HP z558 Digital Entertainment Center All-in-one entertainment source with 600GB of hard drive storage

Average customer rating:

Bought it just before Christmas

so far so good

Ya Baby, this is awesome!

The HP DEC is near perfect

I absolutely love mine!!!

HP z558 Digital Entertainment Center All-in-one entertainment source with 600GB of hard drive storage

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

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Product Description

Revolutionize the way you watch TV, plus upgrade your home entertainment options! The z558 Digital Entertainment Center connects to your TV or projector through DVI, VGA, component video, S-Video, or composite video, and lets you control everything with a remote, right from the couch.The HP Digital Entertainment Center will make friends fast with the rest of your home theater equipment. Enjoy digital or analog surround sound output through your A/V receiver. The black, brushed-aluminum finish looks at home in your living room or home theater. An ultraquiet design keeps your focus on your entertainment experience, not on your system.A single remote control gives you instant access to all your digital entertainment - TV, DVD movies, home videos, music, photos and FM radio. Three high-performance TV tuners and a personal video recorder (PVR) let you pause, replay and record from cable, digital cable, digital satellite, or over-the-air TV. Record up to three TV programs simultaneously. You can capture single episodes or entire series onto the HP Digital Entertainment Center. You'll never miss another episode of your favorite show!Make your own CDs or enjoy the ones you already have. You can even select individual songs, create play lists, or search for music by title, artist and album. It's like having a jukebox right in your living room!Play your favorites or download new ones and get ready for crisp, clear images and unbeatable surround sound from your big-screen TV.

Customer Reviews:

Bought it just before Christmas.......2007-01-05

Bought this unit just before Christmas and absolutely hated it. The inital setup was not as straightforward as the instructions seemed, and had repeated issues after setting it up. there was no sound, the personal media drive didn't work, and the video hardware needed to be reinstalled after every bootup. I seriously questions if thi was the experience $2200 bought me. HP send me a box, and I had it back 10 days later completely working with all the current updates applied. Have loved it since.

This box does everything it says it can, flawlessly. I have recorded live TV from a satellite TV(DTV), had a DVD on pause (the MCE DVD player does not have a resume function, but the included HP software does, I justhaven't used it), and watched a over the air HD Eagles game at the same time with not noticable problem. The computer I built to do this *did* have trouble doing more than one thing at a time. I think HP did a great job of matching the hardware and software to make things run smoothly.

The look of the case is top notch. The doors open smoothly, and have catches to keep them closed. The front of the case is brushed black metal, which looks at home with my other AV equipment. The only annoying item is the brightness of the power button: it's blue, and in a dark room stands out like a beacon. The LCD screen is also very bright, and distracting, but you get used to it. On the positive side, it displays the currently selected media or channel, so that is helpful, especially when the TV is off. The machie itself is relatively quiet, so fan noise isn't an issue, especially with a TV going.

The AV hookups are a bear. I know my way around AV equipment, and what's back there is tightly packed and intimidating. I strongly suggest a cable manager of some sort, otherwise the sheer weight of the cabling will eventually break something, trust me. Also, the IR blasters are a bit cheap. the adhesive on them barely works, they have an additional LED that actually flashes RED to distract you while they change channels, and BOTH have to be connected in order for MCE to properly change channels.

Those have been my inital impressions. I continue to use it, and the software takes a lot of playing with. I don't fault HP for MS MCE, but your enjoyment of the box is dependant on MCE. The box is great, MCE is a bit trying at times. There are lots of resources for MCE, and lots of plug-ins that extend it's functionality. There are also lots of software that do what MCE does just a well, and for HP's part, they used high-end parts that are universally supported in almost all software. I would suggest using some type of HD imaging app before doing anything that would break MCE though.

I strongly suggest extending your warranty after the inital 1yr. I do not want to have to track down replacment part for this thing in two years, I'll let HP do it for me. For the $100 or so they want, that more than covers the cost of replacing ANYTHING inside of this box. The audio cable, personal media drive, tv card, and memory they replaced would have run about $500 alone.

