HDTV Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Dolby Digital’

Xbox AV HDTV Component Cable

THIS CABLE IS THE PERFECT ACCESSORY TO IMPROVE THE PICTURE ON YOUR XBOX CONSOLE!! MUST HAVE A HIGH DEFINITION TV TO ENABLE HIGH DEFINITION FEATURES!! Connect your Xbox console to your TV or receiver with component AV compatible input. Offers high picture quality. Cable length: 2 meters.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Doesn’t work at all for me!
I bought this cable hoping that I could get a better picture on my HDTV. Much to my dismay, it doesn’t help AT ALL! I get the exact same picture that I do with the composite cable. Not sure why this is the case. Perhaps this cable only works with certain TVs. I have a 47″ 1080p Insignia HDTV. Very disappointed.

5 Stars Simply amazing!
When I received this product it was way more heavy duty than what I was led to believe in the picture…at least the ones I purchased from classic game source. These babies came with digital audio and wasn’t even expecting it! They make my display look crystal clear and the colors just pop. I haven’t been so happy with a purchase in a long time. Definitely exceeded my expectations! A bargain and a quality made product. If you have any reservations about picking these cables up, chuck them aside and click buy. One of the better purchases I’ve made!

4 Stars Decent Quality Cables
These cables do provide a high-definition connection if your TV will allow it. The only downfall is that the sound is still stereo. Many of the xbox games that came out have had Dolby Digital or at least Dolby Surround. The [[ASIN:B00005R6Z0 Microsoft Xbox AV Pack Advanced - Game console link cable - S-Video / composite video / audio - 4 pin mini-DIN, RCA, TOSLINK (F) - Xbox AV connector (M) - black] is a much better choice than the high-definition cables on this page.

5 Stars Great with XBMC and HDTV
There is a huge difference if you’re running XBMC and have an HDTV. The XBMC interface is much sharper, text is crisp and actually legible. Games still play at their native resolution. I believe there are only a few XBOX games that are HD quality, and I don’t have any of them. I am very happy with this purchase.

5 Stars Original XBOX HD Component Cables
Works great- makes the games look amazing; This was exactly what I was looking for.

Buy/More Info

AmazonBasics Toslink Digital Audio Optical Cable 6 Feet 1 8 Meters Amazon Frustration Free Packaging

The AmazonBasics TOSLINK Digital Audio Optical Cable helps you connect audio components when clear sound quality is your priority. This digital audio TOSLINK cable can be used to connect your CD and DVD players, digital satellite, and more to your preamplifier, receiver, audio processors, and digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The cable’s quality construction provides pure and clean sound.

AmazonBasics TOSLINK cables feature high-quality, gold-plated connectors that resist corrosion and offer optimal signal transfer.

Recommended Uses: Connecting high-performance audio components when clear sound quality is required. Connecting CD or DVD players to a receiver or preamplifier. Technical Specifications: Connector Type: TOSLINK-TOSLINK, two-shot molding Connector Plating: Gold Cable Length: 6 ft./1.8 m Jacket: PVC, black Warranty: AmazonBasics 1-Year Limited Warranty [PDF] Documentation: Helpful Hints [PDF]

TOSLINK Cable Keeps Pure Digital Audio Signal Between Components
The TOSLINK optical audio connection carries a digital audio stream using a fiber-optic cable. This AmazonBasics TOSLINK Cable is perfect for whenever you need to connect audio devices, such as a CD or DVD players to a receiver or preamplifier.

In home-theater applications, you can use the TOSLINK connection to send a Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack to an audio processor or A/V receiver for surround-sound decoding.

Since TOSLINK uses fiber-optic cable, it is free from distortion caused by electrical or magnetic interference that an electrical cable would incur. The result is an audio signal that is purer, as well as truer to the original recording.

Quality Construction with Gold-Plated Connectors
This AmazonBasics cable features a durable, black PVC outer layer, and gold-plated connectors that resist corrosion and offer optimal signal transfer.

AmazonBasics: Quality Products at Low Prices
AmazonBasics is a collection of consumer electronic “basics” created by combining quality and low prices for an overall focus on value.

Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
This AmazonBasics product features Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging that is recyclable. It comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic clamshell casings, plastic bindings, or wire ties. The packaging is designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife, and it will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging. Products with Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without an additional shipping box, saving on resources and reducing waste. In addition, the packaging materials that we do use are easily and frequently recycled, composted, or reused by our customers, and all the inks and dyes are biodegradable.

