should know about The Dark Knight (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] by turtlex "turtlex"

turtlex "turtlex" — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:27:14 +0000

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful

Info on the Bat Pod, December 9, 2008

turtlex "turtlex" (PA USA) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: The Dark Knight (Limited Edition with Batpod) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)

This is just some information regarding the Bat Pod. Please be aware, the Bat Pod and the display stand are 100% plastic. The Bat Pod is also not removable.

In my opinion, they are not worth the extra money.

Get the film, but don't splurge on this plastic toy.

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Comment on You should know about Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] by Glenn R. Howes

Glenn R. Howes — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:08:46 +0000

57 of 66 people found the following review helpful

A Minor Upgrade to A Useful Product, March 16, 2012

Glenn R. Howes (Nashua, NH) -

This review is from: Apple TV MD199LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] (Electronics)

If you have bought into the Apple iOS ecosystem, the AppleTV is a flexible and useful addition. Snap a picture on your iPhone and it will be in the PhotoStream screen saver on your TV within minutes. Want to play some music from your iPad with the good speakers in your TV room, choose the AppleTV Airplay output and hit play. Have an hilarious YouTube video you want to share, Airplay it on the big screen. Want to play that blockbuster iOS game in the large, there it is screen shared in all its glory.

If you haven't gotten into all things Apple, then you have a set top box with a first class Netflix player, HD movies for rent or purchase, and a smattering of other sources. All in an energy efficient, streamlined little box. The one service I miss is Amazon Prime streaming, and I'm not holding my breath waiting for that one.

This is my third AppleTV. I've bought each of the generations. The first, I gave to my brother, the second is moving downstairs to the old 720p TV, and this one is attached to the largish 1080p plasma in the TV room. I had been wanting an other AppleTV as the IOMega Screenplay in the basement is a decidedly inferior Netflix player, and I can make use of all the AirPlay coolness such as streaming music.

This AppleTV is the first to support 1080p output. This is a nice but not overwhelming feature. In fact, I spent a non-trivial amount of time trying to demonstrate that the new model can outdo the previous generation. First, none of my pre-existing movie purchases had been upgraded to 1080p. I generally buy Blu-ray discs with Digital Downloads, and such titles as The Adventures of TinTin, Monsters, Inc, The Incredibles, etc., just are not listed as being in 1080p and while they look OK in whatever format iTunes has for streaming, they obviously were not the best they could be. So, I purchased the new Puss n' Boots via the AppleTV and did and an AB comparison between 1080p on the new box versus 720p on the older AppleTV. The 1080p is better: a little more detail, a little less fuzz, less banding, but honestly I could have watched either without complaint, they are both quite nice. It is not the great difference you will see between the new iPad and an older iPad; or between low rez digital downloads which I've purchased with Blu Rays, and Apple's new HD downloads.

So, I switched to looking at photos in my PhotoStream, and here with the still images, where you get the chance to look at details in leisure I could see a nice improvement on the newer hardware. But again, I had to look for it.

[Update: It bothered me that so many people were claiming such a massive improvement in quality from 720p to 1080p, so as an experiment, I attached my Apple TVs to a 1080p computer monitor not known for its scaling ability, the HP 2711x and sure enough in its native resolution, 1080p video looks great while the scaled 720p looks fuzzy, good but decidedly inferior. So, I would say that people whose TV has a poor scalar and native 1080p resolution will get much better improvement than those of us with a good scaling chip built into our TVs.]

I've Vudu support on both my Blu Ray player and the Screenplay, and the Vudu HDX format, which for me has been the gold standard of downloadable video, and I think Apple's new format is very close now; to the point I probably will not be using Vudu going forward. It might even cut into my occasional Blu Ray purchases.

This is on a 50" Panasonic P50G25 which I've setup using a Spears & Munsil calibration disc.

Other than the support for 1080p and a faster processor--the previous generation used an A4, this one uses an A5--the hardware appears to be exactly the same. Same ridiculously plain yet amazingly crafted remote, same energy efficiency, same HDMI output paired with TOSLink. If you are thinking of replacing a last generation AppleTV with this one, I'd say it isn't worth the money.

The iTunes store has a reasonable selection. We are cord cutters and my children will often purchase TV shows unavailable on Netflix such as My Little Pony or Adventure Time. The video quality is first rate, but I'm often vexed by buffering pauses. And I'm afraid that the larger sizes of 1080p streams will just make this worse, so you might want to be sure your Internet connection is even up to delivering 2GB in an hour and a half.

