Cheetah Mounts Tilt and Swivel Articulating Arm for Plasma LCD TV 32 55
Posted by HDTV in Electronics Jul 31st, 2009 | No CommentsCheetah Mounts Tilt and Swivel Articulating Arm for Plasma LCD TV 32 55
UNIVERSAL 32-55″ PLASMA/LCD SINGLE ARM TV/DISPLAY MOUNT
This mount features 28lbs of heavy gauge cold-rolled steel for a stable and secure mount. The mount collapses to less than 4″, extends out to 26″, tilts forward/downward 0-25 degrees and swivels 180 degrees. Additionally, the attachment plate at the end of the arm rotates like the face of a clock up to 7 degrees ensuring a 100% level display.
The TV arm brackets mount separately to the TV allowing for “lift and lock” installation. The wall plate includes a round 2 3/8″ and a square 4 3/4″ opening for cable management. The 4 3/4″ opening can fit a standard US electrical outlet which is 4 3/8″ tall. The outer slots on the wall plate are 16″ center to center and 1.5″ wide for standard US studs. The wall plate includes a built in bubble level and a 6″ three-axis magnetic bubble level is also included.
The universal design fits the vast majority of 32-55″ TVs. Specifically it will fit any TV up to 165LBS with a hole pattern up to 28.1″ horizontally and 19″ vertically. This includes the standard VESA 100, 200 and 400 hole patterns. The mount does not fit VESA 800. VESA 800 has unusually wide mounting holes 800mm apart horizontally and is used by certain LG and Philips units.
Written instructions and all necessary mounting hardware included.
Specifications:
Maximum Extension: 26″
Minimum Depth: 3.9″
Weight: 28lbs
Hole Pattern Coverage: 28″ Horizontal by 19″ Vertical
Wall Plate Dimensions: 18.5″ X 9.3″
Angle of Tilt: 0-25 Degrees Forward/Down
Swivel: 180 Degrees
Rotation Adjustment: 7 Degrees
Outer Wall Plate Slots: 16″ on center, 1.5″ wide
Wall plate Cable Management Openings: One 2 3/8″ Round and One 4 3/4″ Square
TV Plate Dimensions: 30″ X 9.5″
TV Plate Cable Management Openings: Four 2 3/8″ Round Holes
TV Arm Bracket Height: 20″
Collapsed TV Plate Offset Relative to Wall Plate: 5 7/8″
High quality powder coat finish
Maximum Weight Capacity: 165 lbs (75 kg)
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Really good except for one issue
I just finished installing this mount and my 50″ Panasonic plasma. I bought the articulating mount so I could position the TV in the corner. This means I mounted it towards the corner of one wall and used the articulation to move it to a diagonal position where the edges are flush against adjacent walls.
This mount was very easy to install. Instructions were great. I really liked the built-in level. It was easy to get the plasma on the mount with two people.
The one issue I had was with the tv actually being level. The tv is level when it’s flat against the wall. When I articulate it out a bit and to the right, the right edge dips. It’s obvious enough to bother me. What I did was adjust one of the brackets that bolt to the tv. I purposely had one bracket one position different (higher) than the other. This resulted in leveling the tv when articulated. However, when I put the tv back against one wall, it’s grossly off level. That’s ok for me because the permanent spot is in the corner which is level. I think the problem is due to the weight pressing down on the arm. Not much you can do about it.
5 Stars Small Price BIG VALUE
Our HP 42 inch LCD Media Smart TV was installed using the “MountsPro Tilting & Articulating Arm Universa LCD/Plasma Wall Mount Bracket. We used it inside an Armoire and we are 100% PLUS HAPPY with this mount. At C.C chain store it was, and I kid not, $500.
Thia arm is well made, easy to use and smooth operating at any confrigulation. I had a friend install it and he had no problems. I can not review a wall mount at this time but we plan to move and will purchase another MountsPro by CHEETAH MOUNTS.
Thank you Cheetah for the great product at a great value.
