Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Digital Wireless Surveillance System Review

Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Digital Wireless Surveillance System
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The Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Wireless Surveillance System works as well as advertised. I only have a few minor gripes about the system.
The set-up is incredibly simple. Just plug the power supplies into the camera and into the receiver, screw on the antennas, and plug the A/V cables into some kind of monitor/TV. My camera was already paired with the unit, so I didn't have to do anything else. Pairing the wireless unit with the camera, or another camera is simple, just push 1 button on the receiver and a big yellow button on the camera and it's good to go. They claim the pairing function securely connects your camera to your receiver so that no one else can grab hold of your camera's frequency, but I have no way to test that. I'll just take their word for it. The unit comes with a small arm stand for the camera, and a couple screws to mount it. You might need extra screw mounting pieces if you want to mount it into something like brick, though. Regardless, set-up and installation is a snap.
The image is very good in daylight. However, the night vision is only "acceptable" quality. The far-red LED lights create a bit of a halo effect around the center of the camera's lens. So everything in the center of the image looks clear at 20-25ft or less, but the stuff on the periphery of the center of the image is a little darker and fuzzier. Still, you can see what's going on. Also, be sure to note that you can see the red LED lights of the camera. This is good if you want everyoen to know that you have a camera, but if you want a more stealthy hidign spot for your camera, it's definitely going to give it away. The mic works well at about 25 ft or less, but after that it definitely tails off.
So to sum up the problems: I think the night vision image is a little bad at the edges of the image, the mic isn't all that great at longer distances, my unit had one dead LED bulb on it (I don't think it really affected the image quality by itself), and the far-red LEDs are not truly infrared so you can see them with the naked eye.
The problems I stated are pretty minor in nature, though. The Lorex system is solid and you can expand it to include 4 total cameras, and even view them simultaneously split-screen in your monitor. Overall, I recommend this unit for a simple security solution.


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Mygica HDTV Thriller ATSC, QAM, NTSC, FM, HDTV PCI card for Desktop PC - PCI HD TV Tuner Card with Remote - Supports up to 1920 x 1080i Resolution Review

Mygica HDTV Thriller ATSC, QAM, NTSC, FM, HDTV PCI card for Desktop PC - PCI HD TV Tuner Card with Remote - Supports up to 1920 x 1080i Resolution
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Installed the Geniatech PCI tv tuner card into a system with Windows XP SP3 OS, core 2 duo 3 GHz CPU, and 2 GB RAM. A video card supporting Microsoft DirectX 9.0c is required. After turning on the computer, the OS recognized the new hardware, and requested CD with drivers. During driver installation, the OS warns that the software has not passed Windows Logo testing; click on "Continue Anyway" and the drivers are installed. The "Software Install" screen appears. After installation of the DirectX software, it was necessary to reboot. After the system rebooted, and Windows XP was restarting, the system hung up, showing a blank screen. Rebooted a few times with the same result. As a remedy, rebooted into "Safe Mode" by pressing and holding "F8" key during boot-up. This solved the problem. Next, installed the media center software, ArcSoft TotalMedia, included in the installation CD. The package includes a remote control requiring two AAA batteries not included in the package. It is necessary to plug-in the remote control cable with infrared sensor at the other end of the cable to allow line-of-sight remote control. Next, the remote control would not work; after testing the batteries to make sure they were good, turned to the installation CD to locate the infrared sensor driver, and installed it by clicking on the setup icon. An indoor digital antenna was attached to the tv tuner card BNC input and with the TotalMedia software, scanned the available channels, it worked, but an outdoor antenna would pick up more channels. Next, attached an "analog Cable" to test the QAM tuner; after a channel scan, got considerably more channels. The ArcSoft TotalMedia software works great, it allows recording to the current user's My Documents/My Videos folder. It is not possible to record one channel and view another channel at the same time. Video recordings are "software" encoded to mpeg; ergo a Pentium 4 2.4 GHz CPU or higher is required. The package includes an FM antenna, and the software includes a "Radio" FM digital tuner, which allows for listening and recording from the tv tuner card. The installation is not for a novice; but in my system the tv tuner card with ancillary software, works great.