Would I buy it again, probably. Can my wife operate it, yes. Does it work, yes. Was it worth the inital $2K, NO. Now that they are down around $900, they are a must have for anyone who wants Tivo functionality and more, but doesn't want to roll thier own.

so far so good.......2006-08-26

This system, the z558 is quite stable... the previous one I got was the HP z556 and it wasn't so stable. (It froze once in a while and let me come back 20 minutes or a few hours later so I can operate it again). This one, the z558 never gave me the problem. I can record two TV programs at a time, and even record one more over the air HDTV program. How about that!

This system includes 600GB of storage and is quite good for storing your TV shows... how about saving all the Seinfeld or Friends in the hard drive?

I think one issue I have is with the clock... it seems hard to set and then it seems like it cannot be set in Media Center... you need to quit Media Center and work with the really tiny "Date and Time" dialog box to set the time... which is quite hard to see on the HDTV. Other than that, good job, HP. This is a great product.

Ya Baby, this is awesome!.......2006-01-27

This product makes me want to invest in HP. It has an nice looking case, will fit in a equipment rack (mine in the future) it can take the place of your DVD player, your CD player your home computer, your cable box and your Tivo. It records uncompressed HD TV with the help of a HD antenna. I watched "24" recorded in HD and skipped thru the commercials with the skip fast forward on the keyboard. It has two 300 Gig hard drives one of which is removable. Not to mention the network capabilities.
I'm thinking of buying a second one to view recorded HD content on my downstairs HD set.
The only thing I would like to see is a 2nd zone audio out to listen to music on my whole house audio system. Other than that AAAAA+++++.
Best new must have.

The HP DEC is near perfect.......2006-01-11

I have a problem with some of the reviews where people focus on the hardware. The real driver for these media centers is the software. The hardware itself is more than sufficient to use as a progressive scan DVD, DVR, music player, slide show presenter and digital movie player.

Issues with performance or functionality are really limitations from the Microsoft XP Media Center OS. But the rollup 2 has really solidified the product, yet there is still room for improvments (hopefully from longhorn - next generation Windows).

The Keyboard is quite good for the use it was intended for and the Media Center Remote is the primary means by which I use the system (and it is really quite good) so I do not have any real complaint as to the human interface to the system.

Media performance for music, dvd and video is excellent, my only complaint is that the NTSC tuners in the unit do not upconvert to provide a cleaner image on HDTV's.

If the HP z558 had HDMI, cable card slot and component inputs, it would be perfect. But as is, it is a more than capable media center.

I absolutely love mine!!!.......2006-01-04

I guess I am alone here in my review because I absolutely love this device. I had a few problems with the software initially but other than that no real issues.
Setup was a breeze and it is networked with my other computers so I can listen to the music or watch my recorded TV programs on them.
I also purchased the Linksys media center extender and was amazed at what I could do with it. I could watch my recorded TV programs on my other TV and even watch the channels from my DEC on another television while watching another station on the DEC. Of course, I could listen to music and view my pictures. I am still in awe at all that I can do.
This is so much more convenient than my TiVo and no monthly fees! I highly recommend this unit. It's just too bad that it is so expensive.

Product Description

Panasonic KX-HGW600 Camera Management System with Concourse Home Gateway automatically configures up to 16 Panasonic Network Cameras, enables Internet Access, and creates a custom portal page showing picture links from all cameras on one screen and enables multi-level security control for camera access.Flexible Networking lets you connect multiple PCs, allowing you to customize the "perfect" network for your computing environment. The system allows 802.11b Wireless Communication as well as four Switched Ethernet (10 Base-T/100 Base-TX) connections and automatically configures the network connection for up to 128 computers or devices using DHCP. Static IP assignment is available. Purchasing additional Broadband Internet accounts and installing new wiring to equip all of your computers with Internet access can be a costly and cumbersome experience. However, Panasonic KX-HGW600 can eliminate the process by connecting all of your computers to the Internet through only one cable or DSL line.

Product Description

Quality and unparalleled reliability set the QPS CD-Rewriters apart from the competition. With QPS latest firmware and software drivers, you can master virtually any CD format with the widest range of operating-system support. Creating CDs just got easier. Now with packet-writing support, you can treat the CD-rewritable Que! drives as standard floppy drives. Along with the bundled, packet-writing software, you can copy thousands of sessions directly to the CD-R or CD-RW media. Simply drag and drop the files to the CD-RW drive through Windows Explorer or File Manager! With the ability of the QPS CD-Rewriters to perform as a standard CD-ROM reader, CD-R writer, CD-rewriter and DVD-ROM reader at the same time, the need for adding a standard CD-ROM reader to your system is completely eliminated. Why settle for just any CD-rewriter when you can own the QPS Que! CD-Rewriter. So read and write to CD as well as read DVD's with this highly versatile drive.

Product Description

Active lifestyle? Music makes you move even more. Whether you're biking, jogging or just doing housework, an RCA Stereo Headset Radio gives you the ideal accompaniment. Enjoy music, news and sports from your favorite AM/FM stereo radio stations, while two built-in antennas help deliver an optimum signal. Lightweight stereo headphones are included for private listening, along with a removable belt clip for go-anywhere convenience.

Customer Reviews:

Good for the $, but fringe reception.......2001-02-24

I found this radio to be a poor performer when trying to tune in weak stations that I can get with my home or car radio. Stations with strong signals come in clear. The headphones work well, and the size is good. The belt clip is a little weak. A good radio for the $ if your favorite stations have a good strong signal.

Very Good Radio.......2001-01-24

This is a very good portable radio. It is very good if you hate turning the dial on the other portable radios. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars cause I thought that the headphones where not of the best quality. If you get this product, I would get some new headphones. You hear a lot of static with them.

A hand held raidio to keep.......2000-12-19

I got this raidio thinking it was just your average tool for listening to music. I was wrong, this radio's sound was clear and the small size was portable so it was not a hassle to haul around. The head phones were not the greatest, but if you have other head phones they would work fine. I would recommend this radio to anyone who loves music and want's a clear reception.

Average customer rating:
PELICAN ACCESSORIES Universal GBA Link Cable

Manufacturer: Pelican Accessories
ProductGroup: Video Games
Binding: Video Game

Cables & Interconnects | Audio & Video Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Audio Cables | Audio-Video Kits | Custom Installation | Plugs & Adapters | Power Cables | Pro Audio & Musical Instruments | Video Cables
Cables & Adapters | Hardware | Game Boy Advance | Categories | Video Games
Accessories:

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Play Play

Newtype USA

Tips & Tricks Magazine

Product Features:

An all-in-one cable for your Game Boy

Works with the Game Boy Advance, GBA SP and Game Boy Micro

Gives a solid connection every time

1.5Hx2.5Wx4L"; 0.5 lb.

ASIN: B000BDCLSU
Release Date: 2006-03-08

Product Description

Pelican's Universal GBA Link Cable is an all-in-one cable for your Game Boy. It works with the Game Boy Advance, GBA SP and GBA Micro - -giving you a solid connection every time.

