Ultra Cool Gadgets

The fact is, analog audio equipment is sensitive to a different type of noise than video, just as video is sensitive to a different type of noise than digital, and so on. In the past, manufacturers have used filters to combat the problem of noise introduced via power sources. Unfortunately, the filters were not optimized to attenuate at the different frequencies that are unique to digital, analog audio, and video realms. Products that managed to deliver truly cleaner AC power were thousands of dollars in price, out of reach for most people. Enter Head Monster Noel Lee. An uncompromising audiophile, Lee joined forces with Richard Marsh, the world’s foremost expert on AC power, to develop affordable solutions to AC power problems. The result? Monster Clean Power.
Monster PowerCenters also offer the most comprehensive home theater system protection available, featuring higher joule ratings for faster acting, full capacity surge protection. Monster’s Multiple SurgeGuard and Tri-Mode Circuitry instantly detects any voltage surge or spike and immediately suppresses it before it can reach your components. And, for your total peace of mind, the latest generation of Monster Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters come with higher Connected Equipment Guarantees (CEGs).

Technical Details:
- Monster Clean Power Stage 2 v.2.1 circuitry filter dramatically reduces electronic noise.
- T2 automatic disconnect/reconnect protection circuitry.
- Tri-Mode power protection circuitry with audible alarm and auto disconnect.
- 5750 joule rating provides a high level of surge absorption.
- 10 surge-protected, color-coded AC outlets. level of surge absorption.

Customer feedback:

1. I bought this as extra protection for my Samsung 56 inch DLP and audio system. Compared to using a normal surge protector, the Monster HTS 2600 indeed provided a clearer picture, cleaning up the snow and artifacts. I haven’t really tested out the audio yet. It’s good for peace of mind, as I want to protect my expensive investment.

2. The HTS 2600 MKII is a good product for the price($184 @ Amazon). I am not convinced that the “filtering” of clean current is that important in an area that has a modern power grid. However, the two major advantages that make it worth while are: (1) Provides excellent power surge protection for my $6K HTS investment; (2) Provides plenty of power outlets, coaxial cable outlets to organize the spiderweb of cables for HDTV, X-Box, DVD, VCR, AV Reciever, Sat/DVR with room to spare. Original HTS was DOA, but didn’t realize it within 30-days since I was awaiting for other components. Amazon still exchanged it .. Thanks a million!

Product Features
- Six piece surround sound package that includes 2 front and 2 surround speakers, 1 center-channel speaker, and 1 subwoofer
- Satellite and center-channel speakers utilize 3.25-inch polymer-composite cone drivers for distortion-free midrange
- Features 0.5-inch silk and polymer-composite dome tweeter in each satellite speakers and 0.75-inch silk and polymer-composite dome tweeter in center-channel speaker
- Subwoofer utilizes an eight-inch long-throw dynamic-balance poly-composite driver for longer driver excursion and better linearity
- Satellite and center-channel speakers can accommodate 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems
Tweeter complement (front/surround): 1 x 0.5-inch (13-millimeter) silk/polymer composite dome
Driver complement (front/surround): 1 x 3.5-inch (89-millimeter) polymer composite cone
Tweeter complement (center): 1 x 0.75-inch (19-millimeter) silk/polymer composite dome
Driver complement (center): 2 x 3.5-inch (89-millimeter) polymer composite cones
Subwoofer complement: 1 x 8-inch (203-millimeter) front-firing dynamic balance woofer
Overall frequency response: 40 to 24000 Hz
Frequency response (-3 dB limit): 45 to 20000 Hz

Customer feedback:

1. The Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 channel home theater speaker system is phenomenal and an outstanding value. I had originally been looking for a home theater in a box system to mate to a newly acquired 37″ LG LCD HDTV. The search was partly precipitated by the demise of the older generation DVD player we owned coupled to a failing 10 year old Onkyo surround-sound system. As I poked around on-line reviews and shopped Circuit City and Best Buy it became clear I could get more value and flexibility buying a receiver, an upscalable DVD player (improved picture with regular DVDs on HDTV) and a new speaker system than with home theater in a box.