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Pinnacle PCTV 80e HD Mini Stick PC 23058 Review

Pinnacle PCTV 80e HD Mini Stick PC 23058
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First off, the rest are right, this tuner does take some work and is NOT plug & play with the included software. The extra work required is why it gets three stars.
However, it IS possible to get it to function with Windows 7 & MCE.
To make it functional: Go to the PCTVSystems.com website, choose support, driver, and download the XP/Vista/Win 7 32/64 bit driver. Install it.
Then visit the same page, but choose Application. Download either the PCTV package for media center (32 or 64 bit, depending on your OS install), and install it. You'll notice you'll get something called signalboost on your desktop, it amplifies the incoming signal, but isn't necessary to use right now unless you're using OTA (ATSC).
Set up your TV signal. MCE should see the digital tuner (ATSC or QAM depending on your signal.) It'll download the guide, but (for QAM at least) tell you that you can't watch TV until you add channels in the guide because it didn't actually find any of them.
This is actually fine if you're using QAM. Right now, your channels are available when you choose to Edit the guide and scroll down to the 58.xxxx - 67.xxxx range and higher, they'll be the ones without the padlock. Click the checkmark next to these stations, this will make them available through the guide.
To actually show the guide data, you'll want to check the stations themselves and match them up with the listings from your local tv listings (cable system or OTA), personally I use Zap2it. Once you have the number (64.xxxx) and station, you can again go to settings, tv, guide, edit channels. Scroll down to the channel you're fixing the guide data for, click on it and choose Edit listings. Now you can scroll down to the station call sign listed for your channel, and select it to apply the guide data for that station to your channel in the MCE guide. You'll have to do this for each station you want to watch -but- if all goes well you'll only have to do this once.
Hope this helps people enjoy their purchase.

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7-Button Trackball Presenter Dual Mode Wireless Mouse Review

7-Button Trackball Presenter Dual Mode Wireless Mouse
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I have owned this product for over two weeks at this point. I intended to use it with my HTPC setup for all the standard mouse required activities.
This product (or at least the one I purchased) has very little to be positive about. The range despite its specs falters at anything beyond 8 ft. The movement of the trackball/cursor is irregular, jumpy, and very hard to control. Even after the 'break-in' period I have read about the movement never has improved. It reminds me of the old 'ball' mice that used to get so dirty they would only move sporatically. The same sporatic cursor movement happens here despite the trackball feeling and moving smooth.
It also came in a brown box with no instructions or manual and no disk. While there are 2 modes for the preset buttons frankly I have no idea what they are for and can find no documentation online.
I gave it two stars due to its slight improvement in usability if you stay within 5 feet of its receiver. While still a rough moving jumpy trackball its performance is improved.
All in all for anyone looking for a ranged presenter I would suggest they look elsewhere. For anyone looking for a smooth movement cursor control for presentations regardless of range also look elsewhere.
The one defense I could consider as being possibly legitimate would be that some form of interference exists in my area that is effecting the presenter. Unfortunately I have tried it in 3 different houses with 3 different systems each separated by more than 15 miles. The last house is 'in the country' with no close neighbors, Dect 6.0 phones, and no wireless router. In short nothing I can think of that would interfere. Despite this there still could have been something interfering with the presenter but I am skeptical that would be the problem.

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Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100) Review

Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)
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The Slingbox Pro does an excellent job of streaming video from multiple sources (Tivo's, cable boxes, or satellite tuners, for example) to any internet-connected computer, anywhere in the world. If you have access to a fast internet connection, you'll be amazed at the quality of the picture and the sound.
Two issues:
1) The primary, defining feature of the PRO verison of the Slingbox is its ability to "sling" high-definition video across the internet to your laptop. It's unfortunate that the folks at Sling Media:
- saw fit to design the box to use a proprietary cable instead of the industry-standard HDMI cable that all HD component owners know and use, and
- failed to include their proprietary cable in the box with the Pro. When I buy a product for its PRO features, I shouldn't have to go back out and scavenge for a rare, $50.00 cable in order to use those features. This was a terrible oversight.
2) Be aware that you will not be able to use the Slingbox unless you:
- can plug it directly into your home network router, or
- purchase a $50-$90 wireless Ethernet "bridge," or
- purchase Slingbox's bizarre and expensive hardware solution for connecting the Slingbox to your router over your electrical wiring.
A PRO-level, premium product should be able to see and use a wireless home network connection, right out of the box; a trip back to the store to buy more hardware shouldn't be necessary.
The core product is great, and works better than advertised ... but this PRO package lacks what any pro would expect to find in the box. Be aware that, in addition to the Slingbox Pro, you'll need to buy:
- a home network router (if you don't already have one),
- a wireless G network bridge or the Slingbox networking product (if you don't have your router near your television), and
- a proprietary video cable (if you want to "sling" HD programming).

