Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray Disc Player

Leave a comment

Product Description

Product Description

Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray Disc Player BDP-S185

  • Internet Video Streaming
  • Full HD 1080p Playback
  • I/P Noise Reduction
  • USB Input
  • Socialize
  • Dolby TrueHD Audio
  • Energy Star Compliant

Product Dimensions Audio Features: CD-DA, DTS, LPCM, MP3, SA-CD, AAC out, Analog, AV Sync, Dolby, Music (BD/DVD/CD/USB(non-secured)) Video Features: BD-R/RE, BD-ROM, CD-R/RW, RW/-R (+VR), DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, JPEG Playback Power: 60 Hz, 120V Inputs and Outputs: HDMI Output: 1 rear, Composite Video Output: 1 rear, USB Input: 1 front, Analog Audio 2ch Output: 1 rear, Digital Audio Output: 1 rear, Ethernet Connection Weight and Measurements: Approx: 11.4 in. x 7.4 in. x 1.64 in.  

This review is from: Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray Disc Player (Electronics)

Before I did anything with this I updated the firmware. Hooking up to my Netflix account was much easier than expected. Played nicely with no freezes and the picture was excellent. Freezes in streaming are usually due to a slow Internet connection or source.

Load times are very fast. Much faster than the Panasonic BD that it replaced. I also appreciate the fact that I don’t have to use an external memory source for streaming capabilities such as a USB thumb drive or a card.

I also appreciate the smaller footprint that this unit offers. It’s nearly half the size of the typical BD players out there today.

All in all, I would highly recommend this player.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver

Leave a comment

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

609a Let The Show Begin! 609 The TX-NR609 is an immediate Onkyo classic, showcasing all the latest in matchless technology. This THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified network A/V receiver handles so much content- from disc-based media, to internet radio, iPod®/iPhone®, and PC and Android devices. Six HDMI® inputs- including one on the front panel- provide support for 3D video and ultra-high resolution display technology. HDMI also carries master-quality audio formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as the expanded surround sound of Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Onkyo’s proprietary WRAT ensure a clean and compelling amplifier performance. And when audio signals are output, the 7.2-channel configuration includes twin subwoofer pre-outs for added bass impact. All this and more makes the TX-NR609 an irresistible choice: it’s the best bang for your buck. Let the show begin! Onkyo has more THX-certified A/V receivers than any other manufacturer. 

With a THX-certified Onkyo A/V receiver, you know you’re experiencing movie soundtracks the way they were recorded and produced to be heard. You’re getting the power and nuance the director made for the cinema, the very best sound quality available, in your own home. This THX Select2 Plus certification is specified for rooms where the screen to-seat-viewing distance is 10 to 12 feet and the room volume is around 2000 cubic feet. THX Loudness Plus is included in the specification.

Onkyo network A/V receivers give you access to more internet radio stations than any other brand…period.

Streaming your choice of internet radio through your Onkyo A/V receiver gives you unsurpassed sound quality and access to a virtually infinite selection of world class music. Enjoy your own personal concert from anywhere in the world… right in your own living room. All Onkyo network receivers are also compatible with Microsoft’s Windows® 7 platform, which includes the DLNA 1.5-specified “Play To” media-streaming feature so you can easily stream music store on PCs connected to your home network. This internet connectivity has the added benefit of making firmware updates simpler than ever.

UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor

Onkyo’s UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor removes unwanted cables. This small, optional unit is worth way more than its tiny price.  Connect the UWF-1 to the USB port on any compatible 2011 Onkyo network receiver, and bring your music through your wireless router into your Onkyo system. Now internet radio and audio files stored on your PC can be played back with the superior fidelity of your main Onkyo system — with no cable clutter. A sensible and inexpensive solution.

Onkyo’s Remote Apps

Onkyo’s Remote Apps for Android and iPod/iPhone turn your cell phone into a remote control. The Android app lets you Stream audio files from your Android to your Onkyo home network receiver. Set tone, volume levels and control input selection, as well as a number of other key features like controlling internet radio stations… The Onkyo app for iPhone/iPod will allow you to set tone, volume levels and control input selection.

Made for iPod®/iPhone®

Onkyo receivers allow you to and play audio files stored on your iPod/iPhone or even a USB flash drive. The on screen display lets you see exactly what is playing. As the audio signals are played back in digital form, rather than analog, there is much less chance for signal degradation. Onkyo’s exclusive Advanced Music Optimizer also compensates for lost bit information and improves the quality of compressed audio signals. End result: Your music sounds cleaner and more faithful to the original.

madefor Crisp and Clean 1080p Upscaling… and Ready for Next Generation Displays, NOW!  4k and 1080p

Onkyo’s A/V receiver provides the finest, most beautiful and pristine 1080p upscaling you can find, thanks to the Marvell Qdeo™ video-processing chip that erases video noise and artifacts such as jaggies and feathering. The result: astoundingly crisp video. Played back on a compatible widescreen display, your Blu-ray Discs and standard DVDs will look AMAZING: more detailed and cinematic than ever. While deftly handling the most current high-def display formats, Onkyo’s also the first in the world to support the coming full 4K upscaling (3840 x 2160) of standard video sources such as 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i/p. Interlaced-to-progressive conversion and scaling are performed by a high-quality Marvell Qdeo video-processing chip.

