Yamaha RX-V2700 - AV network receiver

Average customer rating:

Excellent investment

RX-V2700 A/V Receiver

Fantastic home cinema amp but at a price

Feature filled receiver

Yamaha RX-V2700 - AV network receiver - 7.1 channel

Manufacturer: YAMAHA
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Home Theater Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Satellite-ready Home Theater Receivers
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Product Features:

140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.04% THD

Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS 96/24 processing

On-screen display (requires TV with direct video input)

Illuminated learning/multibrand remote

ASIN: B000JF54GQ

Product Description

Yamaha RXV2700 7.1 Channel Network Home Theater ReceiverOffers the highest levels of sound and video quality and convenience fortotal home theater enjoyment. Features 1080p compatible HDMI, up-scaling, iPodcompatibility, XM Satellite Radio Ready, upgraded CINEMA DSP programs, and zonecontrol and Network Receiver functions.Network ReceiverUsing a local area network (LAN) connection and Windows Media Connect technology ver.2 or better, Yamaha Network enabled receivers allow you to play MP3, WMA and WAV music from up to four (4) PCs. The receiver can even be used as a client for Yamahas MusicCAST home music server, seamlessly integrating with the MCX-2000 digital audio server within your LAN. The Network Receiver also provides the ability to listen to any of the thousands of stations available on Internet radio when connected to a broadband Internet connection. By using the included MP3 vTuner data service that is enabled, looking for content on the Internet couldnt be easier, from your favorite Rock, Pop, or R&B to Podcasts that cater to your music interests. With a USB terminal on the front panel you now have a convenient way to play music from USB flash drives and portable USB music players. Yamaha Network Receivers get you connected to the vast music content available anywhere on your LAN and on the web. Made for iPodThe optional YDS-10 Universal Dock lets you connect your iPod to this receiver. You can listen to your iPod music and watch iPod images and movies on your monitor via the receiver. You can also operate your iPod via the receivers remote unit with the On-Screen Display and charge your iPod. Works with:iPod nano, iPod mini and iPod (Click and Wheel) HDMIHigh Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the first and only digital interface to combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio and intelligent format and command data in a single digital interface. HDMI switching, providing the most advanced method of delivering high quality vi

Customer Reviews:

Excellent investment.......2007-07-26

As Michael Bauers notes, this is a great A/V receiver. I decided to use this at the center of an upgrade to my home theater system. It replaced an older Sony A/V receiver. Wow! Talk about a difference. The sound is much clearer and sweeter. And it's got enough inputs to handle all but the most very complex environments. For example, I have the following hooked to my receiver:

* phono
* iPod
* USB drive
* cassette tape deck
* minidisc player/recorder
* CD/DVD player
* DVD/VCR player/recorder
* home theater pc

Right now I have an older tube TV that uses S-Video for input. The CD/DVD player and DVD/VCR are connected via component (for DVD output) to the receiver. The receiver outputs that video signal to the S-Video output. The video on the tube TV is clearer than it has ever been.

In a couple months I will purchase an LCD TV. Then I will use the receiver to upscale and upconvert the output to the LCD TV. I will probably just run one cable to the TV and everything else to the receiver. Well, okay, I will route two other cables to the TV. Cable TV and the OTA antenna will go to it as well, so I can just listen to the TV (without the receiver).

And there are still some open components (DTV, CBL/SAT and CD). I will use the DTV for my home theater pc. I will use CD for audio from my LCD TV (from the ATSC tuner). And of course, CBL/SAT will eventually be for input from HD Cable (if I get it).

Oh, and let's not forget the network connection. Though in all honesty, I will probably use the USB drive and iTunes on the home theater pc. I already listened to the last Harry Potter book via USB drive. (iTunes to MP3 files to USB thumb drive. Even without a network I can listen to those MP3s).

The music enhancer for compressed MP3 files makes a huge difference. It adds depth and warmth to the compressed sound.

Setup of the unit was a snap. Well, okay, plugging in all those cables takes time to get it right. But the receiver helped in the process. The YPAO setup helped me sort out a polarity problem. I initially had no output to two speakers. I switched the speaker bannana plugs and presto - sound! As Michael noted, since the automatic setup, I manually tweaked the speaker setup to make the sound as even as possible.

By the way, though the Yamaha remote can control many components, I decided on a Logitech Harmony remote to simplify the number of remotes. My only problems in that process was (a) realizing there are NET remote commands to control the Net/USB input, and (b) teaching the Harmony remote the RAW commands to manage the iPod (the V-Aux input).