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The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, a device that allowed you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home, or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox Pro The Slingbox Pro ensures that you can watch all of your favorite home theater entertainment anywhere you go, with the ability to watch and control up to three standard definition and one high definition video (via component connection) devices. Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Pro you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand.
The Slingbox Pro also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox Pro is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system. Future Vista-specific enhancements are expected in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox Pro, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, stereo audio cable, RF/coax cable, composite AV cable, S-video cable, remote control IR cable, and quick start guide.

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Jenis J-ND700-P-B Professional Battery Grip for Nikon D700, D300, and D300s Review

Jenis J-ND700-P-B Professional Battery Grip for Nikon D700, D300, and D300s
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This battery grip is absolutly amazing. It will hold two EN-EL3e batteries or four different types of AA sized batteries. It has a timer and intervalometer built into it as well. The small LCD is backlit for night time operation and is powered by a CR2016 battery. It meters the date, year,day of the week, and time down to the second. The D300s bas intervalometer settings in it's menu making the one on this battery grip not needed but, when you actually consider that this grip is 100 USD less than the Nikon MB-D10 and does all of the same things this becomes a must have. You will need this once you realize how quickly the D300s reduces an EN-EL3e to a paperweight.

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Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio Component Tuner Review

Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio Component Tuner
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I like the HDT-1, it's easy to set up and use, I like it's high tech industrial design, I love the blue display, it looks like my satellite receiver. On stations that are not using the Ibiquity format (HD Radio), it will read the RDS data employed by many broadcasters. It's conventional AM and FM reception is good compared to other AM/FM tuners in it's price range, but it's HD reception is only adequate, at this juncture, there are no other HD tuners in this price range. I tested the HDT-1 tuner in a metropolitan area and it quickly located dozens of HD stations on the FM band and a few in the AM band. Not every market has a lot of HD station, check before buying an HD tuner. If you do not live in a metropolitan area, near the HD station, reception will be spotty and will require a roof top antenna, the included AM and FM antennae are for local reception only. When the HD signal is weak, the tuner switches to regular analog demodulation, where I live, 65 miles away from most of the transmitters, I only get four stations solidly in HD, and I have a good attic antenna system.
Please don't consider HD Radio High Definition, it is NOT high definition, it is a digital format that means terrestrial radio broadcasters may employ multi-casting, more than one program stream on the same frequency, and that's very cool. HD radio may provide a cleaner signal with no hiss on moderately weak stations. The audio is not CD quality but it's quite good, it employs MPEG encoding, it sounds like an iPod, if that's all you've heard, HD Radio is fine. MPEG is also used on satellite radio, it's the reason they can cram so much in a narrow band.
The following is an addendum to my original review.
The following contains some techno gibberish, don't sweat it, it won't hurt. The HDT-1 outperforms all my previous FM tuners, it hears stations my other tuners can't. Buried in the Info menu is a Signal Strength Indicator ( helps aiming your antenna! ), a Bit Error Rate display and a Carrier to Noise display all very interesting. I have found reception varies day to day, I now receive as many as 10 HD FM signals, on bad days only 4, HD Radio propagation is a very complex issue that taxes many Engineers, NPR's engineering department has posted some interesting data on that topic.
Some folks are suggesting things they want to add, though a TOSLINK output would be nice, I believe it is an imperative that Sangean add the ability to manually toggle HD demodulation since marginal signals bounce between the HD stream and analog, very annoying sometimes. End of dweeb rant.
Bottom line, this is a fine product, the Sangean HDT-1 is a winner.