5 Stars easy to install!
This was much easier to install than I had feared, having read lots of reviews of wall mount products being difficult to install. Two of us installed in less than 1/2 hour. It even has a level built into the product so you can see immediately if the mount is level or not as you screw it into the wall.
It holds my TV perfectly level and is easy to move about.
3 Stars Does the job, but I’m disappointed with the end result
I just installed this wall mount for use with a 42″ Philips plasma screen TV. As you can see from the picture, the mount basically consists of two plates connected by an articulating arm, which provides the swivel action. The TV is secured to the larger of the two plates via the supplied brackets, which provide the tilt action. The mount itself comes pre-assembled and thus requires only installation onto the wall; similarly, the brackets are also pre-assembled (with the exception of a pair of adjustment knobs for the tilt mechanism which for some reason are not mentioned at all in the installation instructions), and need only be screwed into the back of the TV.
Despite some headaches presented by the construction of my wall (I rent an apartment in an old building in Brooklyn where there is apparently an inch-and-a-half of plaster overlying drywall and studs), I was able to install the smaller plate into the wall using some cheap-but-sturdy toggler anchors from the local hardware store, without a problem.
Where I did run into a problem was when I mounted the TV to the larger of the two plates. Basically, though the mount seems solidly constructed and holds up just fine, it seems as though the articulating arm isn’t strong enough at the joint, which causes a distinct and noticeable (about 3-5 degrees or so) right-sided droop to the TV; this despite the fact that the smaller plate affixed to the wall is perfectly level. Now, given that the mount is rated for TVs up to 55″, I don’t think my 42″ TV is outside of its reported weight range. So, given that the wall plate is level, and eliminating the weight of the TV as the source of the problem, I can only chalk it up to a design or manufacturing defect.
Now, the droop makes the whole thing look kind of sloppy, though in truth it doesn’t really affect the viewing experience all that much; it’s slight enough so that you don’t notice it at all once you’re engrossed in whatever it is you’re watching. And this is definitely the cheapest tilt-and-swivel mount I’ve been able to find, which offsets a little bit of my disappointment. In sum, I’d say I’m satisfied enough that I won’t bother to go through the hassle of trying to return it, but if I were to do it all over again I might have saved up for a slightly more expensive model from a different manufacturer.
5 Stars Fits Panasonic Viera 42
This mount is sturdy and well built. It was easy to install into my traditional TV cabinet.
The mount adjusts in several different ways, allowing for easy mounting of my Panasonic Viera, which I was told would not be easy to find a mount for as it does not have standard mount holes.
The only trouble I have has was my error, where I did not attach the mount to the cabinet perfectly vertical. Now when the arm is completely extended and the TV is turned its not level. Not really a big deal as I only have it in that position when fiddling with cables.
Overall I’m very happy.
Samsung LN46A650 46 Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Posted by HDTV in Electronics Jul 31st, 2009 | No CommentsSamsung LN46A650 46 Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Samsung adds a Touch of Color to a blazing-fast 4ms response time andrich connectivity features to redefine the role HDTVs play in the home with its forward-looking Series 6 (A650) and Series 7 (A750) LCD HDTVs. Utilizing the award-winning technologies found in all Samsung HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 HDTVs deliver unparalleled picture quality and enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities that create a true entertainment hub for any home. Series 7 takes networking and multimedia management to a whole new level. Consumers can easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through a side-mounted USB 2.0, turning their LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect their MP3 players for a dynamic audio experience.
Key Features
- New — 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models (Learn more)
- New — Blazing 4ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
- New — Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel with infused color creates an ultra-sleek shape and appearance (Learn more)
- New — InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port (Learn more)
- New — 4 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models (Learn more)
- New — Sports and Game modes boost on-screen performance and interaction with the latest gaming systems
- New — Side-mounted USB 2.0 port: connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV’s audio system or your home theater system.
