Zune HD Sync Dock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a dock. It's not a Zune HD. No myths to be debunked. Plug your Zune HD into the top. Plug the USB into a live USB port. Many TVs, Satellite receivers and cable boxes now have them. Anything but a PC and the dock will usefully keep your Zune HD charged. If the port is on your PC it'll charge your Zune HD and let you update it's content using the Zune software client. Included were cover plates for both older Zunes as well. Add an HDMI cable between this dock and your HDTV to watch 720p video content over that cable from the Zune HD. This is exactly the same dock as is included in the Zune HD A/V dock pack. You simply have to provide your own charging source (USB or AC adapter) and A/V cable to use it for more than simple charging/syncing. Even in your living room, the Zune's WiFi will let it sync with your PC, so this dock in a living room is a perfect place to keep your Zune up to date and entertaining you. There is also a digital SPDIF connection for your 5.1 A/V receiver should you want to simply enjoy music off your Zune through your home audio system. Remote control included. the Zune HD's TV interface is a joy to use compared with the TV interface from older Zunes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zune HD Sync Dock

Connect to your PC and sync your collection while you charge your Zune in style. Control from a distance with the included wireless remote.


Wireless Remote Control The wireless remote gives you full access to your Zune player from anywhere in the room.

HDMI, Audio and Video Component Outputs You can purchase the Zune HD AV Power Pack to connect your dock to your home entertainment system to view high and standard definition video on your TV and listen to your music collection through your audio system. (Zune HD player and Zune HD AV dock required for high-definition video; both sold separately)

What's in the Box Dock, three inserts (one for each Zune model), and wireless remote.

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Zune HD Sync Dock

Read More...

Champtek USB Internet Music/ TV Receiver (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I gave these to 3 of my family members for Christmas. I wanted to get a unique gift, one that I knew they would not have,but would also enjoy, without burning a hole in my wallet. These fit the bill and were a huge hit on Christmas morning.
What is great about it is that it truly works with all the latest operating systems,is truly plug and play, and works as advertised!
I got one for my brother, my father, and my nephew, and all have enjoyed them. And, you can't escape the cool gadget factor! It is really neat to be able to listen to music and watch TV from all over the world. It's an all around great gift, for a great price, for all ages! It is easy to use and enjoy right outta the box.
It is especially great as a going-away gift for someone because they can stay connected by being able to listen to their hometown station for example.
All in all extremely satisfied with the purchase! Thanks, Amazon for offering a great item at a great price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Champtek USB Internet Music/ TV Receiver (White)

Plug - Click - Enjoy.Listen worldwide music over 20000 internet radio stations.Watch 5000 internet TV stations.Categorized by Genre / Type / Region / Language.Personalized setting to default your favorites.

Click here for more information about Champtek USB Internet Music/ TV Receiver (White)

Read More...

Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Denon 4308CI Receiver

Strengths: Great quality picture and sound, excellent build quality, nice display, GUI interface, easy to assign/rename imputs, HD radio, 4 HDMI, 140 Watt multizone output, good value for price point.
Weaknesses: Complicated user manual, Useless remote, Faroudja vs. Silicon Optix processor
Price paid: $1,780 (2/08)from a reputable retail store. (Please do not ask which one as I was given an insider price)
Summary: After considerable research I purchased the Denon 4308CI to upgrade a prexisting Sony STRDA555ES receiver. My main desire in upgrading was to obtain HDMI connection capability and take advantage updated sound processing and 1080P upscaling. I ruled out various other comparable recievers for a variety of reasons, including heat generation as my components are enclosed in a audio rack partially recessed into a closed media room.
As a longtime Sony fan and owner of three ES AV recievers, it came down to a choice between the STRDA 5300ES and the Denon 4308CI.
I opted for the Denon over the Sony for a few reasons. The display on the Denon is much larger. It might sound silly but I like to see the information displayed on the receiver from where I'm listing to music. The Sony display was rather small. I also liked the fact that the Denon has internet streaming capability and HD Radio reception. The Sony has more HDMI hookups and a longer warranty (5 years vs. 2 for the Denon) but the Denon has increased power handling and full 1080P upscaling. Pricewise the Denon was a few hundred dollars more then the Sony but I felt that it had a more "modern" feature set.
So far after 4 months of use I have been very pleased with the Denon. Sound is fantastic and the GUI was intuitive. I disagree with some of the other reviews that I have read regarding the ease of setup. It took a little longer then I anticipated to set up but as I previously noted the GUI was fairly intuitive. I really like the fact that you can rename the inputs so when you select them from the function selection dial it will display whatever name you decide on. I prefer optical connections so I had to reassign some of the optical connections. Rear connections seem pretty sturdy. The unit gets warm but not hot after a few hours of use. Still havent taken advantage of the 1080P upscaling as of yet. HD radio signal reception is pretty strong and so far no interference despite living in a New York City Apartment building.
Harmony 880 Universal Remote works better then supplied remotes.
Video processing is excellent. I have however occasionally noted video artifacts. This reciver uses a Faroudja DCDi FLI2310 processor which is simply not as highly regarded by professional reviewers as the Silicon Optix Realta HQV processor used by Denon's flagship 3800BDCI Blu-ray player or the Silicon Optix Reon chipset used by receivers such as the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8. However, overall picture quality on standard 1080i and 720p cable source material is excellent.
3808CI vs.4308CI? The 4308CI appeared to have a slightly more "attractive" build quality and appearance. In comparing the two models side by side before purchasing, the 4308CI simply looked better. However, HD radio, increased power handling and WiFi capability were the primary reasons I opted to spend more to purchase the 4308CI.
4308CI and 3800BDCI blu-ray combo. Have had the 4308CI and the 3800BDCI paired for the last three weeks. The Blu-ray picture is simply amazing. Will never purchase another standard DVD again if available in Blu-ray format.
Conclusion: I've been very happy with the 4308CI. It offers great sound and picture features at an attractive price point. However,if you are interested in better video processing you may want to check out the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8 as well.

Review system components: (used in review)
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 1080P (limited Ed)
Artcoustic DF-65's
Artcoustic DF-Multi (center)
Denon 3800BDCI (DVD)(used three weeks)
Sony ES 5 Disc changer
Sony SACD player
Monster HPS7000 Signature Series
Monster AVS2000 Signature series
Polk XM Radio Tuner


Click Here to see more reviews about: Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi

Denon AVR-4308CI Next Generation A/V Multi-Source/Zone with Network Streaming Receiver

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi

Read More...

Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio Component Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio Component Tuner

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

Get 21% OFF

Click here for more information about Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio Component Tuner

Read More...

Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having spent a bundle acquiring a Sony LCD HDTV and upgrading our Dish service to include its limited set of HDTV channels, we were anxious to see what an Over-the-Air Antenna might add.
In all, we tested 5, including the highly rated Zenith log periodic (about $40 at Sears), an amplified Samsung (about $99 at Best Buy), an outdoor Terk 32 (about $80 at Circuit City), our old roof mounted VHF/UHF antenna (circa 1985), and the amplified Terk HDTVa (about $50 at Radio Shack). The Terk HDTVa won hands down; no contest, blowing away the much touted Zenith.
We live in the sparsely populated, low hill countryside of Western Massachuetts. The THDTVa effortlessly brings in between 20 and 30 analogue and digital (incl hdtv) channels broadcast most from 12 to 45 miles away, and some as far as 65+ miles away in Connecticut. Some digital OTA channels actually come in more sharply than some of the (Dish) satellite digital channels.
This is definitely a keeper: a great value, gem of an antenna. So good, in fact, we are debating giving up our $50/month Dish service, putting $15 of that to Netflix to replace HBO, and banking the remaining $35.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception


The high-performance HDTVa amplified indoor HDTV antenna from Terk Technologies is designed to capture both UHF and VHF signals (channels 2 to 69) while extending the reception range for all local HDTV broadcasts. The HDTVa uses an ultra-low-noise, high-gain amplifier with Terk's exclusive Dual-Drive Amplifier technology for clear reception of both distant and close HDTV and DTV stations.
Capture both UHF/VHF signals while extending the reception range for all local HDTV broadcasts. Click here for a larger image

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception

Read More...

TEAC TR-680RS AM/FM Stereo Tuner with RS-232C Data Interface Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We used this on a commercial sound system installation in a public park. Has good sensitivity, selectivity, and quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TEAC TR-680RS AM/FM Stereo Tuner with RS-232C Data Interface

Teac T-R680RS AM/FM Stereo Tuner TR-680RS FM Transmitters

Click here for more information about TEAC TR-680RS AM/FM Stereo Tuner with RS-232C Data Interface

Read More...

Pioneer DEH-P7200HD CD Receiver with HD Radio, OEL Display and iPod Control Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Installed in 1995 Ford F150 XLT Ext. cab w/stock {for now} speakers.
Installation took about an hour, direct replacement of the factory HU. Pretty basic once you get the original HU out.
I've had my P7200HD for about a month now.
The HD sig reception is great and I've had no probs breaking/losing signal. Having the 3 row display is nice for song info, etc.
ipod {I'm using USB2.0 cable} controls are great and ipod can be controlled from HU or ipod, which is nice for passengers.
Audio control gives many options for tailoring personal tastes. I've been able to fine tune to where my factory speakers sound pretty darn good. {Still going to upgrade them though.}
I haven't tested the CD/XM/bluetooth capabilities yet, but I'm confident that they will perform as well as the rest of the system.
On a scale of 1-10 I give the P7200HD a 9.5.
The only improvement that I would have would be a dedicated ipod connection from the rear of the unit.
Would I recommend the P7200HD?
You bet!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEH-P7200HD CD Receiver with HD Radio, OEL Display and iPod Control

Pioneer's DEH-7200HD is an uncompromising CD system, decked out with a full-motion OEL display, direct iPod playback, WMA/MP3/AAC playback from disc or USB devices, built-in HD Radio with iTunes tagging, and plenty more. It also leaves room to grow, with three 4V RCA preamp outputs and the ability to add Bluetooth or SAT radio in a snap.


DEH-7200HD Features
Built-In HD Radio Now listen to the radio in the Same Unmatched Fidelity as Your Digital Music with HD Radio. Your FM stations now with CD-quality sound, AM stations now with FM-quality sound, and crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion. Enjoy new music and programming with no subscription fees.
Stop Straining to See the Screen Enjoy vibrant, exciting displays with the Large Full-Dot OEL display that makes it easier to see what is playing, no matter what the light is like. Scroll through your iPod with greater ease with 3-Line list mode. Even enjoy features like 3D full motion screen savers.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset? Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required.
CD-R/RW Playback Play back your favorite CDs and burnt CD-R/RW discs in the slot-loading CD player.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback Don't let your favorite music downloads languish on your computer hard drive. Burn them to a CD-R or CD-RW and play them right on the car stereo. Enjoy hours of your favorite tunes MP3, WMA, and AAC audio content.
You can also just throw some files on a USB thumb drive and insert it directly in the front panel USB input.
iPod Made Easy It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the optional CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist, album, or genre. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod.
Connect, Tag, and Download Have you ever heard a great song on the radio, but couldn't remember what it was called or who sang it when you went to go look for it later? Now you don't have to worry about missing out on great music. iTunes Tagging gives you the power to "tag" all of your favorite songs without having to scramble for a piece of scrap paper in the car, then later preview or purchase music at iTunes Music Store.

A Better Way to Control Your Music Sick of using buttons to search through your songs? Now you can scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
Supertuner IIID AM/FM Tuner Pioneer's legendary Supertuner IIID combines the best of digital and analog tuner technologies to reduce distortion to bring you exceptional FM and AM performance. If you live in an area where reception is weak, you'll hear a big improvement in signal strength. And when you're near tall buildings, Supertuner IIID reduces the effect of multi-path noise, which occurs when the signal is reflecting off of the buildings.
MOSFET 50W x4 Amplifier for the Power Hungry Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, delivering power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. And that doesn't just mean a boost in volume: it means that your music will be cleaner at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. Clean, efficient power that will rock your vehicle.
The DEH-7200HD is also well-equipped for those who want to expand their system, with three sets of 4V RCA preamp outputs (front/rear/subwoofer) for system expansion with external amps/speakers, and a two-way crossover with separate high and low pass settings.
Get Plugged In Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the input is on the front panel.
Dial In Your Sound Tweak the sound to your liking with the on-board three-band graphic EQ. A Loudness feature ensures ample low-end even during quiet listening, and standard balance/fader controls let you adjust the stereo image to suit your vehicle and preferences.
DEH-7200HD Basic Specs

What's in the Box Pioneer DEH-7200HD In-Dash CD Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Pioneer DEH-P7200HD CD Receiver with HD Radio, OEL Display and iPod Control

Read More...

Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been waiting a while for "the perfect receiver". However, I have come to the conclusion that this is as close to perfect as I am going to find for my needs right now. I am using all 4 HDMI inputs (PS3, Oppo 980H, Directv HR20, and a Sony Vaio computer). The Denon has worked flawlessly with SACD, DVD-A, and lossless audio sources from my BluRay movies.
For sound quality, it is important to get the speakers setup properly. Denon's auto setup with the included mic makes this a very simple setup. I have heard that it helps to take measurements from all over the room, so I setup 5 listening locations. The sound quality is fantastic. I do have an spl meter, but I have not had it out to fine tune the setup just yet. It already sounds fantastic. The Oppo has the ability to send out a DSD multi-channel signal for its SACD and these sound fantastic on the Denon.
I am not really using the video upscaler very much since most of the signals I am inputting are already HD. In other words, the Denon mainly sends out the signals untouched, so it is hard to complain.
The ability to update the firmware over the internet connection is what I believe sets this receiver apart from the competition. For me, this was the deciding factor. With all of the new tech in these receivers, I do not want to have to carry the thing into a service location every time it needs an update.
I should mention that I played some music coming from my computer using the network interface and it worked okay. It did take a few seconds to retrieve license information for Yahoo Music DRM files, but I bet they improve on that in the future.
The downsides are small, but should be mentioned. The remote is okay for setting up the system, but it is going into a drawer with my other remotes now that I have my Harmony 880 universal programmed for all of the general functions that I need. Also, the GUI takes some getting used to. I like the ability to rename the inputs and choose what video inputs go with the audio inputs. However, it was not something that I picked up and setup in a few minutes. It is better than my old Denon AVR-3300, so at least they are going in the right direction!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Networking

Denon AVR-3808CI A/V Multi-Source/Zone with Network Streaming Receiver

Get 6% OFF

Click here for more information about Denon AVR-3808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Networking

Read More...

Clarion THD400 HD Radio Tuner Compatible with NX500, NZ500, VX400, VZ400 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The clarion HD tuner is just OK. I live near two large metropolitan cities and I am just not overly impressed with it's reception over my regular antenna. It does not quite "lock on" to frequencies all that great, seems similiar to my regular radio. The additional "HD" stations do not all come in well either. I have owned this for a week, maybe I'll be more impressed in time.
Installation was a breeze, I recommend heavy duty velcro for mounting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion THD400 HD Radio Tuner Compatible with NX500, NZ500, VX400, VZ400

Add HD Radio to your entertainment options by adding this tuner to your Clarion NX500, NZ500, VX400, or VZ400 receiver. The tuner supports multicasting, receives both analog and digital signals, and does not require any additional antennas or subscription fees.