Warranty and Helpful Hints
This cable is backed by an AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty. To view the full AmazonBasics warranty, click here. If you are having trouble connecting your components with this cable, click here for the AmazonBasics TOSLINK Helpful Hints Guide [PDF].

What’s in the Box
TOSLINK digital audio optical cable (6 feet / 1.8 meters) and warranty card.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Conducts excellent audio to my 5.1 system.
Big kudos to Amazon for their frustration free packaging. It makes getting the product and the getting rid of the packaging so much easier.

This is a well constructed cable. The plug is of a size that it is easy to grasp and maneuver into place (even at the awkward angles my system engenders) .

This is providing excellent audio from my HD satellite box to my Yamaha 5.1 receiver

5 Stars Amazing……….

I paid $22 for my first Toslink audio optical cable and it’s as fragile as a wet noodle. This one is less than 1/4 of the price, better built, with secure connections. I am using two of these cables, along with the wet noodle, in my home entertainment system and the sound quality is excellent.

Why pay more for a well known cable brand when this works just as well or better!

5 Stars Excellent Digital Audio Optical Cable
This is a very good digital audio optical cable. It is very well insulated and durable. It completely surpasses in quality the cable that came with the sound system we currently are using. Very good cable especially for the price. The packaging was very easy to open since it was a cardboard box containing the cable inside a plastic bag.

5 Stars It works
Not much to write about. The packaging was perfect and easy to open. The cord measure 6 ft 3/4 inches exactly. Plugged it in and it worked the first time. Although I received this free, the price is right. IF you go into a Best Buy to purchase a cable like this you’ll get ripped off. I’m liking that Amazon now sells their opwn cables at fair prices. I’ll be back.

5 Stars These Really ‘Sound’ like Good Cables
These cables are pretty awesome.

Initial setup (who cares): The cable came in an easy to open cardboard box. The plastic tips needed to be removed but that hardly was an issue given I have opposable thumbs.

Sound quality: The quality of the sound was on par with some of the more expensive cables I’ve had previously. I didn’t notice any interference and it sounded fairly clear.

In general there isn’t too much to say about this product; either it works or it doesn’t work. It works and I recommend it.

Buy/More Info

Toshiba 19AV600U 19 Inch 720p Portable LCD HDTV Black

Get ready for watching all your favorite movies and shows with the new Toshiba 19AV600U 720p HD TV. This great looking LCD TV has DynaLight Back-Light Control that utilizes advanced image processing to monitor the brightness of each video frame, and adjust the backlight intensity accordingly based in the image content. This precision creates seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis, even in low light environments. Take advantage of 720p HD picture quality and an impressive feature set with the 19AV600U. This model is a great addition for any home theater, and can also be used as a computer monitor by using the PC Input for displaying family photos or business presentations. 60Hz Video Scan Rate Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM TV Tuning Gaming Mode – shorten the signal to screen time for faster game controller response Input Ports – 1 x HDMI, 1 x Composite Video, 1 x S-Video, 1 x A/V, 1 x PC 15Pin (VGA), Analog Audio Out, Dolby Digital Optical Out Energy Star 3.0 Compliant

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Value
Started looking for a television to replace an older model. Went to Best Buy to compare picture and sound quality side by side, and settled on this model. The ability to change the framing of the picture allows each individual to see what style they prefer, at the click of a button. The color quality is a true color representation, and again it is easy to change the brightness if you like. We chose to mount it on the wall, and with the thickness of just over an inch, it is not in the way when walking in front of it.

Amazon had the best price, by $50 over Best Buy when we were looking, and we were well satisfied with the delivery. Ordered at 5:00 p.m. one day, and had received it by noon the following day.

Would highly recommend this model to anyone.

5 Stars Awesome TV
This television is exceptional. Not only for the price, but the picture is incredible. I love it and when my other 2 small TVs (that are at least 10 years old each) bite the dust, I’m going to buy 2 more. Reading other reviews for this helped me decide to purchase this brand. I’m so glad I did.

5 Stars Super Set Savings!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2T8Z29ZRSFQPH This video explains how much I enjoy this HDTV and the aspects on why you should consider it in your own home.

If you would like to know more go to your local stores, or read some more of this great reviews.

I forgot to mention in the review that the tuner inside picks up many channels and the HD channels off air are amazing! Just as great as a 1080p set, but listed as a 720 it works 1080 gorgeous.

Amazon.com has the most affordable price listed on this set.

I know how valuable time is, so this review and all of mine is done is 3 minutes even.

Go ahead time me.

4 Stars TV
Good picture, good sound quality, but slow response when changing channels . . . this television is a reasonably good buy.

5 Stars Good small room tv.
Very good picutre and good, acceptable sound (which isn’t the norm for tv’s this size). Easily mounted it on a Peerless articulating arm.

Buy/More Info

Toshiba 15LV506 15 6 Inch Widescreen LCD TV with Built in DVD White

A fantastic kitchen countertop companion with its elegant white design, the 15LV506 LCD HDTV/DVD Combo is great for cooking along with your favorite TV chefs. The built-in digital tuner has you covered for the transition to digital broadcasting in June 2009. Wide Aspect Ratio Viewing Angles H/V – 170/160 Comb Filter 5ms Response Time Cinema Mode 3 Mode Picture Size Adjustment Digital Picture Zoom Fast Scan Slow Motion Multi-Camera Angle Select Audio – Dolby Digital and DTS Compatible Output – connected to a compatible AC-3 receiver, Dolby Digital creates a multi-channel audio experience and unsurpassed three-dimensional audio performance rivaling the best movie theaters Bottom Mount Stereo Speakers Bass/Treble Balance Controls MP3 Playback (readability is subject to recording format, disc structure, & condition of the disc) Convenience – Elegant White Finish Clock Closed Captioning – dialog is displayed on screen in a manner similar to subtitles in movies OSD Language – English/French/Spanish Channel Labeling – allow you to put the Call Letters on the screen along with the station numbers, so you always know what channel you’re watching Multi-Subtitle Select Tri-Lingual Select Unified Remote Control Jackpacks – ColorStream HD Component Video Input (1) S-Video Input – use of Separated (S) Video input for playback minimizes dot crawl in the picture, providing sharper edge detail from such sources as DVD RCA Video Inputs – Rear (1) L-R Audio Inputs – Rear (1) 1 RF Input Digital Audio Output – 1 Coaxial (DVD only) Headphone Jack – Rear (1) Unit Dimensions – 15.83 W x 12.6 H x 5.52 D with stand; Weight – 7.7 lbs. with stand

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Finally, a small white kitchen tv that really works

We tried 3 or 4 other small white kitchen tv’s over the past 12 months and they were all unacceptable. While the Toshiba is not without it’s flaws, it is heads above the others that we tried at home. There are several annoying features however. It takes forever to change channels and has a moderately slow start up. The picture quality is good however, even when viewed from the side and the sound is a real bonus. It’s also nice to have the DVD player when our 3 year old niece visits which is fairly often. The price is good and we would purchase this product again and recommend it (even though my wife taped over a bright red light that serves no purpose whatsoever on the front of the tv when it is NOT in use).

4 Stars Toshiba 15″ HDTV w/DVD – White
I chose this TV because of 3 reasons…1) TOSHIBA name 2) size (bedroom TV) 3) color. Let me first say the style is fantastic…very modern and looks great in my bedroom. The picture is not as good as my large TOSHIBA but I don’t have it hooked up to an HD receiver. That said the picture is fine; especially when the channel you’re viewing has the Digtal option. Sound is just OK since the speaker runs horizontally on the bottom of the TV but that’s where most flat screens have the speakers located. The DVD player is phenomenal and super simple, load and hit play! It uses the same remote as the TV which is very convenient. There is only one very annoying thing about this TV and that is the huge LED light that is front and center on the face of the TV. It GLOWS royal blue when on and GLOWS bright red when TV is off which is when I am sleeping. I have covered it with silver acrylic paint to match the silver speaker cover and that worked quite well and doesn’t look bad at all. Toshiba needs to rethink this idea and either remove it completely or place it somewhere less conspicuous. I am not even sure of its purpose. When the TV is on you know it is on because there’s a picture on the screen and when it is off there is no longer a picture…DUH! I don’t think a large, irridescent light is necessary to depict the on/off status of the TV. All in all a wonderful TV and I am very pleased. The price was great and finding a WHITE, small TV is challenging in and of itself and then to find one with the built-in DVD was a huge bonus! This set fits all my needs and I’m glad I purchased it.