3D and ARC

All Onkyo A/V receivers support the latest in 3D technology. Play 3D movies, games, and broadcast content in cinematic quality in your own home and be amazed by the realistic quality. The HDMI® inputs let you connect multiple high-def sources, such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, and a cable/satellite tuner. The HDMI output, on the other hand, lets you send a pristine signal to a compatible high-resolution display. Audio Return Channel allows audio content received directly by your HDTV’s tuner to be sent “upstream” via HDMI to your A/V receiver, without the need for a separate S/PDIF audio cable.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies Audyssey MultEQ XT is an advanced room-correction technology with high-resolution filters for satellite speakers and subwoofers. MultEQ XT gathers frequency and time-domain measurements from up to eight positions in the listening area, to deliver a clear, well-balanced, and natural sound. Audyssey Dynamic EQ maintains a consistent bass response, tonal balance, and surround-sound effect at different volume levels, so you can enjoy the natural dynamics of your content regardless of the volume. Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatically compensates for volume fluctuations in different audio content (for example, during commercial breaks) while optimizing the dynamic range.  Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz

Allows reconfiguration of the surround back channels to deliver “front height” channels. These channels carry ambient, non-directional audio that adds a new vertical dimension to your movies and games. Audyssey DSX provides a similar front-height speaker option that likewise works to create a more enveloping home theater experience.

Change Your Receiver’s Settings Seamlessly Thanks to Onkyo’s overlaid graphical on-screen display (OSD), set-up menus appear on top of the video image you’re watching, so you don’t have to switch to a blank screen background. Easily navigate intuitive menus to maximize all of the features and benefits of your Onkyo A/V receiver. The OSD and Graphical User Interface (GUI) both operate over HDMI, making excellent use of that versatile interface. Extra Connectivity Options Use PC-IN to easily connect your notebook or mediacenter PC to your Onkyo AV receiver, and watch your movie files on your flatscreen TV. You can now easily watch internet videos, PC-stored movies and pictures on your TV. (Audio connectivity may vary depending on your computer hardware, but Onkyo A/V receivers support a wide range of different interfaces.) Comparison Chart Model Watts/Ch 3D Capable/ HDMI I/O Front Direct USB for iPod®/iPhone® OSD Setup Advanced Network Function THX Certified Audyssey Dolby Volume Wireless Ready TX-SR309 65 x 5 3/1 ✓ (Basic) – – – – – TX-NR509 80 x 5 4/1 ✓ (Basic) ✓ – 2EQ – ✓ TX-NR609 100 x 7 5+1/1 ✓ ✓ ✓ Select2 Plus™ 2EQ – ✓ TX-NR709 110 x 7 7+1/2 ✓ ✓ ✓ Select2 Plus™ MultEQ®XT ✓ ✓ Specification Number of Channels 7.2 Power 100W/Ch (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.7% THD) Network Capable Yes THX Certification Select2 Plus™ Audyssey Room EQ 2EQ® HDMI I/O 5+1 in / 1 out Overlay On-Screen Display Advanced via HDMI Made for iPod®/iPhone® (Direct USB input) Front & Rear (Supports album art) Multiroom Powered Zone 2 Component Video I/O 2 in / 1 out (HDTV capable) Composite Video I/O 5 in (1 front) / 2 out Digital Audio Input 2 Optical & 2 Coaxial Analog Audio I/O 6 in (1 front) / 1 out Subwoofer Pre-out Yes Color-coded Speaker Terminals Yes AM/FM Presets 40 RIHD (CEC via HDMI) Yes Onkyo Exclusive Gaming Modes 4 Advanced Music Optomizer Yes © Copyright 2011 Onkyo USA Corporation. All rights reserved.
This review is from: Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver (Electronics)

It was time to upgrade and I wanted networking with my next receiver. That was my deciding factor along with a decent price for this NR-609. It had enough juice to power my Infiniti towers and surrounds and Polk center and sub. Plus, this was also my first reciever that featured HDMI (thus allowing all the TrueHD and DTS-HD formats), which cut back on awful cable clutter behind my HDTV (Samsung 64 D7000 Plasma).

So setting this up was a piece of cake if you have ever hooked up to any receiver for home theater before. Nice on-screen menu, easy to navigate and enough options to keep the casual audiophiles happy. After I made all the connections with HDMI and speaker wires.. I played Avatar on Blu-ray through the HDMI and was blown away by the picture and sound. First, the picture wasn’t messed with or degraded in any way that I could see, which is all I had hoped for with the video processor here. No jittering. No loss of sharpness or color. But, the sound was incredible. It improved dramatically from my SR-600 which I’d had from Onkyo for many years. The directionality was pinpoint and crystal clear. Bass was loud and room-shaking but not overpowering. And all I did for sound was use the Audessey set-up mic that’s included, and place it in 3 different listening points. That’s it. I tweaked the level of the subwoofer down a notch, and that was all. I finally get to hear what all the buzz is over this ‘lossless audio’. It does wonders for your speakers. It wakes them up for sure.