Catch the Next Wave in Radio HD Radio is a new service that broadcasts high-definition radio programming using digital technology. Think of it this way--what HDTV did for TV, HD Radio does for radio. HD Radio broadcasts on the AM and FM bands, and does not require a subscription to receive. It does, however, require an HD Radio tuner since its signals cannot be received on conventional analog AM/FM tuners.
Right now there are about 2,000 radio stations broadcasting using digital HD Radio technology in the U.S. All you need to enjoy them is an appropriate Clarion source unit and THD400 HD Radio Module.
Multi-Casting Capable HD Radio broadcasts can include multiple channels on the same frequency, which is called multicasting. With multicasting, you can receive up to three additional multicast channels for each station, with different programming. The THD400 lets you take advantage.
Program Service Data Display Enjoy more info on your dial, such as traffic data and stock info, or real-time artist and song IDs.
iTunes Tagging iTunes Tagging allows listeners to "tag" songs heard on the HD Radio Receiver. Tagging saves the song's title and metadata to a connected iPod. When the iPod is synced to iTunes, a playlist is HD Radio Station generated with links to the iTunes Store where the song can be purchased and downloaded.
Compatibility The THD400 is compatible with the Clarion NX500, NZ500, VX400, and VZ400 receivers.
What's in the Box Clarion THD400 HD Radio Tuner

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Clarion THD400 HD Radio Tuner Compatible with NX500, NZ500, VX400, VZ400

Read More...

Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got one of these and it didn't pick up many stations but sounded great. Thought the reception was normal from the HD reviews I've read. But then it would not turn on when I started the car -- just dead. The regular tuner came on but had no antenna so it didn't work. Turning off the car and turning it back on "fixed" it for a couple of days but then it started getting worse. Got the unit replaced.
The new unit picks up MANY more stations than the first and worked good for a couple of weeks. Now its starting to have dead audio occasionally when I turn on the car. The difference with this one is that the radio comes on -- says 'digital' on the faceplate -- but there is no audio until you turn off the car. That's right, turn off the car, not the radio. Then it usually works when the car is turned back on.
This is very annoying. Alpine makes an amazing amplifier in the 9885 and it is awesome with my iPod connected directly to the radio. But the radio in the 9885 sucks, which is why I bought the HD radio, but the HD radio has its own kinds of problems.
Unless you really like putting up with problems, don't get this tuner until the bugs are worked out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner

HD Radio Tuner Box for Alpine In-Dash Receivers

Click here for more information about Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner

Read More...

Zinwell ZIN-5005HD "ZinTV" 3-in-1 Networking-Ready 1080p Full HD Multimedia Player/Streamer/Torrent Downloader, Free Internet TV/Radio, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have the Zinwell and a pair of Western Digital TV Live so I'll compare and contrast.
Setup is super easy with both. Connect to your TV or receiver via HDMI cable, attach an external hard drive (not included) and go into the menus to configure your audio and video option. You can also connect these to a wired network and Western Digial has certified a number of USB wireless adapters that require a bit more knowledge to setup. The documentation from both companies could be a lot better so I'll call this one a tie.
The WDTV Live is a bit slower to start up but directory changes are much-much faster than the Zinwell. I suspect because the WD indexes and caches directories of any external drives while the Zinwell has to reread it each time. The difference in speed is absolutely huge. Basically performance wise the Zinwell feels really-really doggy to me. Advantage WDTV Live.
The WD has a much cleaner and better looking interface compared to the Zinwell's ugly menus over a /Linux/like/file/system/. I can live with ugly as long as it works but in 2011 I shouldn't have to. Advantage WDTV Live.
The WDTV Live outputs 5.1 audio in DTS format over HDMI, toslink or coax; the Zinwell outputs raw bits or stereo over HDMI. If your Receiver supports DTS then advantage WDTV.
The Zinwell's remote is a tad better but much larger. Both media players work seamlessly with Harmony remotes. Advantage Zinwell.
Both play nearly every popular audio and video format either from your own external hard drive or across a wired network. However both struggle trying to play hi-def video across a network connection. I find that hi-def vidio from an external hard drive works pretty well with the WDTV Live but never could get the Zinwell to output anything but stereo without the sound breaking up. Advantage WDTV Live.
The Zinwell promises access to the full DVD/BD menus but I never could get menus to work and found the separate audio selection button to be stubborn. With the Western Digital you do have to get used to using the "options" button to access audio and subtitle choices but they work. Slight advantage WDTV Live.
Bottom line the network media player market is still immature with many newer products coming down the pike but for now I consider the Zinwell a no-go for my needs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zinwell ZIN-5005HD "ZinTV" 3-in-1 Networking-Ready 1080p Full HD Multimedia Player/Streamer/Torrent Downloader, Free Internet TV/Radio, Black

ZinTV (ZIN-5005HD) is an advanced "Networking" multimedia player that brings full high-definition movies with fidelity audio to 1080p Full HD display. It can play media files stored on any USB storage devices (NTFS/FAT-16/32/EXT-3/HFS+ format) and can enjoy Free & best Internet TV/Radio stations from 210 countries

Click here for more information about Zinwell ZIN-5005HD "ZinTV" 3-in-1 Networking-Ready 1080p Full HD Multimedia Player/Streamer/Torrent Downloader, Free Internet TV/Radio, Black

Read More...

Sony XDRF1HD HD Radio Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, yes, this is a tuner, NOT a radio, and Amazon should correct that! Also, HD radio is NOT High Definition radio. The HD stands for Hybrid Digital. So don't assume you'll have better sound in HD than analog radio! That said,
I have been interested in getting an HD radio to try out the format. Being an audiophile, I checked several audiophile review sites for the Sangean tuners, and they weren't getting too good of reviews. Also, their price is $200-250.
Then I came across a review for this tuner, and how much better it is, saying the FM analog portion alone is worth the price.
I have to agree, the FM tuner is much better than the tuner in my $1000 PrePro! Analog reception picks up more stations and the sound is great! Haven't heard analog FM sound this good since the 60's! Analog AM is also better than my Prepro (though not by much). Great sound, and only $99 ! This is a steal, grab it before they jack up the price! Audiophie FM tuners go for $200 & up. All this performance, and it's about the size of a car stereo!
There are about 20 FM HD stations here in Chicago, and it pulls them all in great, except for one, which keeps switching between analog and HD. There are some AM HD stations in Chicago. It would show which were HD, but none of them had enough strength to switch the tuner from analog to HD, so I couldn't judge AM HD.
Now for some things that need improving: there are 40 presets; 20 for FM and 20 for AM....not enough for FM and too many for AM. If you want to hear a HD station in analog, there's no way to switch it back to analog, you have to listen in HD. The dial glows like a cellphone, which is great while you're using it, but when you turn it off, it still glows, like a night light in a dark room. When powering down, it should dim. You can dim it down in the menu so it doesn't glow in the dark, but then when you turn it on, you can't read it because it's dark. Who wants to set the dimmer everytime you turn it on and off?
Overall, it's more than worth it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony XDRF1HD HD Radio Tuner

Experience more choices, crystal clear sound, and no subscription fees. Enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard with AM stations that can deliver FM sound quality and FM stations that sound like your favorite CDs. With static-free sound and an easy-to-read dot matrix LCD for viewing important information, the XDR-F1HD receiver is the perfect choice for adding HD radio reception to a home audio system. Includes remote control.

Click here for more information about Sony XDRF1HD HD Radio Tuner

Read More...