And as Michael notes, it's future proof. It handles PCM input over HDMI and passes a 1080p video signal to the HDMI output. So, I can add to this unit without fear it won't work.

Over $1,000 for an A/V receiver? I'm very pleased with my purchase. This is an investment that should last for many years.

RX-V2700 A/V Receiver.......2007-03-12

The RX-V2700 Receiver performs as advertised. I am very pleased with the various features and the range of control. An excellent product.

Fantastic home cinema amp but at a price.......2007-02-18

It sounds good, looks good and works well. Doesn't present too many buttons and dials on the front whihc may please many (most are behind the flap). Only down side is the remote which isnt the most intuitive device you can imagine, but it is progammble, so you can contol other items in your system with it.

Feature filled receiver.......2007-02-13

The RX-V2700 has more features than any receiver I know of in any category. The main features that distinguish it are:
* Play MP3s (off PC running the proper software)/Internet Radio
* High Power (140x7 - One channel driven into 8ohm from 20hz-20khz)
* Handles 7.1 multi-channel PCM over HDMI, helpful for Blu-ray and HDMI
* YPAO (Automatically adjusts levels, and bass management features; I believe it also has some basic equalization features)
* Three HDMI inputs (not a common feature of AVRs)
* Can pass 1080P

Cons:
* Remote control longer than usual; controlling network features a pain
* Clunky GUI for network capaibilities

I connected a number of component video sources and audio sources and ran a single HDMI cable to my display. I have no video issues with this setup. I used YPAO to do the initial setup. When that was done I set all speakers to small and the LFE/Bass crossover to 80hz. There's no good reason to let your speakers handle bass if your subwoofer can do it. 80hz is what THX has reccommended. Everything worked fine. The diagrams in the manual of the back panel were hard for me to read. This made it harder for me to try to wire it up with less than two feet between it, and the back wall. There are some photos online of the back panel that might be easier to use.

Sound quality is good. If you already had a good receiver, don't expect amazing improvements. Amps tend to sound very much alike. Processing modes are typical. Select straight mode, and it should do the right thing most of the time. I prefer 7-channel stereo for normal music listening, though.

As for video, because I have a plasma, and I feel it does a good job deinterlacing (480i -> 480p) and scaling (to it's native 1024x780,) I only use HDMI conversion. I did play around with the 2700's deinterlacer and scaler options. I saw no improvement. I also see no degradation, which is what I expect. I use the 2700 to convert component to HDMI for a DVD player/Tivo box and my XBox 360.

The network features work ok. I see usual problems with disconnects, etc. To stream MP3's from your computer to the RX, you will need Microsoft Media Connect, or Windows Media Player 11 (which comes with Media Connect.) You don't need to run Win Media, Media Connect will run as a background process, which is nice. Setting it up was easy enough, but I have spent my life working with computers. You will need to go into Win Media Player or Media Connect and add the 2700 so you can share music to it. The ability to play internet radio is one I quite like. You can't add stations, and are limited to MP3 (I think.) The 2700 uses the vTuner database, which is extensive, and you can suggest stations to it. The GUI for the network capaibilities is painful. It's slow for one thing. It will stop displaying with no keypress in 5 seconds or so. However long it is, it's not always long enough forcing you to hit the display button on the remote again. Very dissapointing for a product with a suggested retail of $1700.

As mentioned above sound quality is good. It's powerful enough that I can turn it up as loud as I want without audible distress, and I can't say that about other receivers I have owned. Like most receivers, it's only rated with one channel driven, but don't let that concern you. If it's not loud enough for you, you either have a big room, inefficient speakers or a need to damage your hearing. As for it's sound quality being better than other receivers, I can't say that it is. Most receivers sound pretty close (in tests, even trained listeners have trouble picking out one amp vs. another.)

A brief note about Blu-ray and HD DVD. This receiver will handle 7.1 multi-channel PCM at 96khz/24bits. That allows you to take advantage of the lossless audio formats available on the new high def media formats, such as TrueHD. You will need to set your player to output multi-channel PCM over HDMI. Some people have reported diminished LFE (low frequency channel) when PCM was used rather than bitstream. I don't have room for a full discussion of this alleged issue. It is unconfirmed by any formal review, and some people have reported that LFE over HDMI/PCM works fine. This is only a potential issue if you want to hear the best quality from uncompressed audio on Blu-ray or HD DVD. You always have the option to let the player convert to DTS or Dolby Digital and send that via bitstream over HDMI (or S/PDIF.)