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HDT-1 HD/AM/FM Radio component Tuner adds HD Radio Technology to your Home Theater System with graphic LCD display, Program Associated Data Services, Display indicates call sign, channel frequency, data rate, radio text, audio mode, service mode, signal quality, signal strength, IR Remote Control, Line-out

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ViewHD Multi-functional HDMI Converter Switch 8 Inputs (VGA + AV + Ypbpr Component + HDMI) to One HDMI Output Support 3D & Surround Sound for 1080P HDTV Review

ViewHD Multi-functional HDMI Converter Switch 8 Inputs (VGA + AV + Ypbpr Component + HDMI) to One HDMI Output Support 3D and Surround Sound for 1080P HDTV
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The only thing I would change at all is I would like to see SVideo inputs and perhaps two HDMI outputs. We use it in one of our court rooms to handle a varity of things brought in - we send it to a large monitor, but split it to go to the jury box as well. Works great!

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Sony RM X114 - Remote control - infrared Review

Sony RM X114 - Remote control - infrared
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I bought this remote to allow me ease of use for my boat mounted sony stereo. Due to the center console I had to mount the stereo very low. This remote is a life saver. Makes it alot nicer than having to lie down on the deck to change stations, volume, off/on etc. Would like to see one with a digital readout on the remote though.

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Wireless Remote Control for Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, Ipod Touch 2nd Gen, Video, Classic, Photo Review

Wireless Remote Control for Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, Ipod Touch 2nd Gen, Video, Classic, Photo
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This remote has a very short, line-of-sight range due to the fact that it's an IR remote. There's a large sensor on the bottom of the base receiver. If you can't see it, you can't use the remote. From what I can tell, the range overall is roughly 5 feet maybe, depending on the angle.

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Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver Review

Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver
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I owned a 2252B in late 70's early 80's. loved the sound but sold it when I got tired of neighbors, police, landlords, and having to move so many times! I just could not resist cranking it. Over the years I have bought at least ten receivers trying to find THE SOUND I LOVED SO MUCH. Clean, clear bass, mids and treble that were lifelike and not too bright or shrill. WOW DO I LOVE THIS RECEIVER! More than enough power. SOUNDS FANTASTIC! I wanted old school stereo, as if the band is in front of me. I have it hooked to two yamaha YST-SW315 subs and Polk LSi9's. If you want to be the envy of all who hear this setup don't waste a ton of money, This is all you need, Just add DVR and OPPO Blu-ray Player. I also had my Marantz 6300 turntable restored and added a Grado platinum cart. I'm set for life. Oh ya, don't forget room treatments.

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Stereo Receiver

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Mygica LDA-9000 Standalone Digital ATSC HDTV Box, 1080P With Hybrid QAM/NTSC TV Tuner, Watch TV, Game and Video on Your PC Monitor - IR Remote control is Included Review

Mygica LDA-9000 Standalone Digital ATSC HDTV Box, 1080P With Hybrid QAM/NTSC TV Tuner, Watch TV, Game and Video on Your PC Monitor - IR Remote control is Included
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I got this so I could have a TV in my dorm room (I already had a nice computer monitor and didn't want to fully replace it). Works fairly well as a TV tuner, but it doesnt pick up some of the higher numbered digital channels clearly. I have a VCR plugged into it as well and it makes the movies from the VHS have a really terrible quality (I tested it and know its not the VCR's fault because I plugged the VCR directly into another TV and it looked as good as VHS can look). Those are my only two complains, other than I don't think it's 80 dollars. It's also nice because it doesn't take up much room and is easy to connect. It also comes with any adapters that you might need to use it, so that's nice because you don't have to figure out what adapters to buy.

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Channel Vision A0314D iBus On-Wall Dock Made For iPod Review

Channel Vision A0314D iBus On-Wall Dock Made For iPod
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Works Great as advertised. I'm a contractor and will use in other installations in the future. Nothing else to say.