- New — Compatible with Samsung’s Home Digital Media Adapter (sold separately) for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia
- Full 1080p HD (Learn more)
- Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion (Learn more)
- 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (Learn more)
- Better clear panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors (Learn more)
- Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more)
- Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range (Learn more)
- Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources
- V-Chip system1 allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
- Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
- Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
- Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
- Swivel stand included
- 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.
Step-Up Features
- Series 7: Internal flash memory (1GB) with pre-loaded interactive content such as cooking recipes, children’s entertainment, HD artwork and more, Integrated woofer for an enhanced audio experience, DLNA-Compatibility for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers (Learn more)
- Series 8: super-slim 1.9-inch thick profile
- Comparison of Features for various Samsung LCD HDTV models
- What size TV should you get?
Learn More
Touch of Color
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Samsung’s Series 6 marks the first appearance of TOC (Touch of Color) design in the 2008 LCD HDTV line-up. Inspired by designs from the automotive and fashion industries, Samsung’s unique unique Transparent and Opaque Color molding process creates a clean, smooth finish infused with a hint of a translucent color during the manufacturing process for an ultra-sleek appearance. |
InfoLink
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Up-to-the-minute access to weather, news, sports and stock information is just a cable and a click away through the HDTV’s Ethernet port and new InfoLink RSS service. An all-new user interface with digital contents management guide provides intuitive navigation and access to both internal and external content. |
Auto Motion Plus 120Hz
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This technology doubles the frame rate from 60 to 120 frames per second (120Hz LCD panel) without repeating the same image to make more frames. Instead, the TV intelligently calculates the ‘middle’ image between frame A and frame B and inserts it in between (Auto Motion Plus 120Hz processor), making a fluid transition from one frame to the next. |  |
Super Clear Panel
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Samsung enhances the clarity of select LCD HDTVs by replacing the light-diffusing plastic face of traditional LCD HDTVs with a natural black panel with a clear anti-glare shield. Reduced reflection of external light creates a new dimension in image clarity, highlighting black and darkened areas, enabling vibrant, more compelling colors and a brighter, clearer picture. Black will never again appear grayish. Black details will show in vivid black even in dark scenes.
The latest version of Samsung’s breakthrough super clear panel technology makes colors appear more vibrant and blacks even deeper than ever. Enhanced films reduce glare and optimize off-angle viewing. |
50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio/500 nit Brightness
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50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio will give you a picture better than you ever thought possible, with whiter whites, blacker blacks and a nearly infinite subtlety of gradations in between. As two of the most important determining factors in overall picture quality, contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this latest generation LCD panel. Samsung’s new LCD TV’s give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever. |
Full HD 1080P
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Full HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HDTVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable.
Samsung’s 1080p panel uses a new high-speed liquid crystal to cut response time to 4ms. The fast response time, coupled with Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120Hz motion blur reduction technology dramatically reduces motion blur and judder. |
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Digital Natural Image Engine
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DNIe™ The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine. This exclusive Samsung technology dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, white balance and reduces. |  |
Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp
| The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) has established the color standards all TVs in America try to meet. And typical LCD TVs only meet about 72% of this standard. Samsung LCD HDTVs use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp backlights to give you 92% coverage of the NTSC standard, ensuring truer, more breathlessly vivid colors.
Samsung’s exclusive Wide Color Enhancer technology delivers more brilliant colors, even in bright areas of the picture where blues and greens are washed out on conventional screens. The system displays wider color reproduction, showing you truer colors – the fresh green of spring foliage, the intense blue of the summer sky. |
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Connectivity
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To make the Series 6 a true entertainment hub for any home, Samsung has incorporated advanced HD connectivity and networking capabilities that expand the HDTV’s functionality. A wide variety of multimedia devices can be connected to the set through any one of the four Simplay compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs (including one on the side), and the handy HDMICEC feature lets you control all your CEC-enabled peripherals using just one remote.
Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the 2 rear connections and use the side-mounted input for cameras, camcorders, and laptops. HDMI is the best performing interface for displaying an HD source on an HDTV. Once connected, users can easily access device menus and manage and display content through the newly redesigned Wheel Key Remote control and the HDTV’s sophisticated content management interface. All Connections
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Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)
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You already know something about digital living. There’s the TV and digital video recorder in your family room. (And another set in your bedroom.) You have a PC and digital printer in your office, along with a network attached storage device. And you’ve copied all your music onto your portable music player and haven’t had to open a CD case for years. But getting them to talk to each other can be pretty tough. Why is it still so difficult to send digital content from one device to another?
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a collaboration of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and mobile companies that has created design guidelines for a new generation of products that can work together — no matter the brand. Think for a moment about all of the photos “locked away” on your home PC that you wish you could access while entertaining your friends and family. Now, thanks to DLNA enabled devices, a DLNA-enabled PC can be accessed from the comfort of your living room or family room via a DLNA-enabled HDTV, where you can enjoy your memories with friends and family, without having to deal with the hassle and non-intuitive “PCexperience”. Or, say you recently downloaded your daughter’s birthday party video from your digital camcorder to your PC. Now you want to share it with your parents who are visiting. Without DLNA, you probably have to burn a DVD of the video or hook up the camcorder to the TV. With DLNA, you can just use your TV’s remote to call up the video on your TV. That’s it. |
Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
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Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel provides a 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes |
Audio Features
TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.
SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.
TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
- Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
- TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
- The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.
Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
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With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience.
If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
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- Series 6 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 19-inch, 22-inch, 32-inch, 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models
- Series 7 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch
Which Samsung LCD HDTV is Right for You?
Series 3Look at Series 3 LCD HDTVs |
19- and 22-inch Models
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26-inch Model Adds
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32-, 37- and 40-inch Models Add
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Series 4 AddsLook at Series 4 LCD HDTVs |
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Series 5 AddsLook at Series 5 LCD HDTVs |
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Series 6 AddsLook at Series 6 LCD HDTVs |
19- and 22-inch Models
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32-inch Model Adds
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40-, 46-, and 52-inch Models Add
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Series 7 AddsLook at Series 7 LCD HDTVs |
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Series 8 AddsLook at Series 8 LCD HDTVs |
Series 8: super-slim 1.9-inch thick profile |
Series 9 AddsLook at Series 8 LCD HDTVs |
Coming Late 2009 |
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Amazing price for outstanding picture quality
Couldn’t pass up on this deal especially with additonal $200 off with ’samtv200′ coupon.
Loved the buying experience…no shipping costs or taxes….and the tv arrived in about 4 days in great shape by CEVA Logistics.
Setup was easy especially with the many HDMI connections. The only problem I had was the ‘need’ to update all my home theater equipment…new blu-ray player, new audio equipment, new furniture to put under lcd.
Love the ease of operating the device and the picture quality is incredible. I am coming from a high end projection tv (about 6 years old) that was HD, but there is no comparison to the new Samsung. Vivid colors, amazing detail and I’ve even been impressed that non-HD signals are even quite clear.
All in all…a great buying experience….great deal…great tv.
5 Stars Love it!
I know there are many HDTVs out there. I originally was planning for a Sony, sight unseen because of the previous non HDTV quality of the Sony sets I had. Then I read the CNET review for HDTVs and went to see the TVs. I think the Samsung was the best of the best. Sure, the LED backlight of the LN46A950 would have been nice, but not $1000 nicer. I am very pleased with my purchase and now need to couple it with a Blu-ray.
5 Stars Amazing picture quality
The reason for buying LN46A650 was just to get a little extra size (42 to 46 upgrade) and full HD resolution for Bluray, and I got much more than expected. I had two Panasonic Plazma TVs before I purchased this Samsung LCD, and I thought I am getting everything I can from my HD cable. I was amazed how clear the picture is on my new.
5 Stars LOVE it.
This is an awesome TV and a great value for the price - highly recommended!