Networking is nice! No more worrying about how to do firmware upgrades to fix bugs and glitches. It’s right there on the menu. All you need is an ethernet cable into the reciever. I have a Slacker radio subscription and a Pandora radio account and they both synced up nicely. Sound is very good. There were some instances where it froze up and sometimes a song would load but not play for some reason. It then proceeded to the next song. This could be due to my internet connection through the plugs in the wall (Powerline adapters that carry internet through your home electric wiring). But, it works well enough.

The only problem I’ve encountered with this NR-609 is that occassionally, when flipping inputs, my center channel has gone silent. All other channels are playing but the center channel is off – no dialogue. A simple click to another input and then BACK, fixed it. The center channel would magically just come back on. It’s only happened 3 times in the few weeks I’ve had it, and it’s only a minor annoyance.

The remote isn’t really all that great either. It’s layed out in a way that is a little clunky to operate and it feels cheaply made compared to my old Onkyo. But it does the job, but I wouldn’t count on it to control all your devices. There are better remotes to do that anyway.

Other than those minor complains, this is a 4/5 star receiver easily. More like 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5… It’s not perfect but with 3D capability and 4K resolution capability, this pretty much ‘future proofs’ me for awhile. Most importantly, though, the sound is clean and powerful and the Qdeo processor does an awesome job handling all my HDMI inputs. I’m happy!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

Samsung HTD6500W 5.1 CH 3D Blu-Ray Home Theater System

Leave a comment

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Samsung’s 1000W HT-D6500 Blu-ray Home Theater System delivers a big home-theater experience in a more streamlined package, making it the perfect system for small spaces. Internet@TV delivers the best of the web, straight to your HDTV, with downloadable widgets and apps like BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Pandora and more. You can shop online, share pictures, catch up with friends and more. Connect to a wide range of streaming digital content at the touch of a button. Built-in WiFi brings it all together beautifully. Your Home Theater is also part of DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). Samsung’s DLNA certified TVs have AllShare, which enables content to be seamlessly streamed between DLNA devices, allowing you to play files stored on your PC or even use your telephone through your TV.

HT-D6500 Samsung Blu-ray Home Theater system

Key Features

  • 5.1 channel home theater audio system
  • 1GB Memory
  • AllShare: Sync up your entire household. A wired or wireless DLNA connection lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using your remote. 
  • Internet@TV: Connect to an ever-expanding portal of your favorite digital content. Customizable widgets give you access to BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and more – all on your HDTV.
  • Built-in WiFi
  • Crystal Amp Pro
  • Intelligent Power
  • Eco Power Management System
  • iPod/iPhone dock
  • 1000W Output Power
  • Advanced Auto Sound Calibration

Technical Specifications

  • HDMI in: 2

This review is from: Samsung HTD6500W 5.1 CH 3D Blu-Ray Home Theater System (Electronics)

We purchased this system 15 days ago. It was easy to set up and it works fantastically. The sound quality is very good. From adventure movies, to war movies, to the sound of the rain in Out of Africa….we are very very pleased with this system.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

HDMI Video Theater Projector

Leave a comment

Product Description

Great cost/performance ratio for home theaters, video games (PS2, PS3, Xbox, wii, etc.), Education & Business purposes. Features Remote Control, VGA Cable for PC or laptops, Multiple Connections includes HDMI/VGA & more, LCD Technology: 3.5″ single LCD, 6000 hour average lamp life, supports VCR, DVD Player, Satellite/Cable TV, Keystone Correction, Image Reverse, Built-in Speaker, Built-in TV Tuner

This review is from: HDMI Video Theater Projector for Wii, ps3, Xbox, DVD, Notebook (Electronics)

This is an awesome product for the price. Amazing really with hdmi, the two downfalls are the replacement bulbs are really hard to come by and expensive. The other is the pixels are quite large making it a little hard to read writing on the screen. On the up side, this unit does have a television in it, which is hard to find. I have had this unit about a year and has performed as expected for the price you can’t beat it.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

TCL L40FHDF12TA 40-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV

Leave a comment

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Enjoy the ultimate viewing experience with the TCL 40-Inch 1080p 60-Hz LCD HDTV. This LCD television offers ample HD connections, premium sound, as well as 1080p high-definition picture quality with incredible contrast and vibrancy. Whether you’re hosting movie night, cheering on a favorite team, or sharing your latest vacation photos, you’ll love how this high-definition LCD television brings your media to life.

TCL logo 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTVAt a Glance:

  • High-definition picture quality with incredible contrast and brightness
  • 3-D Y/C digital comb filter for enhanced color and detail
  • 178-degree viewing angles ensure optimum enjoyment from multiple vantage points
  • Ample HD connections; 3 HDMI, compatible with mp3, WMA, M4A (AAC), JPEG, and more
  • Two-year limited warranty

callout bottom Plug-and-Play Compatibility for More Entertainment Options The TCL 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV is more than a television–it’s an entertainment system that lets you access your favorite media files. Compatible with multiple file formats–including mp3, WMA, M4A (AAC), JPEG, BMP, and PNG–this LCD television makes it easy to watch a photo slideshow in brilliant color with a customized soundtrack, or play a personalized mix of songs for a party.