Versus the Roku 2 XS: Hardware wise, the Apple TV and the Roku XS are very similar, with the Apple TV having a TOSLink... Read more

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Comment on You should know about The Dark Knight (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] by Justin Heath

Justin Heath — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:55:36 +0000

553 of 661 people found the following review helpful

The Dark Masterpiece Surpasses the Hype, October 11, 2008

Justin Heath (Stevensville, Ontario, Canada) -

This review is from: The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition) (DVD)

Christopher Nolan has a vision. And whether you agree with it or not, he undeniably completes it in "The Dark Knight"--a vicious, engrossing, overwhelming, intelligent event- film that re-defines 'comic-book-flicks'. In Nolan's grim, dark-depiction of Gotham-City (the crime-ridden hell protected by legendary superhero Batman), the director strives to make everything real (something he began in the well-received "Batman Begins"). He makes it plausible, possible. And yet there's more to it: just as 'Begins' was a dissection of myth, the nature of symbols and heroes, 'Knight' is the escalation of that notion. It's a biblical- confrontation of 'good-and-evil', yet as 'good-and-evil' really exist: a conflict of ideals, something that can't be purely-defined but that is relative to a viewpoint. In Nolan's world, the line of villainy and heroism isn't crossed... it's non-existent. The bad-guys don't see themselves as bad-guys, and as such something so unnervingly-real comes across it might fly past some people's minds (no insult to anybody, it's just common that people don't look deep into 'popcorn-flicks'): the battle is a complete ambiguity.

The film runs at nearly 2.5-hours, yet never ceases to lose interest or momentum. It doesn't waste a scene or moment; every event is utilized and necessary. 'The Dark Knight' tells a story worth telling and it takes the proper amount of time to tell it. Action-sequences are frantic, old-school, eye-grabbing stunts (vastly superior to 'Begins') and in their chaotic intensity we see that they serve purpose to the story, yet more interesting are not played for pure entertainment-value: we are meant to watch, petrified, simply hoping that the outcome will go the hero's way. Attention is never lost because we are immersed in a breathtaking, almost completely-unpredictable story (it packs many a shock), that makes us think and more importantly gains our emotional-investment. We come to care for the characters, because they are believable, developed, and personified fully.

Everyone has great-chemistry together. Maggie Gyllenhal is a more mature Rachel Dawes than Katie Holmes. Morgan Freeman provides his authoritative presence to the role of bad- gadget-inventor/Wayne-Enterprise CEO Lucius Fox, and under anyone else's portrayal, the part would be less-memorable. Gary Oldman underplays his world-wearied lawman with such honest-nobility, you never feel for a second any of its forced-acting. The irreplaceable Michael Caine makes a gentle, reassuring, father-like presence as Alfred, and the movie would surely fail without his strong-presence and interjected-moments of light-humor.

And while everyone (rightfully) pours the praise unto Bale and Ledger, I think most are glancing-over Knight's breakout-performance. As Harvey Dent, Aaron Eckhart does more than hold himself in the company of such a renowned-cast. He makes his presence known, whether he's playing on the easy-going charisma of Gotham's 'White-Knight' or the broken and damaged, twisted-soul of Two-Face. He achieves a full-impact with the tragedy that comes unto his character, and so closely connects with Dent, that he makes his pain tangible for us: we sympathize even as we become terrified. He captures both facets of each personality flawlessly.

Now, some people cite that 'Knight' has a potential fatal-flaw in the supposedly wooden- acting of Christian Bale. Admittedly, his development is not as grand as in 'Begins' (yet that film gave us such a good psychoanalysis of Wayne, we hardly need more), yet what Bale pulls off is admirable. Wayne is not an eccentric personality. He is a disillusioned man who can hardly find any joy in having no family, giving up his love-interest and spending his life fighting a battle that may never end. He's dark and conflicted, and Bale plays up on that brooding-mood by making Wayne look as though a thousand dark-things were on his mind. He's not wooden...he's a humorless, quiet individual. Even when Wayne is acting as a frivolous playboy for the public, every now and then Bale offers us a powerful glance that reminds us its all a façade; that deep down, something more disturbed irks him. Occasionally he offers a broken-smile when exchanging banter with Alfred, letting us know that beyond the dour depression of the Caped-Crusader lies a damaged human-being. It is only in the guise of a growling masked-man, that he can unleash his true, ferocious personality.