As for video quality, all I asked of it that was it converted component to HDMI, which it does with no obvious degradation.

Why would you spend over $1000 on a receiver? Probably for the feature set, and high power. Yamaha also has a reputation for quality. It's my fifth Yamaha receiver, so I am obviously a fan.

Average customer rating:

Works great but needs a safety feature added

PANASONIC DVM-CLA Mini DV Head Cleaner

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Panasonic | Panasonic | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Head Cleaners | Cleaning & Repair | Audio & Video Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Video Tape | Video Equipment | Products |
Home Office Electronics | Electronics | Categories | Target
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Product Features:

Dry cleaning system

ASIN: B00006JPWW

Product Description

Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.

Customer Reviews:

Works great but needs a safety feature added.......2006-11-20

You just insert this item into your camera and run it for 10 seconds. It is very clear: only do it for 10 seconds, maybe do it twice, but stop there. I guess it's abrasive and prolonged use could ruin the heads.

Well, I didn't have my glasses on, and ran the thing for 10 seconds, then removed it and inserted the normal tape. But I got distracted or something, and stuck the cleaner back in the camera and played it for a couple of minutes before I figured out what was going on. The camera seems to be working OK for now but I really thought I had ruined it.

This product's case should be the same bright orange that's on a cop's traffic vest, with "HEAD CLEANER" written in big letters all over it. Apart from that, the product did fix my camera and I was pleased with it.

Average customer rating:

PANASONIC HEAD CLEANER FOR MINI DV

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

Panasonic AY-DVMCL Mini DV Cleaning Tape Data Cartridge

Average customer rating:

miniDV Head Cleaner

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE

Panasonic

ASIN: B000KD3OAA

Product Description

Dry cleaning systemCleans entire tape travel path

Panasonic MiniDV Head Cleaner (AYDVM60CLA1)

Average customer rating:

Panasonic MiniDV Head Cleaner (AYDVM60CLA1)

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Improves Audio Reproduction
Designed to prolong the life of your equipment
Safe for All Digital Camcorders
Helps reduce snow and other video distortions

ASIN: B00005T3BX

Product Description

MODEL- 6842UE VENDOR- TANDBERG DATA FEATURES- Tandberg SLR75 Tape Drive- Beige, Retail External SLR75 Drive, 38/75GB capacity, SCSI interface. The SLR75 provides for high-end NT/UNIX workstations, entry-level NetWare and Windows NT/2000, 2003 small business servers, and small NT/UNIX midrange computers an affordable, high reliable, high performance/capacity solution offering future scalability and backward compatibility. Includes Tape Drive, SLR media, Cleaning cartridge, Internal LVD/SE cable with 5 connectors, LVD/SE Terminator and reference guide. * 35/70 GB Capacity * Ultra2 LVD/SE Interface * In-Line data compression reduces processing time * Auto Sense allows the drive to receive data from the host at variable transfer rates for optimal performance on slower buses. * Media Management utility monitors drive and media performance * Backward compatible to previous SLR generations * 5.25 inch half-height form factor * 3 year advanced replacement warranty -- SPECIFICATIONs ----------------------------------- TECHNOLOGY - SLR75 Half Height INTERFACE/BUS- SCSI-3, Multimode Wide Ultra (SE)/Ultra2 (LVD) CAPACITY - Native/Compressed : 38/75 GB (assuming 2:1 compression) TRANSFER RATE- Native/Sustained : 4MB/3MB per second Compressed/Sustained: 8MB/6.0MB per second (28.8/21.6GB per hour) Burst : 40MB/second FILE ACCESS - Typical : 68 seconds MEDIA LOAD - Typical : Less than 30 seconds TAPE ALERT COMPLIANT- Yes MEMORY BUFFER- 8 MB RECORD FORMAT- ALRF-1 (Advanced Linear Recording Format) ENCODING/DECODING- VR RLL # OF TRACKS - 192 data tracks (+24 se

TANDBERG SLR75 38/75GB U2SCSI3 LVD ( 6850 )

Average customer rating:

TANDBERG SLR75 38/75GB U2SCSI3 LVD ( 6850 )

Manufacturer: TANDBERG DATA
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

35/70 GB Capacity
Ultra2 LVD/SE Interface
In-Line data compression reduces processing time
Auto Sense allows the drive to receive data from the host at variable transfer rates for optimal per
Media Management utility monitors drive & media performance

ASIN: B0000V2AH0

Product Description

SLR75GB U2/LVD SCSI-3 BULK BLK

Tandberg Data 6841EI 38/75GB SLR75 U2SCSI3 LVD Tape Drive

Average customer rating:

Tandberg Data 6841EI 38/75GB SLR75 U2SCSI3 LVD Tape Drive

Manufacturer: TANDBERG DATA
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Features:

Tandberg Data
SLR75 U2/LVD SCSI-3 75GB BULK

ASIN: B0000VLIEQ

Product Description

SLR75 U2/LVD SCSI-3 75GB BULK

Product Description

Introducing the ultimate HDTV monitor, where style and form meet advanced technology. If you ever considered purchasing a projection television but were disappointed due to the bulky size, depth, and weight, look no further. Zenith's D60WLCD weighs only 132 pounds, and is no deeper than most 19" televisions, yet delivers a breathtaking 60 diagonal inch high-definition picture. (Set-top box required for high-definition reception). New 3:2 pulldown detects and syncs film to video for smooth theater-like pictures at home.

Amazon.com Product Description

If you're after a big, bright, rear-projection LCD HDTV monitor, Zenith's 60-inch D60WLCD is optimized for widescreen (16:9 aspect-ratio) high-definition images. Being no deeper than most 19-inch CRT sets, the D60WLCD is ideal for home theaters and anywhere where space is a concern. The set features integrated dual NTSC tuners and extensive connection panels and accepts HDTV, SD, and NTSC video sources from external devices.

Three internal LCD panels, augmented by a nine-element lens system, delivers superb 1280 x 720p resolution, enhanced by aspect-ratio correction, an advanced 3D Y/C comb filter that digitally controls and separates color (chroma) and picture (luminance) information, a peak brightness of 680 candles/square meter, a contrast ratio of 200:1, generous 100 x 30-degree viewing angles, and the convenience of picture-in-picture, picture-outside-picture, and split-screen capabilities. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; the D60WLCD's 3:2 pulldown detection digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

Audio features include Zenith's EZ Sound dynamic bass and two built-in 15-watt speakers, while its connection panel accommodates all popular video formats. Front-panel video input jacks let you hook up a camcorder or gaming console, while a 15-pin RGB input handles a digital set-top box. Projection LCD sets are free from two concerns that plague traditional projection sets: phosphor burn-in, which can imprint "ghost" images on the screen when it holds a static image too long, and convergence errors (discrepancies in beam alignment), which require a service technician to come to your home and realign the projection picture tubes. LCD projection televisions don't require alignment, so you don't have to plan for this kind of service.

Customer Reviews:

Blue Haze - In the shop also, for 2 MONTHS.......2007-08-31

After calling LG/Zenith I got the 'we're not responsible but we'll fix your set for free' certified letter. The local repair company began installing the new light engine in my living room but found after complete disassembly that the new engine was not correct and would not work. He loaded up my set and took it to get another engine, he claims to be on the 4th light engine from LG since each one is either wrong for the set or won't work upon installation. I hope they take care of this no matter if the problem is their parts or their choice of repairman or I'll be the one starting the class action!

T.V is currently in the shop and LG is covering the cost.......2007-06-29

6 months ago my T.V. started to show the blue haze. At first, I thought it was the satelite signal. How does a $3000 t.v that is 2 years old have problems so quickly. My family grew up on Zeniths; 2 Zenith's in a 25 year span. So I started to do some research on the Internet and learned about the famous LG/Zenith blue haze. I knew the one year warranty had expired, but I thought I would call LG to get their opinion. As soon as I told the customer service rep the model of my T.V., I heard this pause (as she was expecting me to complain about the Blue Haze) which I did. Immediately she told me that I had to speak with someone else in another department. It seem like they established a new unit just for these type of phone calls. To my surprise, the rep told me that they would cover all parts and labor. A week later, I received a letter from LG explaining that they want to cover all expenses to repair my T.V. and there was language in the letter that stated a disclaimer that LG electronic is not at fault for the the problems that have occured. I signed the letter, sented it back to them and they had a video service in my area come pick up the t.v for repair. I should have the set back by next week.

I was ripped off too........2007-06-14

I purchased the 44" version of this TV back in June 04. Within 6 months the dreaded blue line appeared at the bottom. An LG rep on another forum confirmed that excessive heat causes the plastic lens mounts to warp after awhile.(He has since deleted all his posts) I can't post a URL but do a search on E44W46LCD + TriodeGuy and you will find my posts on the other forum. There is a fix for the blue line problem that doesn't require light engine replacement. Please see my posts for details. There is also mention from another poster of a class action lawsuit in Jersey.