Numerous Inputs and Outputs This LCD HDTV has output options for headphones, analog audio output, and coaxial digital audio output. It includes inputs for: three HDMI (two rear and one side), two composite (one rear and one side), one rear component video, one rear RF, one rear PC video, one rear PC audio, and a side USB 2.0 port.

The PC video input lets you see your computer’s digital media on the big screen, while the USB port allows for quick connection of a digital camera or other USB device. Additionally, you can connect the latest Blu-ray players, DVD players, camcorders, and game consoles using either the two composite video inputs or the three HDMI (version 1.3) inputs. The HDMI inputs provide an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video link for the highest quality connection, and they also support copy-protected HD broadcast content.

Enhanced Picture and Sound Quality You’ll enjoy crisp, vibrant images thanks to this TCL television’s brightness capability of 430 cd/m2. The 3-D Y/C digital comb filter also provides enhanced color and picture detail, and the 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution supports 1080p signals for stunning image clarity.

For a fully immersive experience, this HDTV also includes two built-in 8-watt speakers. Additionally, 178-degree viewing angles ensure optimum enjoyment from multiple vantage points–a great feature for large spaces or social gatherings.

Channel Labeling and Sleep Timer for Ease of Use Designed with you in mind, this LCD television features a channel labeling option, which allows you to put station call letters (e.g. ABC, HBO, etc.) on the screen along with the channel numbers, so you always know which station you’re watching. Additionally, a sleep timer feature lets you set the television to automatically turn off after a preset amount of time has passed.

Who is TCL? Established in 1981, TCL Corporation is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. TCL employs more than 50,000 people in over 80 operations, including 18 R&D centers, 20 manufacturing bases, and more than 40 sales offices around the world TCL Corporation is comprised of four business divisions — Multimedia, Communications, Home Appliances and Electronics. It also has two affiliated business areas: Real Estate & Investment and Logistics & Services. TCL is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, DVD players, air conditioners, and GSM, CDMA mobile phones.

Backed by a 2-Year Warranty The TCL 40-inch 1080p 60-Hz LCD HDTV is backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. To view the User’s Guide, click here. Or, to find the nearest TCL tech support center near you, please visit TCL’s website.

What’s in the Box 40-inch 1080p 60-Hz LCD HDTV; stand with screws; remote control with batteries; multi- language instruction booklet; and quick-start guide.

This review is from: TCL L40FHDF12TA 40-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV with 2-Year Warranty (Electronics)

I picked up the newer 40″ TV for $379.99, was looking for a nice, but inexpensive TV for my daughter, she just bought her 1st home and was wanting a TV to match her new place. So, for a house warming gift I picked up a wall mount and this TV, was worried it might not be good quality product, but with all the 1000+ reviews on the last model equaling 4+ stars, I decided to take the chance. It’s been in for a day now and is working great. 10 Stars for Amazon, I ordered this TV on Wednesday night at 8:00pm and used my $3.99 next-day upgrade to get it here by Friday… WOW, it shows up at 10:00am Thursday morning!!! 14 hours later. I live in a rural area, were next-day is near impossible, much less an after 5:00pm order showing up the next day. Thank You Amazon!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes

Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack

Leave a comment

Product Description

Product Description

The RacorPro PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift Storage Rack lets you load and lift heavy items to the ceiling for storage without the need for a ladder. It helps to free up valuable floor space in your garage or storage area and allows you to store heavier items, such as furniture, lawn mowers, tires, canoes, snow throwers, and more. The heavy-duty 4-by-4-foot platform is built to last and provides 16 square feet of additional storage space in your garage or storage area.

.caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif;font-size: 10px;font-weight: bold;font-style: italic;}ul.indent {list-style: inside disc;text-indent: 20px;}table.callout {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, serif;margin: 10px;width: 250;}td.callout3-c26 {height: 100 percent;background: url(‘http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/content_26/Q1_2009/c26-callout3.png’) repeat-y;border-left: 0px solid #999999;border-right: 1px solid #999999;padding: 10px;width: 250px;}ul.callout {list-style: inside disc;text-indent: -12px;font-size: 12px;line-height: 1.5em;}h5.callout {text-align: center;}img.withlink {border:1px black solid;}a.nodecoration {text-decoration: none}The RacorPro PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift Storage Rack:

  • Frees up an additional 16 square feet of floor space.
  • Handles up to 250 pound items.
  • Securely and safely locks into place.

The heavy-duty design can handle 250 pounds. View larger.Raising and lowering heavy items takes minimal effort, thanks to the lift’s unique pulley system. View larger.Heavy-Duty Lifting Capacity for Heavier ItemsThe PHL-1R is both tough and durable, and it’s built to handle heavier items up to 250 pounds. The heavy-duty steel support beams and 4-by-4-foot platform are made from high-quality materials that are made to handle tough loads and provide years of consistent performance. The unit is built to lower 8 feet from the ceiling, accommodating storage spaces with taller ceilings. The drill driver attachment allows you to raise and lower the platform using your own drill.

The unique pulley system makes it easy to raise and lower heavy items with minimal effort on your part. With a durable winding axle that works in conjunction with the pulleys and strong nylon cables, the PHL-1R handles the brunt of the weight so you don’t have to, while raising or lowering the platform quickly and smoothly.

Safety Lock Ensures Safety and StabilityThe innovative safety lock ensures that the load stays locked into place when fully raised to the ceiling. Simply use the winding crank to engage the safety lock when the platform is raised to its highest position, and use the winding crank’s integrated hook to disengage the safety lock and safely lower the platform.

An Additional 16 Square Feet of Storage Space for Your GarageThe PHL-1R’s tough 4-by-4-foot platform gives you an additional 16 square feet of valuable storage space in your garage or storage area. This allows you to store your lawn mower out of the way during the winter or to store your snow thrower during the summer months, clearing valuable floor space and creating tidier, more useful quarters.

The RacorPro PHL-1R HeavyLift Storage Rack measures 49.25 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches (packaged) and weighs 74 pounds (packaged). It comes in a smooth black finish and includes all necessary hardware. Additional tools required for installation include: stud finder (for drywall ceilings), adjustable or box end wrench, socket wrench, cordless drill/driver, Phillips screwdriver, pencil, and a 4-foot straightedge or chalkline.

What’s in the BoxWinding crank assembly, two arm assemblies, two cable assemblies (including nylon cables), three wire grids, two wire beam supports, center spindle square end, center spindle round end, gear drive, Allen wrench, four end caps, 20 hex bolts, four Allen head screws, two hex head screws, two fender washers, eight long machine bolts, 16 washers, eight nuts, 12 “J” hooks, 12 washers, 12 nuts.

This review is from: Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a great storage solution for garages with high ceilings. Once installed the heavy lift works very well.

One drawback is that many garages have a double layer of 5/8″ drywall on the ceilings as mine did. The mounting lag bolts are only #12(the metric equivilant) screws 2″ long which is woefully short if the extra thickness of drywall is considered. The only easily available lagscrews I could find that were longer were 1/4″ by 3″ long. These were too large in diameter to fit through the #12 mounting slots in the ceiling brackets, so I had to drill new holes which was very labor intensive and cumbersome.

Secondly, The order of operations as described in the installation instructions is not very usefull if you are installing the lift by yourself. It is much easier to loosely mount the center of each ceiling bracket to the ceiling first and then attach the extension arms one at a time. If this is done first as indicated in the instructions, the assemblies are prety heavy, and cumbersome to be holding over your head while up on a ladder, pre-drilling holes through the bracket, and then installing the lag screws. This cost me at least an hour to assemble, and then dis-assemble the brackets just so I could handle the peices.

Thirdly, the instruction have a flat out error when it comes to the order of operations for installing the winding shaft. If you follow the instructions as written, you will again have to dis-assemble what you are instructed to do. The winding shaft must be inserted through both ceiling brackets first, through the gear box brakcet, and back into the bearing bracket. Following this the gear box can be installed.

Lastly, it is very important that the brackets are not installed too far apart. I did not calculate the tolerance available, but ran into a problem when my available ceiling joists were between 49 and 50 inches apart. This rendered my lift incapable of being assembled without modification.

So far I have installed 2 of my 3 lifts, and each lift had one nut which had no threads in it. This left me one nut short for each assembly. If this is a standard piece of hardware for the installation, there were no self tapping screws included for this nut. I ended up needing a different solution for holding the winding crank together.

The drawbacks of this lift are pretty typical of most “low cost” products these days that are being manufactured “off shore”. This is a great device with many quality oversights, including the lack of a mastery of the English language.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

Repo

Haier HLP140E 2-3/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Tumble Vented Dryer

Leave a comment

Product Description

Product Description

Designed for use on its own or to coordinate with any Haier portable washer, this compact dryer makes it easy to quickly dry clothes, sheets, table linens, and more, without taking up a lot of room–perfect for apartments or other small living spaces. The efficient 1100-watt tumble dryer plugs in to any 120-volt outlet and features a spacious 2-3/5-cubic-foot drum, a removable interior lint filter, and a user-friendly digital touch control panel. Simply add clean, wet clothes, close the door, and make a selection. Choose from four dry cycle settings, three temperature settings, and the drying time, from 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes. A wall-hanging bracket comes included for exceptionally convenient out-of-the-way placement. Weighing about 54 pounds, the CSA-approved, rear-venting dryer measures 16-3/4 by 24-4/5 by 27 inches.

This review is from: Haier HLP140E 2-3/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Tumble Vented Dryer (Kitchen)

//

var cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERRollOverImg = new Image();
cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERRollOverImg.src = “http://ecx.images-amazon /images/I/81DfBWsY0zS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play-active,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png”;

var cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay = document.getElementById(‘cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplayImageId’);
if (cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay) {
cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay.onmouseover = function() {
cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay.src = “http://ecx.images-amazon /images/I/81DfBWsY0zS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play-active,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png”;
}
cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay.onmouseout = function() {
cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay.src = “http://ecx.images-amazon /images/I/81DfBWsY0zS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png”;
}

var node = cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERpreplay.parentNode;

var cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERcurrentClick = node.onclick;
node.onclick = function () {
var head = document.getElementsByTagName(“head”);
if (head[0]) {
var logTag = document.createElement(‘script’);
logTag.type = “text/javascript”;
logTag.src = “/gp/customer-media/du/log.html/ref=cm_ciu_vr_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ER/192-1397607-1307307?ie=UTF8&s=CustomerVideoPlay&p=CustomerImage”;
head[0].appendChild(logTag);
}

if (cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERcurrentClick) {
return cv_mo2IJUI52Y1Y0ERcurrentClick();
}
}
}

Length:: 1:49 Mins

My setup: I wash using the Haier HLP21N Pulsator 1-Cubic-Foot Portable Washer, spin dry using the Centrifugal Clothes Portable Spin Dryer, and finalize the process with this dryer. this process works for me.

edit 11/15: forgot to mention that you can set the dryer to a timed setting (30,60, 90, 120 minutes) and choose a higher or lower heat setting. BOY, I’m so happy I bought this. I no longer have to get quarters from the supermarket on Friday after work. This dryer really dries well. I really love the convenience of watching a football game on Sunday, and checking on the clothes during a commercial. Best investment for me EVER! I can almost guarantee if you buy this dryer, you’ll be coming back to write a positive review.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes

Panda Small Mini Portable Compact Washer Washing Machine 5.5lbs Capacity

Leave a comment

Product Description

 Small Mini washer washing machine

No washing machine? Use Panda Mini Portable Washer. BIG BUCKS OFF! No more quarters! Just plug it in, fill with laundry, add soap and water and close the lid. That’s it!

•Portable washing machine goes anywhere

•Ideal for small loads and delicates,such as underwears,socks,T-shirts,towels,etc.

•Easy to operate and powerful, Just fill with water and set timer

•Perfect for Apartments,Dorms,Travel

 

Brand: Panda

Model: XPB25-28A (Mini Countertop, Semi Automatic,no spin circle)

5.5lbs capacity

Unit Dimensions (W * D * H): 340mm * 340mm * 480mm&lt

Master Carton Dimensions (W * D * H): 390mm * 370mm * 500mm

Unit Weight: 6kg (13.2lbs)

Carton Weight: 7kg (15.4lbs)

6months warranty

This review is from: Panda Small Mini Portable Compact Washer Washing Machine 5.5lbs Capacity

The panda machine is as good as the Bubble Magic machine, probably made in same factory.

Only issue was that it didn’t come with a 220 micron Washing Machine Bag. You can get one from Wacky Willys.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

Evolution Robotics Mint Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner

Leave a comment

Product Description

Product Description

The Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner from Evolution Robotics is designed exclusively for sweeping and mopping hard surface floors for you. Using dry and pre-moistened cleaning cloths, Mint picks up the dust, dirt and pet hair that constantly accumulate on floors. Mint’s compact design gets into tight spaces, under furniture and into other areas that are hard to reach with traditional mops and sweepers.

Evolution Robotics MintGuided by the NorthStar Navigation System cube, Mint tracks where it cleans so it doesn’t miss a spot (see larger image).

 

Evolution Robotics MintThe easy-to-use controls (see larger image).

Guided by the NorthStar Navigation System, Mint methodically cleans open areas by moving back and forth in straight lines, working around furniture and rugs, and cleaning along baseboards.

Mint is easy to use. Simply attach your cleaning cloth of choice, choose sweep or mop and let Mint clean for you. Since Mint is not a vacuum, there are no bins to empty or filters to replace. So you can enjoy hassle-free clean floors every day.

Intelligent Navigation

The NorthStar Navigation System works like an indoor GPS that helps Mint keep track of where it has been and where it needs to go. Specifically, the NorthStar Cube projects a signal that Mint uses to determine its location. Then as Mint starts cleaning, it builds a map of the area as it goes, marking walls, obstacles and drop offs as it encounters them. After Mint finishes cleaning open areas and around obstacles, it performs a final edge cleaning along walls and furniture and then returns to where it started so you know right where to find it.

Evolution Robotics Mint dry microfiber clothThe dry (above) and wet (below) microfiber cleaning cloths(see larger image).

 

Evolution Robotics Mint wet microfiber cloth

Mint can map and clean up to 1,000 square feet either in a large open space or by discovering adjacent rooms. In mop mode, the cleaning area is restricted to 250 square feet to optimize cleaning while the cleaning cloth is wet.

Sweeps & Mops

Mint’s dual modes let you easily maintain all your hard surface floors with one device. In Sweep mode, Mint uses a dry sweeping cloth to pick up dust bunnies, pet hair and grit from your floor. In Mop mode, Mint cleans with a pre-moistened cleaning cloth and a special back-and-forth mopping motion to pick up deeper dirt and grime. All it takes to switch modes is a fresh cleaning cloth and a press of a button.

Cleaning Cloths

Mint works with commonly available disposable cleaning cloths or with re-usable microfiber cloths. Mint’s specially designed microfiber cloths can be re-washed and re-used hundreds of times. Different cloths have been developed to optimize both sweeping and mopping. Flat white microfiber cloths are ideal for attracting dust and dirt while dry sweeping. Textured grey cloths hold water and help loosen and grab deeper grime when mopping. Mint comes with a starter pack of 1 mopping and 2 sweeping cloths.

What’s in the Box

Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner, NorthStar Navigation Cube with 2 C batteries, 2 dry sweeping microfiber cloths, 1 wet mopping microfiber cloth, power adapter, quick start guide, user manual. Backed by a 1 year warranty.

Care Instructions To keep your cloths in good shape for hundreds of hours of cleaning, please follow these laundering recommendations:

  • Machine wash warm.
  • Tumble dry low or air dry.
  • Do not use fabric softener or bleach as these can degrade the cloth fibers over time.

Wet cleaning with microfibers is safe for sealed floor surfaces including tile, vinyl, laminate and sealed hardwood. Disposable pre-moistened cloths are usually safe for the same floor types, but always check the package to make sure they are safe for your floor type.

This review is from: Evolution Robotics Mint Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner, 4200 (Kitchen)

We have been using the Mint 2 days and I will update this review with more information after owning it longer!

Our home has 3 levels – bottom floor is carpet, middle floor is engineered hardwood, and top is carpet again. We have a Roomba and it does a great job of the vacuuming, especially on carpet. But it can’t mop, and I hate to mop – HATE it! iRobot sells Scooba for hard floors, but with hardwood and engineered wood the manufacturer says it can only be “damp” mopped never wet. Water could seep into the joints and destroy the wood finish. So no Scooba for us, and no steam mop which was my old standby.

Along comes the Mint! Now remember that this is not a vacuum and it won’t do your area rugs and can’t pick up large debris. It is a SWEEPING and MOPPING robot.

So, we run the Roomba first on the hard floor once a week (while we are out, it takes a while and is loud) to get the area rugs and pick up any large debris. Then we run the Mint dry sweeper to pick up fine dust and edges that the Roomba misses. If you have one of the new Neato vacuums, I understand they do not vacuum to the edges very well so following up with the Mint is ideal for use in conjunction with them as well.

When we run the Mint right after the Roomba, it picks up a lot of dust and stuff that the Roomba doesn’t get as well on hard floors. We are using the Swiffer brand electrostatic dry cloths. I have allergies so it is nice to have the dust picked up instead of blown around by a vacuum.

The Mint does meticulous corners and edges. It goes back at the end of the cleaning cycle and carefully goes around every edge it is physically capable of reaching. Due to its small size – short and narrow – it is able to fit into small areas you can’t get easily with your broom or swiffer mop.

Then we run the wet mop function with Mint. We are using the reusable cloths dunked in Bona hardwood cleaner diluted with distilled water, then wrung out and placed on the Mint. The reusable cloth stays wet much longer than the disposable type and you can use plain water, vinegar/water, Bona, or whatever cleaner you want. I like this because the smell of Swiffer wet cloths makes me sick and the smell lasts forever and they leave a film that makes floors get dirty faster. The Mint does a much more thorough job than I do at mopping, covering the entire room and under furniture!

The Mint is virtually silent. It does make “thunk” noises when the bumper runs into something it did not detect from a distance – when it’s sensors detect a wall coming up the Mint slows down and touches it gently. But it can’t see legs like chair legs from a distance so it bumps them with the spring-loaded bumper. The nice thing is we can run Mint while at home (since the Roomba runs during the day while we are out). It’s so quiet you forget it is on.

The nice thing about Mint is that there are so few moving parts – very little to break or clean. With the Roomba we bought extra brush sets and we swap clean brushes in every day, and then on the weekend clean all the sets. With the Neato it’s too new to know what maintenance issues might come up, for example it has a belt drive. But the Mint is just a little driver for a swiffer cloth. It seems over-priced at that, but then again the navigation is excellent and I suppose we have to pay for that.

The navigation is great, we have a large open space so that may be ideal for it, but it has not yet become lost or stuck. We also have a loft condo so the main room is a 2.5 story ceiling and the Mint has no problem in there. I would love to see Evolution make a vacuum robot, I think it might beat out both Roomba and Neato!

For the reviewer who thinks we 5 star reviewers are fake because we are not “verified purchases”, that’s because most of us bought Mint directly from Hammacher to get the lifetime warranty, or from BB&B where they have a 20% off coupon. Also the Mint can’t replace a vacuum for rugs and large debris, it’s meant to replace your broom, swiffer and mop. Yay for floor cleaning robots!!

PS search on youtube for “Evolution Mint Floor Cleaning Robot” if you want to view more video of the Mint cleaning my home.

*** update 01-05-10

I just wanted to add kudos to Mint’s customer service. Last week my Mint started giving me a 3 beep error when I tried to start it. I called them and the engineer walked me through some troubleshooting steps, it turned out that I only needed to power it off and back on again and it was all better. Apparently this happened because I had stopped the Mint in the middle of a cleaning session and plugged it back in to the charger without first powering it off (normally I let it finish and it turns itself off, I put it away and plug it in when I get home). They also called back 2 days later to follow up and ask if it was working fine. Excellent support!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No

Report abuse

Jiffy Steamer 0601 ESTEAM Travel Steamer

Leave a comment

Product Description

Color: Black

Product Description

Equipped with 600 watts of power, this personal handheld clothes steamer quickly and easily smoothes away wrinkles–no need to lug out the heavy iron and cumbersome ironing board. Simply fill the wide-mouth 8-ounce water tank with regular tap water (no salt required) and plug the unit in for over 15 minutes of continuous steam per filling. The steamer comes in handy at home or at the office for quick touch-ups, as well as when traveling thanks to its compact size, which fits neatly inside a carry-on bag or suitcase. For safety, the portable steamer shuts-off automatically when it runs dry to prevent operation without water in the tank. Other thoughtful details include stay-cool housing, no internal water lines or pumps to become clogged by hard water, a comfortable secure-grip handle, and a 9-foot power cord for convenient maneuverability. Made in the USA, the handheld steamer measures approximately 6 by 5-1/5 by 11-1/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

This review is from: Jiffy Steamer 1901 ESTEAM Travel Steamer, Pink Breast-Cancer Series (Kitchen)

My father bought the Rowenta locally and I tried it out. I’d been wanting an easy-to-use steamer so I checked Amazon. The Jiffy has gotten excellent reviews whereas the Rowenta has gotten ok reviews (most negatives are about durability.) I ordered the Jiffy and borrowed my Dad’s so I could compare them.

First let me say that I want a quick and easy steamer mostly to get wrinkles out of Tshirts, shorts, jeans,button-downs etc that I didn’t take out of the dryer quick enough. I usually will not be steaming full suits,etc.

The Rowenta is incredibly quick to heat up and start steaming. It literally takes about 30 seconds.

The Jiffy takes about 3 minutes. That’s still fast but if you’re in a really big rush…

When the Rowenta is heated up it basically just sits idle. I don’t think it’s losing any water while idle because there’s no steam coming out. When the Jiffy is heated up the water is literally boiling inside. You can see and hear it boiling. It constantly releases steam. The bad part about this is if you need to pause for a bit (answer phone, do something else…) then the water continues to get used up. In my case it was pumping out hot steam heating up the bathroom and fogging up the mirror. This brings me to one of the bigger complaints about the Rowenta-the water capacity. The Rowenta definitely holds less water than the Jiffy but I found the Rowenta to be more real-world convenient. 1) because it only releases steam only when you need it (you push the button) and 2) because the Rowenta heats up so fast the capacity isn’t much of an issue.

Also, the Jiffy gets hot on the exterior-real hot. So it’s not that easy to refill quickly because you have to be careful not to burn yourself. After you’re finished using the Jiffy it’s too hot to put away. You have to leave it and let it cool down. When you’re steaming with the Jiffy it’s also easy to burn your fingers with the steam. If you don’t keep it perfectly upright it leaks easily and the drops really burn you. If you get yourself with the steam you say, “OW!”. If you get yourself with the drops you say, “OW S%&*!!, son of a…!!”

The Rowenta doesn’t get very hot on the exterior. If you steam your fingers it doesn’t really hurt. I also made a dumb mistake when first trying the Rowenta. I left it plugged in lying on top of some clothing for a couple hours. Of course I don’t recommend this but nonetheless it wasn’t that hot and the clothes it was lying on were in no apparent danger of burning. I believe you’re supposed to try and keep them both upright while steaming but sometimes you want to turn it to reach a spot. I don’t recall the Rowenta leaking when I did that. If it did, it wasn’t hot enough for me to remember.

I’m sure many people consider the hotter steam of the Jiffy to be a plus over Rowenta but I didn’t find this to be the case. Yes the Jiffy is hotter but it just ‘boils’ steam out of the openings. The Rowenta is less hot but it ‘blasts’ the steam out when you push the button. The blasting effect seemed to almost, but not entirely, make up for the difference in heat. Also, the extra heat of the Jiffy made the clothing soggy so if you touched a part that you’d already steamed it would create new wrinkles. Touching the parts that you already steamed with the Rowenta didn’t really seem to create new wrinkles. I used both steamers on the same 3 pieces of clothing for about the same amount of time. I used the Rowenta on one side and the Jiffy on the other. I didn’t tell my wife which was which and asked her which looked better. They were all basically too close to compare.

I have a toddler so there was definitely a safety issue for me. If she were to pull the cord and pull the Jiffy down on herself while on( or even 5-10 mins after you’ve unplugged it)she could be seriously injured and scarred. If she were to pull the Rowenta down it probably wouldn’t be a big issue.

So I ordered a Rowenta for myself and am sending the Jiffy back. I’m not saying the Jiffy is a bad piece of equipment, it just isn’t quick and easy like the Rowenta. I feel as if I needed something that performs like the Jiffy I’d rather just get an upright steamer.

In summary, the Rowenta is safer, quicker, and easier– for my purposes anyway. It’s also cheaper. Only time will tell about the durability.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes

Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.