Finally, who could forget Heath Ledger. Now, when he was first-announced for the part, I was (along with many other people) asking myself: "Why?". Mr. Ledger had proved with 'Brokeback Mountain' he could deliver a potent performance. But he hadn't before. It is only, after seeing this film, that I know the answer to 'why?': I see the significance of his loss.

When Heath appears in this movie, he is completely unrecognizable. His voice is distinctly-altered; a near-whiny,... Read more

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Comment on You should know about Tritton AX 720 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC by Chad M. "Nightdragon"

Chad M. "Nightdragon" — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:50:08 +0000

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful

Good all around GAMING headset!, January 11, 2010

Chad M. "Nightdragon" (Wyoming) -

This review is from: Tritton AX 720 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC (Accessory)

--I needed a nice headset for late night gaming. (As to not wake the neigbors, and what not) I searched for the best, which would probably be the Astro headset. However, the price, at almost $300 put me off abit. The tritton 720's, a nice quality headset for a nice price. I bought these for my PS3 only. The features:

1) Sturdy quality
2) Microphone, solid and bendable
3) comfort level is a 9 (headset is a little heavy) but not terrible, no neck fatigue, or head aches, even after long hours of game play, but I do get up to fix drink, rest room...etc.
4) Speaker volume, microphone volume/mute (both are seperately controlled), very nice...sometimes you wanna play with your buds, sometimes you want strangers to shut up. *flip the switch...all you got is game sound!
5) I find the controls and set up very easy to use and manage. Nothing is complicated or cumbersome. *note this is NOT a wireless headset. The wire is nice and long, got the voice control velcroed to the side of my Lazy-boy. Plenty of wire to not compromise my mobility. On a surpising note...I can actually hear other things going on in the house, phone ringing, doorbell, etc... I thought for sure I would be closed off to the world..NOT SO!
6) Head phones are very nice and comfy. Surrounds the ENTIRE ear! One bad note, it seems the padding comes off a little too easy. So far it isn't anoying (yet) But I have to pull the head phones apart then take the set off. Do not recommend that you just pull them off of your head. --this almost cost it a star...it still might.

I have read over many reviews, including Amazon that the next version up of this headset, which is $200, is nothing but problems...that was a main decsion factor in my purchase of this headset. Also finding a PS3 compatible headset seemed to be kind of an issue. Other thoughts:
1) movie watching...very nice, sound quality is good, bass is nice...no complaints. Is it the same as your surround sound set? Hell no! But a wonderful compromise for late night gaming or movie watching in private.
2) Music? don't know, don't care...not the purpose of these headphones. Not what they are advertised for or for what they are intended. I play games and watch/listen to the occasional movie with them. For this purpose, they fit the bill, the price is right, the quality is solid.
Setup:
I found the installation to be easy and straightforward (PS3) Took all of 4 mins to install and play! Literally plug and play! The directions are superb!

Final thought: Two thumbs up. If you are looking for a quality, working, easy set-up gaming head phone, look no further. The price is perfect. These are my first headphones..so I am not sure about the others, but I like these and hope that they last awhile. If they dont, I will be getting the Astro's. I have had these for over two months, so far good so good.

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Comment on You should know about The Dark Knight (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] by Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:44:47 +0000

300 of 348 people found the following review helpful

Great Film - Buy the Single Disc Version!, December 9, 2008

Jeremy (The World of Genji) -

This review is from: The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition) (DVD)

What has been said about the Dark Knight cannot be elaborated on - so I won't. The film is muscling its way into my #1 favorite comic movie adaptation of all time.

The reason for my review is in hopes of saving you some money. This double disc Special Edition doesn't deliver the price you pay for it. There isn't even deleted scenes!!! I would save your very hard earned dollars and buy the single disc version and wait for the inevitable ULTIMATE re-release that will come later on down the road.

But nonetheless, a great film - you will not be dissapointed; I just wish the studio would have given a better Special Edition release than what we have here. So enjoy!

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Comment on Ten Minutes After Midnight by Diamondhouse "Diamondhouse"

Diamondhouse "Diamondhouse" — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:41:03 +0000

7 of 13 people found the following review helpful

catching for the imagination, June 6, 2011

Diamondhouse "Diamondhouse" (TN) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Ten Minutes After Midnight (Kindle Edition)

good tale of woe. I read it quickly and it held my interest when most books can't!! it's an e book for me!

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