2. Yesterday I finished installing the speakers… largely using the rich amount of educational information available on the polk audio website that helped me with speaker placement and hook-up. Note: I did NOT use the sub jack on the sub woofer.
The sound is phenominal… especially considering I paid $245. There is no doubt, that if told that these speakers only were sold for their MSRP of $599… that I would still buy them. These speakers meet so many of my requirements:
(1) Great Sound
(2) Attractive
(3) Blend into the environment (i.e., they are small)
(4) Great price
(5) Quality Name
The sound image created by the front 3 is amazing and the rears are perfect.

Product Features:

- 100 Watts/Channel at 8 ohms (FTC)
- Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6, THX Select 2 and THX Surround EX Decoder.
- HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi technology
- HDMI V1.3 repeater (3 in/1 out, 1080p compatible)
- RS232 Port for Audyssey MultEQ XT Interface Control

Onkyo is an organization consisting of people unsurpassed in the love of sound. Onkyo won’t settle for second best. It strives to complete what ithas started. That’s the Onkyo spirit. For the past half-century Onkyo components have been recognized as uncommonly musical among those who are truly fanatical about their music.

Customer feedback:

1. The reason to get this receiver over the 605 is the step up to 3 hdmi inputs and THX certification. The power consumption of this unit is more efficient then the 805 and 605. This unit was built after those 2 other models. This isn’t the lonely middle child, it shines on its own.
There is also a slew of issues this receiver does not exhibit that the 805 has problems with (check AVS forums for details). HDMI video looks great, 7.1 sound great! Price is great!

2. In short, this is a very capable receiver, but getting it set up is just awful. Once you –finally– reach the audio “audessy” setup with the microphone, it is painless. Audessy works quite well. They have solved the typical setup problems, but allowed a host of others to crop up.
Fan noise is excessive, the fan seems to have 2 speeds: on and off. It also seems to make a ringing sound as its frequency often reinforces the sound of the (normally quiet) fan in my 60″ Sony LCD projector above it. This is the best bang for the buck, sounds fabulous, but — really — needs a better manual.

The Sirocco Wireless Home Audio Bridge uses your computer’s existing wireless network to receive any and all audio formats streamed from your PC. It is an ideal wireless speaker solution to deliver your music to your speakers or home theater system. With both digital optical and analog outputs for 6 channels, Sirocco can easily connect to most audio systems and supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound output.Anything that your PC can play, Sirocco can receive through the airwaves. Playlists from any music player or from any store, in any format. PCM, WAV, WDM, AAC and all protection schemes are legally and securely streamed from your PC to your home audio system.Setup of the Sirocco is straight forward. Connect the unit to a PC using the included RJ-45 cable. Do not connect to the unit through a router. Run the included software on the CD, have the program detect your wireless router and save the settings. Now you can disconnect the RJ-45 cable and connect the Sirocco to your home audio or computer speakers. The Sirocco will receive audio signals from your computer through your wireless network. The Sirocco supports both optical digital and analog connections to connect to a home stereo. There is also the ability to connect speakers directly to the Sirocco. Standard front, center and surround speakers can be connected. PC based surround speaker packages work well.

Technical Details
- Uses your computer’s existing wireless network to receive any and all audio formats streamed from your PC
- An ideal wireless speaker solution to deliver your music to your speakers or home theater system
- Easily connects to most audio systems and supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound output
- Can receive through the airwaves anything that your PC can play

Customer feedback:

1. I received this today after returning a couple of wireless media products my wife had bought me. All I wanted to be able to do was play music from WMP on my laptop through my home stereo system without running wires everywhere or a physical connection everywhere I wanted to use it. This product does exactly what i was hoping it would do. It uses my home wireless network to transmit a signal to my stereo regardless of where I am in my house (or my back yard, deck, basement, etc.). Now I can control volume on WMP or Sirocco’s panel, eliminating the need to run back inside when my outdoor speakers are too loud, and I can control the music from anywhere. I definitely recommend this product.