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Monster Empowered PowerCenter EP 2450 with IR Control and Distribution and Clean Power Stage 2 7 Surge-Protected, Color-Coded Outlets (MP EP IR 2450) Review

Monster Empowered PowerCenter EP 2450 with IR Control and Distribution and Clean Power Stage 2 7 Surge-Protected, Color-Coded Outlets (MP EP IR 2450)
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I bought the monster EP IR2450 I can't say anything to exciting I mean its a fancy Surge Suppressor. This is a very good looking unit, It works great. The only problem I have had with it is I mounted the IR reciever next to my Vizio VT420M tv and had to move it to a location farther from the tv to get it to work. Something with the backlight from the tv or just interferrence not really sure. If you look at any other systems that transfer remote signals in this fashion it sounded like they all have this problem with the lcd tvs. But yeah for the price its great and once you work the bugs out of the ir receiver its wonderful all of my components tv dvd cable box ect. are hidden in a cupboard where i don't have to look at them! And the thing is supposed to cut power if voltage goes to high or to low which is great because we have brown outs frequently. Also monster hooks you up with more ir eyes for you equipment than you will need and some other stuff(cable wire etc.)

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The EP IR 2450 Empowered IR PowerCenter is a bold combination of design, advanced engineering, and convenient functionality. This new PowerCenter design delivers the advanced protection and performance that home theater enthusiasts expect while providing the ultimate in remote control convenience.First and foremost, EP IR 2450 provides advanced power conditioning and surge protection for high definition home theaters. It features new HD Clean Power filters specifically engineered to get maximum sound and picture performance from todays high definition digital home theater components. In addition, patented T2 and Tri-Mode surge protection technologies protect connected equipment from power surges, spikes and dips.However, the EPIR 2450 Empowered IR PowerCenter is more than just an ordinary PowerCenter. The "Empowered" IR technology in the EP IR 2450 lets you send remote control commands to all of their home theater components through their PowerCenter via IR emitter cables. This gives you a new level of remote control precision and reliability that not only widens the arc of their remote controls, but also extends remote control reach even behind solid wood or metal AV cabinets where remote signals would typically be blocked.Even better, there's an included external IR receiver that lets you keep all of your AV components and the PowerCenter completely out of sight for an elegant, clean home theater look that lets the décor speak for itself. Now you don't have to look at distracting AV components and blinking lights when you're watching a movie or just relaxing.The Empowered IR 2450 PowerCenter wraps all this advanced functionality in an ultra-sleek silver chassis with a new "butterfly" style faceplate design.

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Acoustic Research HDP100 HD Powerlink Audio/Video Transmission System (Black) Review

Acoustic Research HDP100 HD Powerlink Audio/Video Transmission System (Black)
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Like all powerline products, how well it works depends on the wiring in your house. I have both boxes (transmit and receive) on the same circuit, going from the front of my living room to the projector in the back. Picture quality is great and looks the same as with a long HDMI cable. I have measured it pushing nearly 50 Mbps of Blu-ray data with no trouble.
I use a projector, so I cannot speak to how well it passes audio through. I have also not tried the IR pass-through.
There are a couple of downsides. The boxes run pretty hot, even staying warm when on but not in use. Each box has its own power switch. I have mounted the boxes in locations not convenient for turning on and off (switch only, no IR) and it bugs me that the standby state runs warm, sucking down electricity 24/7. Also, AR/Audiovox customer service is lacking, as they were no help with seeking stand screws that were supposed to be included, but were left out of the box. Their response: "Our apologies but we don't carry parts as we only do basic troubleshooting and in-warranty exchanges for the whole unit. But you can visit our major dealers that carry our line of products....and check if they have the part you're looking for. Also check other electronic shops/stores within your area that carry suitable replacement parts that may fit your unit."

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SilverStone Lascala LC20B-M ATX HTPC Home Entertainment PC Case with VFD, Remote Control, Front USB, FireWire and Audio Ports (Black) Review

SilverStone Lascala LC20B-M ATX HTPC Home Entertainment PC Case with VFD, Remote Control, Front USB, FireWire and Audio Ports (Black)
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Nice looking roomy case, steel construction for better sound insulation than aluminum. Provides enough room for state-of-the-art graphics cards, CPU and cooling, but looks more appropriate in the living room than a tower. I suppose I would have preferred if the vent on the CPU side were sealed by default, but it's a minor niggle. Looks much better than the first image here; make sure to check out the other images, as the case is in fact a very dark matte black.