Class Action Suit?.......2007-04-10

My boyfriend bought this TV the first year it came out--he paid almost $6,000 for it!!! It's now almost four years old. We've have the same green/yellow tinge with loads of blue throughout. Quoted over $1,000 for the repair. The local repair people didn't even have to come look at it to know what the diagnosis was. This product is a lemon and the manufacturer keeps rolling out the product year after year. The manufacturers are criminals. If I had the money and time, I'd sue them.

Class Action Lawsuit Overdue.......2007-02-17

I have the 42" version of this set. Light engine replaced three months after purchase....now, 24 months later, blue haze slowly taking over the set. I also contacted LG customer service, and got a response from.......Neil......Neil must have a great job. Wait for complaints to come in and then hit 'send' on the scripted response that offers no help whatsoever. My email was EXACTLY the same as the response Freddie got. This is criminal!!!!

Product Description

Top-of-the-line model that offers all-day comfort and superior sound quality. Lightweight over-the-head dual earpiece design for comfortable extended-wear use. Convenient Quick Disconnect feature lets you walk away from your phone while still wearing your headset. Features a noise-canceling microphone. Polaris headsets are for use with phone systems with built-in amplifiers.

Average customer rating:

ENCORE POLARIS BINAURAL HEADSET

Manufacturer: TEAC
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Satisfaction Ensured.
Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.
With True Enhanced Performance.
Latest Technical Development.

ASIN: B00006I9TY

Product Description

Using the Polaris models from Plantronics, you can easily and cost-effectively add hands-free efficiency to phone systems that already have built-in amplifiers and volume controls. Just plug in the Polaris headset and you're ready to take full advantage of your phone system's built-in headset amplification and controls. Like all Plantronics' products, the Polaris models deliver no-compromise audio quality and ease-of-use. Available in a variety of styles, the Polaris models let you get the most out of the built-in capabilities of your phone system.The Encore Polaris binaural headset features the SES Sound Enhancement System allowing users to switch between treble and bass settings. This headset is designed for telephone systems with built-in amplifiers for headsets. Quick Disconnect feature allows you to move away from your phone without removing your headset.

Average customer rating:

Excellent value

clear, crisp monitor; several dead pixels upon arrival

Great quality, great price

Sceptre X9g-Komodo II 19" LCD DVI Monitor (Black)

Manufacturer: Sceptre Technologies, Inc
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Monitors | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
19-Inch | LCD | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
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Pf400xlb Privacy Filter for 17/ 18.1in LCD & 16in-19in Crt

Cyber Acoustics 4 Watt 2.0 Computer Speaker System- Black

Product Features:

Sharp 1,280 x 1,024 native resolution

Analog and optional digital DVI inputs

300 nits of brightness, high 700:1 contrast ratio

Wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles

Integrated speakers, headphone jack, USB hub

ASIN: B0001GNDP2

Product Description

Winning over numerous awards on LCD flat panel and CRT monitors and notebooks, Sceptre is well recognized as a leader in its field by the computer industry. Manufacturing world-class products is just the tip of Sceptre's iceberg. What unfolds the key to Sceptre's success is understanding and providing the different services to each of its partners and channels, which entails the trust of many.PRODUCT FEATURES: 19" SXGA TFT LCD; 1280 x 1024; Foldable Base; DVI and USB Input and Speaker; Full CE, TCO safety mark.

Amazon.com Product Description

With it's thin bezel design and integrated speakers, the 19-inch Sceptre X9g Komodo II offers a high-performance, multi-media viewing experience. Featuring 1,280 x 1,024 native resolution, 300 nits of brightness, a high 700:1 contrast ratio and fast response time (15 ms rising, 10 ms falling), the X9g Komodo II is perfect for online gaming or surfing the web. And, it offers optional wall mounting, as well as wide 170-degree viewing from any direction.

The Sceptre X9g Komodo II is designed for plug-and-play setup and offers compatibility for both analog and digital signal input (24-pin digital DVI connector, cable not included), meaning that it will be compatible with the technology of today and tomorrow. It also features a built-in USB hub for easy connection to peripheral devices such as mice, keyboards, digital cameras, and more.