5 Stars Awesome HDTV
I have had the LN46A650 for a month now and have been extremely happy with the product. The picture is amazingly clear expecially when viewing HD channels. When viewing blu ray…WOW! The only negative about this TV is the sound but since I run both sound and video through my AV reciever, it is not an issue.
Archos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet
Posted by HDTV in Electronics Jul 31st, 2009 | No CommentsArchos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet
ARCHOS, award-winning for its constant technology innovation and leadership in portable media players introduces a concept: the Internet Media Tablet. The ARCHOS 7 is the jewel of this range, redefining media on the move and offering customer uncompromised access to the Internet, media content and TV in a handheld device.With its built-in capabilities, your Internet Media Tablet becomes the ultimate way to surf the web. The amazingly sharp and high-resolution screen lets you navigate effortlessly through the web just like you would on a PC. Browsing becomes almost seamless with the ARM Cortex processor and the Adobe Flash 9 video support. Surfing on a handheld device has never been so fast and smooth. The full email application lets you read, write, download and send attachments, and manage your contacts.The ARCHOS 7 features an incredibly high capacity internal hard drive, in slim and sleek enclosures. Everything will fit in, and you can still have room for some more. You can download a vast number of music and video from the unique selection of renowned movie and music partners assembled in the Media Club. So you have plenty of movies to watch when youre away on a trip or in vacations. You can play movies in HD or DVD quality for the richest media experience on the go.Enjoy your ARCHOS content back on your TV, with the DVR Station. Schedule recordings in few clicks any TV program from you cable channels or your setup box, and choose when and where you want to watch them. Play back all your digital content from your ARCHOS 7 to your TV, even in HD quality, at 720p. With the TV snap-on, digital free TV is broadcast live on your Internet Media Tablet, wherever you are.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Amazing PMP, but not everything your were expecting
I own a 604 which I purchased a few years ago and have loved it.
For the archos 7:
The good-
1. Video: Larger screen, amazing quality of movies
2. Audio: still very good
3. Battery is not internal (like the 5), so if it locks up, you can take it off briefly. Also on long trip you can bring along a fully charged spare.
4. Internet: love listening to internet radio while browsing the web.
5. Internet radio - love it. You can also select your own stations using shoutcast website. Other sites like last.fm do not work.
The not so good-
1. Internet: Flash 10 support does not exist so sites like Hulu will not work for movie streaming. Some flash does not work and website will have blank sections.
2. Internet TV: some links are dead and I do not see a way to update or fix these. Some working sites do not have updated or much content. So, I stopped using this feature.
3. Internet radio: have not seen a way to change the links for the preset stations. Glad shoutcast works.
4. TV snap on, although previously advertised for the 7, has yet to exist.
5. Plug ins cost extra money, esp if you want to view your dvd movies on the archos.
6. GPS, does not exist yet for the 7.
7. Basically you can only install the limited software that Archos will let you. Compare this to a netbook with windows - you have much greater options for software to purchase and install.
Overall, I am fortunate that I bought the archos 7 for what it does very well. The other features I listed as good are special surprises for me coming from the 604. For that, I give it high marks. If you need a perfect Internet experience or want more flexibility choosing applications you want to install&run, you are better off with a standard windows netbook which is also cheaper (Archos 7 retails for $450 on Archos website). If you want an amazing portable movie/music player with some internet features, you will like the archos 7.
1 Star Terrible Customer Service
The ARCHOS 7 is great if it works, However the ARCHOS customer service is the worst i have ever encountered. I had my unit for 45 days sent the unit in because it didn’t work. 2 1/2 months later and I am still waiting on my ARCHOS 7. Most of the people in customer service are very rude and could care less about the customer. This experience has been so bad that I will never purchase a product from this company again.
5 Stars Excellent media tablet
I use the Archos 7 for listening to music with earphones and reviewing photos or film clips. It does both outstandingly. I also own a 605 and a Zune for the same puposes and prefer both for these tasks since they are less cumbersome but neither has the large screen of the Archos 7. The DVR station is highly improved in connectivity over the 605 DVR. This is a major advantage of the Archos 7 over competitors. If your interests are music and photos, buy the less expensive 605. If you want to record via your HDTV, buy the Archos 7 with the DVR.