2. I originally got an Apple Airfoil on the recommendation of the retail store sales guy. BIG mistake. It only plays iTUNES source, and I had problems setting it up, and in the locations I have the WLAN AP and the Airfoil, I could not find a way to prevent frequent drop-outs.
I returned the Airfoil, and took the risk to online order a Sirocco based on the spec sheet. Well, I am absolutely thrilled! It is exactly what I wanted — a wireless sound card. Took less than 5 minutes to install, no dropouts, supports WEP and WPA, and plays any audio stream your computer sound card plays. And the software suite is suprisingly stable and feature-rich for such a new product.
As an unexpected bonus, the sound quality is also exceptional. This is a well-engineered product. Don’t think twice if you want a wireless sound card.

The concept of home-theater is very enticing. Sony has aligned this sound system to be compatible with their popular Bravia widescreen TV line. Yet, it will still deliver fine performance with most other HDTV sets on the market. As a leader in products with HDMI connectivity, Sony has created BRAVIA Theater Sync to go beyond simple audio and video transmission. When combined with a select number of BRAVIA Televisions and other Sony audio and video products, in addition to audio and video transmission, control functions will be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With ?One Touch Play,? operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. Press the PLAY button on the remote, watch the audio and/or the video component(s) turn on with the BRAVIA and switch to correct input. This model also includes an iPod dock for playthrough. HDMI - Reads the data on a standard DVD at 480P and maximizes the video resolution to best fit your HDMI compatible TV at up to 720p or 1080i XM Connect-and-Play Ready A World of digital radio is at your fingertips. Connect the optional Connect-and-Play antenna, sign up for XM service (subscription rate required) and enjoy the variety of digital radio with superior sound quality Digital Media Port (DMP) offers compatibility with various accessories which will include a PC Client device, Bluetooth receiver and Audio Docking Stations compatible with Network Walkman(R) and iPod products. Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT grants access, provides control and integrates your portable music into a traditional home theater system

Technical Details

* DIGITAL MEDIA PORT Accessory iPod Dock supplied
* XM Connect-and-Play Ready
* BRAVIA Matching and Adjustable Floor Standing Speakers
* BRAVIA Theatre Sync technology
* HDMI Output with 720P/1080i upscaling

Customer feedback:

1. Very pleased so far. Sounds great, plenty of power to rock your media room, and was easy to set up. There’s an on-screen setup feature that lets you easily customize the setup for your particular room configuration. An included microphone lets you do a push-button fine-tuning of the sound relative to speaker placement. It’s cool to see the system report exactly how far all the speakers are away from the microphone.
I also purchased the wireless surround kit from Sony. Setup for this was also pretty simple, and was supported by the HDX500 system. Remote is typical Sony - lots of buttons. But fairly intuitive thus far.

2. The new DAV-HDX500/I comes with the iPod Digital Media Port cradle (TDM-IP1) that allows you to connect an iPod device. With the old model DAV-HD500, the iPod Digital Media Port cradle was an option you had to buy separately. Other than that, both models are identical in features.

Get the most from Blu-ray movies and other high-definition media with the advanced performance of the Sony HT-SS2000 Home Theater System. This system includes a powerful 5.1 channel A/V receiver pushing 1000 Watts of power (RMS). Featuring Bravia Theatre Sync, the HT-SS2000 also offers easy one-touch operation of compatible Sony HDMI components, so you no longer need to juggle multiple remote controls. Bravia Theatre Sync technology goes beyond simple audio and video transmission when combined with a select number of Bravia LCD televisions. Control functions will also be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With One Touch Play, operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. The receiver detects and receives the best possible video and audio signals from all connected devices, making connection and performance as simple as plugging in a single wire. Sony’s HDMI Active Intelligence produces both audio and video through one HDMI cable. Connect the included microphone and with a push of a button, the speakers are automatically adjusted to your favorite listening position. Additionally, the simplified front-side audio and video connections make it easy to play music stored on portables through the receiver.