5 Stars Great small HDTV
We purchased this TV for our kitchen counter since it would fit easily under the cabinets. It is very attractive (we selected the white case), and the picture is excellent! We probably will never use the embedded DVD player, but it’s nice to know it’s there. We highly recommend this unit for tight spaces.

4 Stars Cute for kitchen, but…
I needed an updated white TV for the dinette area which had to be small enough to go under the cabinets. This one was the right size and the right price. It has a decent picture; sound is quite adequate, lightweight and moveable, and very nice looking. The only drawback, which is an irritation, but one I can live with (my son complains incessantly, though) is the time it takes to turn on, and the delay as you change channels. It seems worse than any TV we’ve ever had. However, its the price was right, and shoot, it plays DVD’s too, without having to hook a dvd player to it. If you have patience with it’s delays, it’s a good buy in my book.

5 Stars White TV
I looked everywhere for a small white TV for my kitchen. I finally found this one. The picture and sound quality are very good.

Buy/More Info

Toshiba 15LV505 15 6 Inch Widescreen LCD TV with Built in DVD Player Black

The 15LV505 is the ideal space-saver, offering a stunning LCD HDTV with a built-in DVD player. It’s the all-in-one solution with a convenient, sleek cabinet. The built-in slot-loading DVD player, with easy-to-access operation buttons, provides a convenient all-in-one space-saving design. Built-In ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuning allows for tuning of standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts, in addition to digital “cable-in-the-clear” broadcasts. Official DivX Certified means it plays all versions of DivX video including DivX 6 with standard playback of DivX media files. Digital Picture Zoom Fast Scan Slow Motion Multi-Camera Angle Select Dolby Digital and DTS Compatible Bottom Mount Stereo Speakers Bass/Treble Balance Controls MP3 Playback WMA Playback Clock Closed Captioning V-Chip Parental Control System OSD Language – English/French/Spanish Channel Labeling Multi-Subtitle Select Tri-Lingual Select Unified Remote Control Inputs and Outputs – ColorStream HD Component Video Input, S-Video Input, RCA Video Inputs – Rear, L-R Audio Inputs – Rear, 1 RF Input, PC Input D-Sub 15, Digital Audio Output – 1 Coaxial (DVD only), and Headphone Jack – Rear Unit Dimensions – 15.84 x 12.61 x 5.52 with stand / Weighs 7.7 lbs

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Toshiba 15LV505
Great TV – and I really like the built-on DVD player as well. great picture – sound is good for such a small set. Works great in our camper.

4 Stars nice picture on a good little television but…
This is a really nice little television. We replaced our under-the-cabinet television with this one. The picture quality is excellent as well as the sound and look of the television. However like other reviewers said, when you are switching channels,there is an uncomfortably long (3-4 second) delay before the channel switches.

4 Stars tv-dvd combo
Happy with this combo. We replaced an old, box of a tv in the kitchen and gained a lot of counter space. It is just the right size for a kitchen counter. We just hooked up the old rabbit ears and the Toshiba delivers great picture and sound quality without a fancy new antenna. As others have noted there is a pause when switching channels, but that is but a minor annoyance.

4 Stars Toshiba 15″ TV
This TV has a great picture unless you are viewing at an angle. I bought it for my RV. I returned it because the TV shelf in the RV is near the ceiling and we were viewing from the couch below. When standing the TV has a great picture but when watching from the couch, which is lower, the picture was very dark.

4 Stars Good for kitchen and other small places
There’s not a whole lot to add to the other reviews. It’s a nice little TV for the money and the only real “name brand” to come in such a small size.

Positives:

* Nice picture for the price and size

* Small size — perfect for kitchen, etc

* The sound was surprisingly good, much better than I was expecting

The only real negatives are:

* How long it takes to change channels. I haven’t timed it but it feels like a good 4-5 seconds for over the air tuning.

* Non adjustable stand. It’s not a really big negative for where I have it set up, but it’s something that may be a problem for others.

The only thing I would change is no DVD player and knock a few dollars off the price. I suppose it’s convenient to have it built in but I’ve never used it to play a DVD (I think I’ve played a music CD in it twice in four months) but it seems all models in this size / price range have built in players. It doesn’t detract from the functionality or seem to add to the overall size, so I guess it’s just a matter of what you’re using it for.

The DVD player and the channel changing delay are the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5. Other than that I would highly recommend this TV.

Buy/More Info