3 Stars Great media player, not so great Internet tablet
This is my first review on Amazon; I hope it helps some people out.
For those looking for the short and sweet version, here it is…The Archos 7 is a fantastic mp3 player and a terrible Internet tablet.
Before I get into the more in-depth portion of my review, I should say that I purchased this product to upgrade from my Nokia N810. I really liked the N810, I liked the OS, and I did not like the small storage space. I thought the Archos 7 was a great solution; the specs are ideal–large hard drive and a seven inch screen.
What is good about this device: I am really happy with the music player and video player. I uploaded my music library via the USB cable and was able to create playlists easily and search my music without a problem. The video player is great as well. I rented a movie through CinemaNow, watched it just fine, and my own videos played perfectly.
I am not really interested in TV, so I did not really look at the WebTV component and have no need for the DVR functionality. So, I cannot give any informed opinion on those. It also seems to have built in UPnP support, but I have not explored it in depth.
What is not so good about this device: Plain and simple, the operating system is extremely limited and does not provide basic functionality a user would want or even need. The desktop is not customizable in the least. You cannot remove unwanted icons, setting your own wallpaper does not let you scale, center, tile, or stretch the image. Even though the picture viewer allows you to view images as you like–and they do look great, when you select “Set as Wallpaper”, it stretches the image to fit the resolution or cuts it off to fit the screen. You have no control of this.
So, I had to take the time to make my image into an 800×600 background. This irks me; this should be a basic operation for any internet tablet.
Furthermore, the ability to multitask is restricted. You can start the music player and then access the internet, but if you want to go back to the player, it closes the web browser. In fact, there is very little ability to switch between tasks. There is no minimization of windows.
The web browser leaves a lot to be desired. You are not always connected to your preferred Wifi spot, it disconnects after a period of inactivity. So, it takes longer for the browser to open because it has to reconnect first. The flash plugin works for youtube, but other sites are not as fortunate. For instance Hulu.com does not work on the device. There is no way to copy and paste in the browser. The onscreen keyboard sometime covers up the textbox you are trying to enter information in. And you only can have five tabs open at a time.
The PDF viewer is slow, and trying to listen to music while reading PDFs can cause the system to freeze. Perhaps this will be addressed in future OS updates. It should also be noted, you cannot play any DVD ripped to an ISO, natively or by the cinema plugin that can be purchased. You need to convert them to a support format.
Conclusion: Really, this cannot be called an internet tablet. This is a media player that has a web browser. Archos is developing a device that utilizes Android; I hope this will be an improvement from their in-house dilapidated excuse for an OS. However, I have my doubts. If you can, I would recommend waiting until this new Android powered device hits the markets and is reviewed. Otherwise, you are really paying for a 320 Gig mp3 and video player. The Archos gets a rating of 3 in my mind, 5 for the media aspects and 1 for the internet tablet “aspects”. Thanks for reading.
1 Star Archos products just don’t deliver
Web/TV Product code does not work so unable to download, complained to Archos and told-have to pay again. “Once code is used cannot replace it, and as it didn’t work-tough!” Spent over three months trying without success to get the DVR Station to work. Unable to record from TV, although the system goes through the motions when you try to open the recorded file to view, you receive an error message stating “damaged and incomplete file”. Had daily contact with technical support but still no joy. When playing a video via the internet sometimes you get a blank space with a Flash 9 jpg. The Archos 7/Opera is supposed to support Flash 9-but it doesn’t work on many Flash 9 websites so beware.
My advice to any would be purchaser is don’t buy an Archos unless you
a) Want a heart attack from the frustration or b) Like throwing over
SquareTrade Warranty Free In home service on TVs 32 inch LCD 1500 2000
Posted by HDTV in Electronics Jul 31st, 2009 | No CommentsSquareTrade Warranty Free In home service on TVs 32 inch LCD 1500 2000
SquareTrade Care Plans are great value and cost on average 10-15% of the item price for 3 years of coverage. That is 40% lower on average than traditional warranties.
Samsung LN52A650 52 Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Posted by HDTV in Electronics Jul 31st, 2009 | No CommentsSamsung LN52A650 52 Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Get innovative HD design and performance on a brilliant 52-inch LCD screen. The Samsung 52″ LCD HDTV has superior picture quality with a unique bezel design. The Touch of Color accents the top and bottom edges of the bezel with a unique amber tone. Full 1080p HD resolution and 50,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio offer stunning image detail and vivid colors. Auto Motion Plus 120Hz and Ultra Clear Panel technology work together to offer the smoothest motion and boldest bright and dark tones. Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp - Provides colors in your picture that were not available before Fast 4ms response time minimizes blurring of moving video Widescreen NTSC/ATSC Tuners with Clear QAM Ultra clear panel enhances contrast and reduces reflection Viewing Angle - 178 x 178 Degrees DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that is closer to film Auto volume leveler Audio amplifier - Watts per channel - 10 Watts x 2 channels to bottom downfiring speakers SRS TruSurround XT sound delivers virtual surround using built-in speakers 4 HDMI, 2 Component video, RF antenna inputs S-video, A/V, PC inputs Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection Headphone output HDMI-CEC allows peripherals to be controlled by remote control Stereo broadcast reception (MTS & SAP) with 181 channels Picture-in-Picture V-Chip Auto wall mount compatible - 3-dimensional operation via TV’s control Swivel stand Wheel key remote control English, Spanish & French on-screen displays Variable sleep timer Dimensions - without stand - 50.2 x 31.7 x 4.1; with stand - 50.2 x 34.1 x 12.8 Weight - without stand - 64.6 lbs.; with stand - 76.7lbs.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars love this tv
Its late im a little tired but i want to leave a review. I had the tv for around 2 months and i love it. I have not tried all the settings, everything is still set at the factory default and the picture is super clear with directtv hd. Can’t wait to try verion fios. The amazon free shipping was a plus and the delivery men brought in the tv and would not allow me to do anything. They unpacked it, put the base on it, put it on top of my entertainment center and hooked up the hd box. They even gave me a demonstration of the tv. This was my first purchase from amazon and it was great along with the tv which was cheaper than the big box stores. Im ready to purchase a samsung 46 for my living room.
5 Stars Good purchase
I purchased this TV an year back, not from amazon. Was checking to see the current prices. The prices has gone down a little bit but not too much,which could also mean that this is still a popular buy.I really like the TV and did not have any issues and i would give a 5 star rating. I did a lot of research before i purchased the TV like everybody else, and came up with this and i have no regrets…yet.
5 Stars Quality product
Excellent product. Nothing to complain about. Just ensure you have high quality HDMI cables (as opposed to cheap HDMI cables) to enjoy the quality of the TV.
5 Stars The Best
I’ve been more than pleased with my Samsung purchases in the past (40″ LCD HD TV, Home Theater, upconverting DVD etc) but this new 52″ TV is the very best I’ve ever seen much less owned. Blu-Ray is great, and the upconverted DVD’s are nearly as sharp. Dealing with Amazon direct is a pleasure, simple and quick. Thanks so much.
5 Stars This HDTV Is Worth It!!!!!
Recently purchased this HDTV in April 09′, I owned a Samsung DLP before this one. This LCD HDTV is amazing!! Have it hung on my wall, looks like it was meant to be there.. Have my PS3,xBox360 connected to it via HDMI, the 4HDMI’s come in very handy. They look remarkable. Blue Rays..makes you feel like you are there, they look soo real it actually freaks some of my friends out. Definitly Worth It. Going to connect my Onkyo 7.1 surround to it this weekend too. Can’t go wrong with this HDTV!! Compared to the Sony Bravia which is next on my list, this is far better. Only one that can beat this LCD is the new Samsung LED HDTV!!!!!
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