Product Description

Panasonic DVD/VCR combination units are compatible with DVD, DVD-R, Video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats. JPEG images burned to CD-R/CD-RW may also be viewed in a variety of play modes.A high density, progressive video signal produces a much clearer DVD picture when used with a digital television with 480p display capability or better.Virtual Surround Sound provides a cinema-like experience on systems with only two speakers when playing any Dolby Digital-encrypted DVD or Video CD with two or more channels.Since select DVD/VCR combos are the same width as standard audio components, they can help you create an attractive-looking home theater system.Multi-Brand Universal Light Tower Remote Control - this illuminated remote operates the various functions of most current VCRs and cable/DSS boxes to help reduce the number of remote controls needed to operate the components in your home theater system.Front A/V inputs make it easy to connect your camcorder, headphones, game system or other video equipment to your DVD/VCR combo.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Double Feature PV-D4763S integrates a high-quality, progressive-scan DVD player and four-head, hi-fi VCR into a slim and handsomely designed package. Format compatibility extends from DVDs, videocassettes, and CDs to audiophile-quality DVD-Audio discs, MP3 CDs, JPEG image CDs, recordable audio CDs, and DVD-R video discs. This unit even features a built-in SD memory card slot and onboard JPEG viewer software so you can enjoy a variety of personalized media, including music mixes, still photos, and MPEG-4 video.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the PV-D4763S stands ready to deliver the full potential of DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Six-channel DVD-Audio recreates the delicate nuances and subtle overtones of music far more realistically than CD recordings can. The format also provides enhancements, depending on disc content, such as song lyrics, liner notes, "photo albums" of band members, and other menu items which can be displayed onscreen.

As an anti-piracy measure, the PV-VD4763S performs its own decoding of DVD-Audio signals, passing high-resolution analog, not digital, audio to your surround receiver. This means you'll need an audio/video receiver with multichannel analog-audio inputs to appreciate this feature. The player also decodes Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround signals. The VCR's four-head design ensures smooth slow-motion tape play (forward and reverse) and clear still-frame images, and with hi-fi sound the unit records and plays back stereo audio tracks. The unit even lets you record a TV show while watching a DVD at the same time.

Product Description

12 CO line capability 3 line, 16 character/line LCD display Flexible keys that can be programmed to access central office, outside lines, or system functions like speed dial direct to other extensions Message waiting indicator Vibrating or ringer signal Includes NiMH battery, belt clip and 2.5mm headset jack

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.PRODUCT FEATURES: PureFlat picture tube;Color temperature control;Motion adaptive 3-line digital comb filter;Digital velocity modulated scan;Wideband video amplifier;Geomagnetic and tilt correction;Horizontal and vertical edge correction;BBE high-definition sound;20-Watt sound system;Component video input;ENERGY STAR compliant.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing TV.......2005-02-09

After looking for a new TV to replace my 8 year old 27" Magnavox, I decided on this 36" Panasonic TV.

I didn't want to buy an HDTV. There's simply not enough HD programming and channels, and DVDs are not in high definition so I didn't see the point of buying such a TV set now. I would have loved to have a TV that could play DVDs in progressive mode but you have to buy an HDTV in order to watch DVDs with progressive scan. Again, I didn't see the advantage of owing a HDTV just to watch DVDs only in 480p, and watch very little else in high definition. Until the HD market gets more programming, DVDs are in HD and everything becomes less expensive, I decided to stick to a standard 4:3 TV. And after an exhaustive year-long research, I decided that the best one out there is this Panasonic. And I haven't been disappointed by it. DVDs look amazing sharp and clear (through the component inputs). The sounds is excellent. And the remote and menu are very easy to use. And the design is simply cool. It's just "wow"! I've been mesmerized by this Panasonic for weeks now. I can't believe how beautifully sharp and BIG the image is.

If there are any caveats about this big TV, it's these two: the weight (it's over 200 pounds) and there's only a limited number of inputs in the back (there are some in the front but who connects DVD player or VCRs from the front?). I have my DVD player connected to the component inputs, and my super VHS to the S-Video and RCA inputs. There's only another set of inputs (outputs actually) that you can connect to an amplifier. That's all. But I'm thinking of buying an amplifier, with tons of connections to it, so the limited number of inputs on this TV is not an issue.

So in closing, I highly recommend this TV for anyone who doesn't want to buy an HDTV for now. Along with the official Panasonic TV stand, this 36" TV is simply amazing.

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