An onscreen menu provides a wide selection of adjustable screen settings, letting you customize the X9g Komodo II to suit your personal needs. Controls include power on/off, contrast, brightness, video Level, gamma, frame, clock, phase, default size, native size, H/V position, H/V size, graph/text mode, auto-adjust, color temperature, audio volume, display mode detection, show firmware version, and reset. This monitor comes backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
X9g-Komodo II LCD with foldable base, power cord, 1.5 meter detachable 15-pin mini D-Sub cable, user guide, warranty information; DVI cable not included

Customer Reviews:

Excellent value.......2006-02-14

I bought one of these (X9g-Komodo II 19" LCD DVI Monitor [Black]) for myself and then a few days later my wife's monitor died and I bought another one. (I still suspect that she broke her CRT monitor out of jealousy, but I have no proof :-)

We have been extremely pleased with the video quality and the price was outstanding. The 1280x1024 resolution in a 19" display is a good compromise for eyes that aren't so young any more. We both play high-frame-rate games and neither of us really notice any ghosting.

No dead pixels, no obvious variation in screen brightness. Both contrast and brightness are outstanding. The overall viewing quality is as good as the 23" Apple Cinema Display (1920x1280) that I used at work, and you could get about 5 of these for the price of that Apple display!

One minor caveat -- one of the two monitors (mine) has a surprisingly blurry display when using the analog (VGA) input, while the other one (my wife's) looks great. Not quite enough to be a "defect", but definitely disappointing, and drops my review from 5 stars to 4. Since I bought the display to use the DVI input, this weakness has only been a minor inconvenience, but it does mean that I can't effectively use my monitor with an SVGA KVM switch -- it would probably be fine with my wife's, but I have not tried swapping them for this test.

I think I used the internal speakers once -- that was enough. You get what you would expect to get from a couple of 1 inch cones....

clear, crisp monitor; several dead pixels upon arrival.......2004-12-14

I just received this monitor ("sceptre x9-komodo ii*") today and am impressed with the clarity and readability of the screen (see later for why I rated the monitor so low). I am using it through the DVI connector, not the analog connector It seems like there is a bit of a lag when I drag windows around, but a few quick tests with several games show the graphics to be crisp and movement to not leave too much of a shadow. The colors are good but seem a little washed out. I am using the DVI option, so there is no color adjustment, only brightness and contrast. Perhaps my graphics card is to blame, but I'm using an nvidia geforce3 ti200, which is a decent graphics card.

The only problem I have with this monitor is that it arrived with 2 dead pixels and a small, light-grey blob, about 3x3 pixels (perhaps one of the RGB elements is out in that area?). Sceptre has no warranty on dead pixels, from the warranty: "6. LCD Exclusion: Sceptre does not warrant burnt pixels on any and or all LCD displays". Buyer beware - you get what you pay for!

The monitor has a VESA mounting back - 4 screw holes separated by 100mm in a square configuration. There are a fair number of wall mounts for this, but neither the manual nor the manufacturer's website (www.sceptre.com) is clear about which ones would work or how you would prepare the monitor for wall-mounting. The monitor has its own stand, and it's hard to see how this stand can be detached before mounting directly to the wall with a VESA 100mm standard wall-mount.

My rating of this monitor would be higher if it hadn't had these dead pixel defects and if Sceptre actually had a "dead pixel" policy. I'm not a techological "apologist" - these things may be high-tech, but the manufacturers see fit to sell them to us, so they should be ready to go. I figure that for the hundreds of dollars that LCD monitors cost, they should at least be dead-pixel free when they first arrive!

---

I have since solved some of my problems with this monitor. The monitor's annoying tendency to shut off and stay off for no obvious reason, requiring me to fully disconnect it from both power and the DVI cable, seems to have been caused by the win XP "geiss" screensaver. I disabled this screensaver and the monitor hasn't given me any "permanent sleep" problems.

I downloaded the new nvidia driver for my graphics card, and this has many color adjustment options (brightness, gamma in RGB, etc.). So now skintones, ocean blues and other things look normal again.

I called customer support and they told me how to remove the stand so I could mount the monitor to my wall. They were actually very helpful in this regard.

Great quality, great price.......2004-10-28

The Komodo series has a few variations, but all employ high-quality LCD panels. The X9g-Komodo II (X9=19" diagonal, II=variation II of the Komodo serise) has a very nice panel (possibly made by Fujitsu) that's capable of 1280x1024 resolution and 16.7 million colors. The backlighting is very even, and at the max setting (25), too bright for most settings. I set it at 13, with contrast around 15 (out of 25), and it still looks bright in my office. No dead pixels on my unit.

Not all the Komodo models have the digital DVI connector. If you need DVI, be sure to get the right variation.

In summary, like other Sceptre offerings, the X9g-Komodo offers excellent image quality for a low price that's hard to beat. Very highly recommended.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics