Ultra Cool Gadgets » Electric

Toshiba HD-A20 1080p HD DVD Player

ashish — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:35:10 +0000

Toshiba’s HD-A20 is a great choice for people ready to step up to full 1080p playback in a high definition player without a huge price tag. Offering playback of HD DVD discs with outputs of 720p, 1080i , and full 1080p as well as upconversion of regular DVDs to 1080p through HDMI this is the first high defintion player available to offer a full HD experinece at a price this low. Audio output supports 5.1 channels of surround sound in Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD formats, as well as legacy formats along with legacy formats including Dolby Digital and DTS.
Besides playback of HD DVDs and regular DVD discs, Toshiba’s HD-A20 also supports playback of DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. Playback of MP3 and WMA audio files is not supported.
With the 1080p capabilities of the HD-A20, Toshiba has taken high definition to the next level at an attractive price point. The HD-A20 joins the existing Toshiba HD DVD line-up that includes the entry level HD-A2 and the top of the line model, HD-XA2. This expanded line of products offers enhanced functionalities of the HD DVD format and is proof of Toshiba’s commitment to the smooth transition to the next stage in high definition entertainment.

Technical Details

- HD DVD, DVD, and CD Playback.
- Supports next-generation formats: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD, and Dolby TrueHD.
- High definition 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution.

Customer Feedback

I’m very happy with this in all respects. I had returned an HD-A2 already, as it would hang sometimes when changing layers on dual layer SD (standard) DVDs. The A20 does sometimes have a perceptible “glitch” when changing layers, but no more than that. My impression is that the 1080p picture looks better than the A2′s 1080i did, but that might just be wishful thinking. Obviously, as with and HD-DVD player, you’ll get a little better (“lossless”) audio if you have an HDMI-equipped receiver, but I’m happy to use optical digital cables for now and upgrade in a couple years.
One thing I strongly suggest, though, is that you attach this to the internet using the ethernet port in the back. If you aren’t wired for ethernet, consider setting up a wireless bridge (or “gaming adapter”). Updates for the player AND for some of the HDDVD titles (!) are available for automatic download if you’re hooked up.

Weber 566002 Q 220 Gas Grill

ashish — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:13:00 +0000

The Weber Q 220 gas grill has electronic ignition for easy, reliable lighting, an infinitely adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator, 2 durable Tuck-Away work tables with built-in tool holders (tools sold separately) which conveniently fold and store inside the grill, sturdy glass-reinforced nylon grill frame, cast aluminum lid and body, removable catch pan, a tall lid profile with a built-in thermometer, a large weather-resistant lid handle, a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, and operates on a standard 14.1 or 16.4 ounce propane cylinders (sold separately). Includes Weber Q recipe booklet. Tubular stainless steel burner, 12,000 BTU-per-hour input, 280 sq. in. total cooking area. Limited 5-year warranty.

Product Features

- Electronic ignition.
- Infinitely adjustable burner.
- Glass-reinforced nylon frame.
- Cast aluminum lid.
- Tuck-Away work tables.

Customer Feedback

Cons:
-Grill is a little on the heavy side. Cast iron grate, quality components and a sturdy base all combine to make this a little heavier than other portable grills. This is compared to my last portable grill, a shoddy lightweight grill made by Coleman.

Pros:
- Cast iron cooking surface. This is my first time with cast iron as opposed to the skinny stainless steel wires that most grills have. I’ll never go back.
- Solid construction. Every piece looks and feels like it was made with quality materials.
- Two side tables. What can I say, they’re extra useful
- Thermometer
- Taller grill lid than the q200 series. Lets you cook a larger roast or something else tall. Probably wont fit a Beer can chicken though (although I’m definitely going to try)
- Utensil hooks for grilling tools
- Precision flame control
- Fits a variety of propane tanks (you may need the adapter, sold separately)
- Has an excellent line up of accessories. I’ve also go the rolling cart on the way, it looks great.

Panasonic NN-SN667W 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot 1300-Watt Microwave Oven, White

ashish — Thu, 20 May 2010 07:57:03 +0000

With a 1-1/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1300 watts of power, this family-size microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The unit’s automatic 13-1/2-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level–without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven until they’re ready to be served. Other highlights include Inverter Turbo Defrost for thorough defrosting, five-button and flat-panel controls, a four-digit display, 10 power levels, five multi-stage cooking options, and more/less control, as well as a popcorn key, Quick Minute, delay start, and a timer. The counter-top microwave oven measures 11-7/8 by 20-3/8 by 15-15/16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. 1.2 cft, 1300 Watts of High Power, One-Touch Sensor Cooking/Reheat, Chrome 5 Button for easy progamming/use, Keep Warm/More-Less Control, Popcorn Key, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Quick Minute, White.

Product Features

- 1300-watt family-size microwave oven with 1-1/5-cubic-foot capacity.
- 13-1/2-inch turntable; 1-touch sensor cooking; keep warm.
- Inverter Turbo Defrost for even heating; 10 power levels.
- 5-button and flat-panel controls; 4-digit display; delay start; timer.
- Measures 11-7/8 by 20-3/8 by 15-15/16 inches; 1-year limited warranty.

Customer Feedback

Very pleasant experience. It arrived as promised – just plug it in and you are on your way. I purchased this model for 2 features: the sensor buttons and the inverter defrost button. an unexpected feature was the “keep warm” button. Cooked food or left overs can be kept warm for up to 30 minutes. A great feature. I am very satisfied with this unit and would recommend it to anyone.
Beautiful product, works great, so many options, cooks in almost half the time of standard microwave, great for popcorn, easy to use, good instruction booklet, so we are very happy with product!

Sharp AX-700S Superheated Steam Oven

ashish — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:30:44 +0000

Today, more and more people aspire to a healthy lifestyle, a lifestyle that includes healthy eating – and healthy food preparation. Sharp’s response is the AX-700S Superheated Steam Oven. This new way to cook offers the health benefits of steam cooking to foods that are roasted, grilled and even baked. Superheated steam helps reduce the fat in many kinds of meat and poultry – without compromising on flavor, crispness or appearance. A unique combination of conventional heat with steam superheated to 550 F makes this healthy way of cooking possible. With the Superheated Steam Oven, roast chicken is a delight of crisp, golden skin encasing the juiciest, most flavorful meat. And grilled salmon is done to perfection, even without the grill. The superheated steam surrounds the food, transferring heat as the steam condenses and melts fat away. With 20 preprogrammed food settings in four different categories and 10 manual settings for countless temperature and steam options, preparing health, delicious foods is virtually foolproof. Be smart, eat healthy, use Sharp AX-700-S Superheated Steam Oven. Water Gauge for Steam Function Fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel front finish Stainless Steel interior Pull-down door with viewing window Unit Dimensions WHD – External – 20.5×13.55×18.3 / Interior – 13.375×9.25×12.2 / Unit Weight – 44 Pounds Sharp USA Parts and Labor Limited Warranty.

Product Features

- Includes – 1 Cooking Rack, 1 EZ Clean Base Tray, 1 EZ Clean Baking Tray, 1 EZ Clean.
- Perforated Tray, 50-Page Illustrated Cookbook.
- LCD with visual prompts.
- Cooks at up to 550 Degrees Fahrenheit.
- Easy-to-Program Dials.
- 3-Cup Water Reservoir.

Customer Feedback

You will be suprise how this oven can cook tasty and healthy food for you! Yes, is very expensive, but after you see more then 2 tablespoon of grease being expelled from a piece of chicken breast meat using the Super Roast function, you will be so amazed that how much extra fat you have been eating. Since it use water to grill, meat is always moist, and if you like to bake bread, you will have the BEST bread you will ever have (as mentioned in some cookbook, you don’t want the bread crust to pre-form before your bread dough is done. A environment filled with moisture can prevent to happen. You can spray water into your regular oven to accomplish this, but is not easy to control the humidity.
Not to mention is it so easy to steam any kind of food without waiting your water to boil.