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Universal Remote MX-900 40-Device IR/RF PC Programmable Remote (418 MHz) Review

Universal Remote MX-900 40-Device IR/RF PC Programmable Remote (418 MHz)
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OVERVIEW: A compact, very well thought out remote, offering more than enough features and versatility than the majority of home uses are likely to ever need. It defaults to IR mode, and can be switched to RF.
If you're a technophobe, want things straight and simple, and expect them to work hassle free right out of the box, then it's probably best you look at other remotes.
Should you be more technologically savvy and don't mind some trial and error and desire a high level of customization jump right in. This remote gets better the more you know what you want and the more you know your equipment.
So to begin, my setup:
*60" HD Sony XBR with 7 video inputs.
*Motorola Digital cable box with HD recording feature.
*Hamon/kardon receiver used for audio input (not video ) switching, and FM radio.
*Dennon DVD for NTSC.
*Phillips DVD for PAL DVDs and other video formats.
*CD player.
*Game console.
***NOTE**** You MUST connect the remote to a PC/Laptop PHYSICALLY located in the same room as your components***************
You certainly can program it in a different room, but you'll have to run back and forth to test any changes.
First, download the software (MX-900 Editor) from the manufacturer website after simple registration. The serial # is a bit tricky to find inside the battery compartment. You connect the remote to the PC via the included USB cable.
Now the fun begins (it sounds more complicated than it is): Almost any button is programmable and assignable to do whatever function you want. The included templates seemed thorough to me; (there was even one for my rather obscure Harmon/kardon.) So you scroll through the templates, find your match. If your specific model is missing in their database then try some of the plentiful generic templates for that brand. Once loaded, you can judge for yourself if you like the default button assignments for that particular component.
Programming the remote is a visual process. An interactive and exact image of the remote is placed in the center of the MX-900 Editor. The right pane lists all possible functions of your component template. You simply click on the button you want to edit, then drag a specific function onto that button and it's done. You can test any settings you've made directly from the Editor before you load it to the remote.
The screen itself is rather small, so you must scroll through different pages to see all the functions for any specific component. For each page there are six buttons on the right of the screen. The good news is that you can change the order of functions as they are listed on any page, so on the first screen page I have only my most used functions listed the way I want. Rarely used functions are set farther down.
Most of the buttons below the screen (VOL, GUIDE, MENUE, EXIT, etc) can also be programmed to do different things for each device.
Best to give EXAMPLES :
One button turns everything ON. The TV defaults to the CABLE BOX input, the RECEIVER switches to the CABLE BOX audio outs, the CABLE BOX turns on a specific channel!
The remote itself defaults to the CABLE page with the most used functions for the CABLE box right there.
Next I want to watch a DVD. I programmed a single button to 1) Change the TV input to DVD 2) Switch the RECEIVER channel 3) Automatically open the DVD tray. 4) The remote defaults to the specific DVD player mode.
I've set it up so that no matter what "page" the remote is on, the VOLUME and MUTE buttons stay assigned to the RECEIVER. This way I don't need to toggle or press other buttons just to get to the audio section.
The above are accomplished via Macros, meaning that several distinct functions from different components are all assigned in sequence to one single button.
And so on. An ALL OFF button does what it says. I've had no problems with any component not receiving the IR signal as I did with the Comcast remote.
QUALITY: Feels sturdy and solid in the hand, with good quality plastic casing. Haven't dropped it yet. The numbers buttons at the end are too small and almost impossible to use with one hand. So it's a bit too long for me. Nice blue backlight. Oh, and you can program how long the light stays on.
SERVICE: The template for my Sony TV was missing the VIDEO 7 (digital) input which I needed. I called Universal and was told that all the included templates are provided from the manufacturers. They did however have a fix and updated template for my model which was emailed to me within an hour.
ADDENDUM: Purchased this few weeks back for $224 through an Amazon seller

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