Technical Details

* Built to match seamlessly with Sony Blu-Ray disc players (NOTE: Blu-Ray player NOT included)
* Digital Media Port
* AV Reciever w/HDMI Active Intelligence (3 IN, 1 OUT)
* Portable Audio Enhancer w/ Front Audio Input
* Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (Mic Included)

Customer feedback:

1. Good:
Great sound for the price.
Easy set up.
You can sync it up to work seamlessly with other Sony products & remotes.

Bad (but not that bad, really):
Passive Sub-Woofer (If that sort of thing is important to you)
Speakers wires attach to the unit with special connectors. If they detatch, you could be in for a tricky fix or replacement.
The auto calibration is pretty slick, but it doesn’t work all that well. Most people (owners in online forums) end up setting the levels manually.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase. Right for the price, and a good pick for Sony product owners.

2. I just picked one of these up for our small family room off of our kitchen. I needed something small as space is tight. Overall, I am pretty impressed with the system considering the price. The sound isn’t outstanding but not bad for a $320 system and the connectivity is pretty nice. Hooked everything up quickly and had no HDMI syncing problems at all. Sound isn’t as crisp as a more expensive system and it is underpowered but for the price it gives me what I need. I did pair this with some better speakers from an older Sony HTIB and the sound is better. I had to splice the wires due to the proprietary connection but it was worth it. Sound is a bit better than the tiny included speakers but not much.

Featuring a battery-operated monitor displaying steps-per-minute, total steps, workout time, and calories burned, this portable stepping machine provides a cardiovascular workout while also offering elastic bands for toning back, arms, shoulders, and torso during a workout. The machine is small enough to easily store at home or in the office and light enough to transport between the two sites. It measures 16-1/4 inches x 12-1/8 inches x 12-1/4 inches and weighs 20 pounds. Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion. Wide, textured steps keep feet secure. The elastic toning bands can be removed and provide medium resistance. Rubber floor protectors safeguard a workout area and prevent skidding. Made of steel, the frame carries a five-year warranty against defects, with parts warranted against defects for 90 days.

Key Features:

* Compact design lets you work out anywhere and stores away in small spaces
* Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion
* Battery-operated electronic monitor tracks the number of steps per minute, number of steps during the workout, workout time, and calories burned
* Sturdy steel construction
* Wide, textured steps keep your feet secure during your workout
* Skid resistant rubber floor protectors also prevent skidding
* Assembled size: 16.25″(41.3cm) long x 12.125″(30.8cm) wide by 12.25″(31.1cm) tall
* Weight: 20 pounds (9.07 kg)

Customer feedback:

1. I’ve been using this stepper for about a month now and I love it. It is very portable and easy to store in my apartment and gives me a good workout. The only problem is that the wheel does squeak a little bit.

2. A bit on the heavy side at twenty pounds, but it is sturdy and the ease of movement of the pedestals assures an addictive workout.

The GoFit Ultimate ProGym is the go anywhere, train anytime home gym that comes complete with its own personal trainer on DVD. Whether you are building size and strength, or increasing muscle definition, the key to the ProGym is the ability to add or subtract resistance. You can obtain 7 levels of resistance by creating different combinations of the tube strengths. Regardless of your fitness level, the GoFit Ultimate ProGym will help you attain a healthier you!
The ProGym contains two handles, three resistance tubes, two ankle straps, one door anchor, an exercise wall chart and renowned fitness model and personal trainer Lynda Leene’s own 25 minute workout on DVD. A mesh carry bag is included for storage or travel.

Product Features

* 7 levels of resistance by creating different combinations of the tube strength
* Three resistance tubes with 5, 10, and 15 pound tension
* Two ankle straps, door anchor, two handles
* Workout DVD from personal trainer Lynda Leene
* Makes a great travel package, complete with carrying case

Customer feedback:

1. This little gym in a bag is great. It comes in a small bag and is very light. It comes with a poster or book demonstrating possible workouts and it comes with a DVD (or CD) that describes and demonstrates workout possibilities. You can play this CD as a “trainer” or view the exercises singly. The DVD has in a very good core performance, functional workout and some excellent information on nutrition. (The CD features Trainer and Fitness Model Linda Leene, and describes and demonstrates workout possibilities. You can play this CD as a “trainer” or view the exercises singly). You get the aforementioned ankle straps, handles, and a door anchor. You also get a 5, 10, and 15 pound cable. The weight range is 5 to 30 pounds in 5-pound increments by combining the cables. The handles are comfortable and the cables hook and unhook very easily.

2. I ordered this product to add more variety and challenge to my toning workouts. Fitness bands are particularly great for women, who may want to gain muscle strength without bulking up. This product comes with three fitness bands of varying resistance. I was pretty surprised how hard some of the exercises were even with the lightest resistance band–but they all felt good and gave me a challenge. I really loved the accessories the bands came with–a door strap and ankle straps. With the door strap you put it in the door frame and close the door, then loop the band through it. If you put the door strap at the top of the door or at shoulder level, there are many excellent shoulder exercises you can do. You can also put it lower in the door frame to do exercises sitting, or lying down. If you exchange the handles for the ankle straps, you can work your leg muscles, also using the door strap.

Increase your muscle tone, strength, and flexibility with Everlast’s Pilates Resistance Stretch Tubing. Lightweight and portable, this set is ideal for using at home, bringing along to the gym, or packing it in a suitcase to use while away from home. Cushioned grip handles offer comfort for your hands and wrists while three interchangeable levels of resistance tubing (light, medium, and heavy) allow you to vary your stretching routine. A fitness guide is included. Use your body’s own resistance to shape arms and shoulders, tighten legs, tone abs, without adding bulk. Handles can be used on hands, feet, or ankles. Lightweight and portable: ideal on travel and storage.

Product Features

* Increase muscle tone, strength, and flexibilty
* Lightweight and portable
* Cushioned grip handles
* Includes light, medium, and heavy resistance tubes
* One-year warranty

The Resistance-Band Workout Kit features the amazing Resistance Band Workout Deck-The Pocket Personal Trainer- plus all the equipment it requires. The Resistance Band Workout Deck is the new, easy way to learn how to exercise: A deck of cards-just like a regular deck of playing cards- with three complete workouts: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Utilizes resistance bands as the main equipment. The workouts can be done just twice a week, for an average of 30 minutes! Not only a very convenient workout for home, but also the perfect workout for traveling. Comes with a ring to keep the cards together. You choose your workout, clip it together, and go.

Product Features

* Includes The Resistance Band Workout Deck, plus everything you need to do the workouts in the most convenient way.
* Three interchangeable resistance bands for different resistance levels light, medium and heavy.
* A set of handles.
* A doorway anchor to easily attach the resistance band to a doorway.
* An Ankle Strap.

Customer feedback:

1. I bought the resistance band kit because I was going on a trip and wanted to keep up with my workouts. I was surprised how challenging the worksouts were. It was easy to fit in my luggage and use in a hotel room. I loved the fact that there are different fitness levels. I work out all the time and the advanced workout really kicked my butt! I like it so much that I use at at home in between trips to the gym.
2. This procuct was made for people who are busy and don’t have a lot of time to exercise. You get the same quality of workout at home as you get at the gym. The exercises are easy to understand and I really like how each body part is targeted. I like the challenge of having three different workout intensity choices. This is perfect. They thought of everything!!!