Share Ragnar's profile
 
Facebook Twitter
 
 
Ragnar
 
 
 
Ragnar's stats
 
  • Review count
    30
  • Helpfulness votes
    26
  • First review
    October 26, 2019
  • Last review
    December 26, 2022
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.2
 
  • Review comment count
    1
  • Helpfulness votes
    2
  • First review comment
    November 4, 2019
  • Last review comment
    November 4, 2019
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
  • Answer count
    8
  • Helpfulness votes
    2
  • First answer
    July 16, 2021
  • Last answer
    January 12, 2022
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    2
 
 
Ragnar's Reviews
<< 1 2 3
 
Steven Spielberg's WWII epic has been hailed as a senses-shattering, realistic depiction of war, telling the emotional story of a no-nonsense U.S. Army captain (Tom Hanks), who, after facing the horrors of Omaha Beach on D-Day, receives orders to lead his troops on a search somewhere in Normandy for Private James Ryan, a lost paratrooper whose three brothers had been killed in combat. Also stars Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, and Matt Damon as Ryan. 169 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
4k Viewing Greatly Enhances The Experience
on March 20, 2020
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
4K viewing - if it is a good burn - and with proper equipment, nearly duplicates the theater experience. This disc is a good burn.
The only review needed for the movie per se is to note that Saving Private Ryan is the gold standard for war movies. Video and Audio - 5x5.
VIDEO: Shot in darker tones appropriate to the the genre but with excellent Contrast and Sharpness. Dolby Vision.
AUDIO: What one would expect and need in a war movie -- booming explosions and crackling gun shots. Excellent center channel that rnders Hanks soft, unique voice easily understandable.
Highly recommend.
Length of ownership: 106
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Glorious, Tragic Story Unfolded With 4K Clarity
on March 20, 2020
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
Knowing this story comes from true events will make you want to kick the United Nations out of New York and withdraw the USA from further participation.
The 4k video is at the level to be expected.
CAVEAT -- This disc is listed on some sites as also being in Dolby Vision format. This is not listed on the slip cover or case.
Sound: Dobly Atmos; 7.1. Excellent center channel and bass kicks in battle scenes. The sound definitely will not disapppoint.
Highly recommend this 4K burn.
Length of ownership: 11
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Very Good Blu-ray Burn
on February 12, 2020
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
Generally, no one who buys a movie need a review of that movie - he or she is buying it being already aware of the movie and like it. Common sense, then, instructs this review be limited to the quality of the disc transfer.
AUDIO: The number one concern re audio is center channel clarity. Are the voices easily discernible and separate? Are the tonal qualities lifelike. On both - yes. 5 x 5 for audio quality.
VIDEO: Does the video quality match the 'promised' blu-ray standard? Yes. Black is black. Contrast is high. Detail is finely presented. 5 x 5 for video quality.
Highly recommend this blu-ray transfer.
Length of ownership: 46
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Copy, print and scan with this Canon imageCLASS multifunction printer. Print speeds of up to 45 ppm are ideal for busy office environments, while wireless functionality and cloud support enable convenient connection from wherever you are. This Canon imageCLASS multifunction printer features a 5-inch LCD color touch screen for simple operation.Prints up to 45 ISO ppm* in black
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Buy it. Highest Recommendation.
on December 24, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
Packaged within a unique box within a sleeve; pull the sleeve out and the printer comes out easily. Not nearly as heavy as it looks. Has a smaller footprint than my Canon MF6530 which it replaced.
PRINT QUALITY: Laser. Very quick. Beeps when printing done.
COPY QUALITY: Laser. Super fast. Beeps when done. Standalone copying.
SCAN QUALITY; Huge surprise - scanning firmware built-in; no need for 3rd party software. Standalone scanning. Much faster and BETTER than Acrobat. 2-sided scanning? One pass. Scans at copy speed.
CAVEAT: This is a recent purchase so no opinion on durability. However, my old Canon lasted about 15 years.
At this point, the D1620 gets the highest recommendation.
CUSTOMER IN MIND. Canon clearly had the customer in mind with nice little touches and thoughtful features.
Length of ownership: 6
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5 out of 5
5
Value
5 out of 5
5
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Al Pacino and Robert de Niro appear on-screen together for the first time in writer/director Michael Mann's intense crime drama. Frazzled LAPD detective Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) is out to stop a group of highly skilled professional thieves headed by mastermind Neil McCauley (De Niro), who's looking for one last score. The stakes rise to dangerous levels as Hanna and McCauley become locked in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Tom Sizemore, and Jon Voight co-star. 170 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1, French DTS 5.1; Subtitles English (SDH), Spanish, French; featurettes; theatrical trailers; deleted scenes; more.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The SOUNDS -- Enjoy
on December 20, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
The overwhelming draw, IMHO, is the tempo beat and sounds of the climatic gunfight. The beat is crisp, the gunshots sharp, explosive, authentic. DTS-HD 5.1 which some argue is better than Dolby Digital because of its higher bit rate. Whatever. The sound is excellent. Enjoy.
Length of ownership: 10
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Video 5x5 Audio 5x5
on December 20, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
Unlike some blu-ray burns, this disc is bright, excellent contrast and good color warmth (compare Die Hard blu-ray which is dark and low contrast).
Center channel voice has very good clarity.
No one should be disappointed in the video or audio quality. Recommend.
Length of ownership: 13
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
5 Star Story - 3 Star Blu-ray Picture Quality
on November 15, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is an interesting story about men who hijack a subway train in a novel manner and hold the passengers for ransom all the while the train is moving. Excellent casting, good character development and a nicely-paced plot.
However, as not all Blu-ray discs are burned the same this one is below par. Even with upscaling, both by the TV and the player the picture quality was DVD-like.
Length of ownership: 11
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Director Steven Spielberg's A.I. propels you into a future of astounding technology and adventure beyond the human imagination in an extraordinary film. In a future world of runaway global warming and awe-inspiring scientific advances, humans share every aspect of their lives with sophisticated companion robots called Mechas. But when an advanced prototype robot child named David (Haley Joel Osment) is programmed to show unconditional love, his human family isn't prepared for the consequences. Suddenly, David is on his own in a strange and dangerous world. Befriended by a streetwise Mecha (Jude law), David embarks on a spectacular quest to discover the startling secret of his own identity.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Bright, high contrast picture. Delightful story.
on November 10, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
The studio expended time and treasure on this Blu-ray edition. The picture quality (upscaled) is near 4K. The audio (DTS-HD 6.1) (yes, 6.1) is clear with excellent ambient background.
The story is an involving and surprisingly tender tale of a child android "adopted" then abandoned by its human "parents" leaving it to fend for itself in the world with the mentality and naivete of a child.
Length of ownership: 9
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Not all blu-rays upscale same; DVD quality here
on November 10, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
The older the original movie the less likely the quality of the Blu-ray version will be acceptable by today's standards; no doubt this is attributable to the equipment used in the making of the old movie.
Such is the case here. Even with upscaling, the picture quality is about comparable to a good DVD burn.
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
  • Verified Purchaser
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Good burn - expected blu-ray quality picture
on October 26, 2019
Posted by: Ragnar
Verified Purchase:Yes
The industry really needs to work on some sort of standard for blu-ray discs as to quality. One blu-ray disc burn is never the same as another - picture quality or sound quality on one blu-ray movie not the same on another blu-ray movie. Hit and miss. The customer just has to hope for the best when making a buy. This movie, fortunately, is one of the better blu-ray burns. Good picture. Great sound. Full disclosure - I like the ending of the theatrical release over this "Final Cut". Personal preference.
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Ragnar's Review Comments
 
Enjoy brilliant color and sound with this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The chroma processing technology maximizes the color of 4K/HDR content, and the 7.1-channel audio output produces lifelike surround sound when connected to a home audio system. The color signals received by this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player are upgraded to produce natural textures and depth.
 
Overall3 out of 53 out of 5
Amazing picture quality when it works...
By guitarras79
I went through two players and experienced the same issue with both which was skipping and momentary freezing with loss of audio on 4k disc playback. Playing XMen Apocalypse, Avengers Endgame, Alien 40th Anniversary(HDR10+): all skipped at random places during the movie. I even made sure my discs were perfectly clean. Tested and made sure all my high speed hdmi cables were connected and working properly. When the movies played smoothly the picture looks fantastic and really pushed my Samsung q8fn to it's full potential but nothing ruins movie night worse than freezing at the most important parts of a movie. The HDR Optimizer really sets these units apart I think and works really great even on streaming content. I picked up an Xbox One X and after getting all the settings right on the tv and console I'd say the picture is about 90-95% that of the Panasonic. For the premium cost of this unit I definitely expected better performance and just couldn't tolerate the skipping and freezing. Perhaps a future firmware will address these issues but for now I'm not willing to wait to see if that happens. Unfortunately I'll be returning the second as well.
Customer Avatar
Ragnar
Los Angeles, CA
November 4, 2019
Had similar problem with Alien 40th Annivesary and Atomic Blonde. In the "old" days, you could wipe a disc through a sand pile, then pop it into your player and - no problem. Now, a little dust stops the picture or sound. There were some MINOR scratches on both discs. Rubbed (polished) each disc with a microfiber cloth and - woila - problem solved. Unlike a DVD laser, the wavelength on a 4K-capable laser is so short that it is sensitive to even minor scratches on the disc surface. Also, not all "high speed" cable are the same. May I suggest Monoprice? Its 4K cables are certified 4K. Although, I went with the 8K model. There is no 8K media yet, I know, but the cable is rated at 120Hz. Hopes this helps.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
 
Ragnar's Questions
 
Ragnar has not submitted any questions.
 
Ragnar's Answers
 
Reference class quality is here with the DP-UB9000P1K. Our HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor optimizes color, clarity and detail in 4K/HDR formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The result is a exciting array of highest quality video and audio options from 4K UHD Blu-ray discs to 4K upscaling, VOD 4K streaming, voice assist and more.
 

How do you set the Panasonic player remote to raise or lower the volume on your TV? There is absolutely nothing in the manual to instruct you how to do this. I have a new Sony Bravia Model:XBR48A9 Oled 4K TV.

User submitted photo
I have 2 Panasonic 820s and this 9000. Each setup, at some point, the units asked who was the cable box provider. Answered that question and the unit synced to that box. I believe the remote is actually controlling the volume of the cable box as I can separately raise and lower the volume using the Panasonic remotes or the TVs remotes. I would suggest you go back through setup and sync your cable box, if you have one. If not, I think you are probably out of luck. The 9000 remote is NOT a universal remote (programmable codes) so I doubt it will drive a Sony. Hope this helps.

PS. The "manual" that comes with the unit is worthless. Download 48-page manual at https://www.panasonic.com/content/dam/pim/au/en/DP/DP-UB9/DP-UB9000GN/DP-UB9000-User-Manual-Australia.pdf
4 years, 4 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Hear what you~ve been missing with the newly designed VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. The V-Series 5.1 offers immersive home theater surround sound, a sophisticated new look and HDMI connectivity for the highest-quality audio. Three full-range speakers--including a dedicated center speaker for crystal-clear dialogue--are all perfectly balanced within the slim sound bar. Also included are a pair of low-profile surround speakers to envelop the listener, and a wireless 5~ subwoofer that brings booming bass. DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement adds room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound to movies and music. Optional surround modes provide the versatility to play stereo music through the sound bar and surround speakers simultaneously, transforming any content into powerful 5.1 audio; or place the surround speakers up front, next to the sound bar, for more expansive virtual surround in smaller spaces. Voice Assistant Input gives you the convenience of a voice assistant you~re already accustomed to (sold separately) and lets you operate it right through the sound bar for an upgraded audio experience. You can also wirelessly connect your compatible phone for high-quality Bluetooth music streaming. Now with an elegant new backlit LCD display remote control, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar can help turn your living room into a captivating home theater.
 

How do you do a firmware update if this model will not work with Smartcast App? I purchased this Nov 2020 and now the unit will not work with my TV. It will still play music via BT, so I know the unit works.

Refer to https://support.vizio.com/s/article/How-to-Update-the-Firmware-on-your-VIZIO-Sound-Bar.
Good luck.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Hear what you~ve been missing with the newly designed VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. The V-Series 5.1 offers immersive home theater surround sound, a sophisticated new look and HDMI connectivity for the highest-quality audio. Three full-range speakers--including a dedicated center speaker for crystal-clear dialogue--are all perfectly balanced within the slim sound bar. Also included are a pair of low-profile surround speakers to envelop the listener, and a wireless 5~ subwoofer that brings booming bass. DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement adds room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound to movies and music. Optional surround modes provide the versatility to play stereo music through the sound bar and surround speakers simultaneously, transforming any content into powerful 5.1 audio; or place the surround speakers up front, next to the sound bar, for more expansive virtual surround in smaller spaces. Voice Assistant Input gives you the convenience of a voice assistant you~re already accustomed to (sold separately) and lets you operate it right through the sound bar for an upgraded audio experience. You can also wirelessly connect your compatible phone for high-quality Bluetooth music streaming. Now with an elegant new backlit LCD display remote control, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar can help turn your living room into a captivating home theater.
 

The subwoofer keeps disconnecting from the soundbar intermittently for a couple seconds. How can I fix this?

Some people have gotten success by relocating the sub. Reports suggest the sub is susceptible to interference from nearby modems, cable boxes, or being too far from soundbar. My solution was to return the darn thing and purchase a LG SNR7 soundbar. Now, happy camper.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Hear what you~ve been missing with the newly designed VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. The V-Series 5.1 offers immersive home theater surround sound, a sophisticated new look and HDMI connectivity for the highest-quality audio. Three full-range speakers--including a dedicated center speaker for crystal-clear dialogue--are all perfectly balanced within the slim sound bar. Also included are a pair of low-profile surround speakers to envelop the listener, and a wireless 5~ subwoofer that brings booming bass. DTS Virtual:X sound enhancement adds room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound to movies and music. Optional surround modes provide the versatility to play stereo music through the sound bar and surround speakers simultaneously, transforming any content into powerful 5.1 audio; or place the surround speakers up front, next to the sound bar, for more expansive virtual surround in smaller spaces. Voice Assistant Input gives you the convenience of a voice assistant you~re already accustomed to (sold separately) and lets you operate it right through the sound bar for an upgraded audio experience. You can also wirelessly connect your compatible phone for high-quality Bluetooth music streaming. Now with an elegant new backlit LCD display remote control, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar can help turn your living room into a captivating home theater.
 

have a Vizio sound Bar Model SB3831-C6M. I would like to add two rear speakers for better sound, is that possible, cost for speakers, and how to install.

Physically, no. Acoustically, your system is engineered for 2 front speakers. Even if you could add 2 more speakers, you would just be adding 2 more front speakers at the back of the room - clashing with the front speakers. Not better sound - worse.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Only at Best Buy Add booming audio to your home theater with this LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit. The lightweight carbon diaphragm reduces distortion for clean, crisp audio, while Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts settings for optimal quality. This LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit comes with a wireless subwoofer for intense bass.
 

Can I expand the sound bar with additional lg wireless speakers….and if so, which ones

You may want to research what the numbers mean before an after the dot with regards to speaker systems. Not sure what you mean by "expand". LG offers a rear semi-wireless speaker add-on; which is a wireless receiving unit attached to two speakers by wire. More sound? Yes. But, still, a 2.1 system if, IF, if it were really a 2.1 system. In actually, it seems to be an 80W, monaural or one sound channel with a LFE channel system.

If you mean by "expand" can you add more channels to make it a 3.1 or 4.1 system - probably lot. That would depend on the electonics (best known by LG) as such that the soundbar would automatically detect and re-distribute the sound to 3 or 4 channels (left-center-right) or LR-RF-LR-RR.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Only at Best Buy Add booming audio to your home theater with this LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit. The lightweight carbon diaphragm reduces distortion for clean, crisp audio, while Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts settings for optimal quality. This LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit comes with a wireless subwoofer for intense bass.
 

My TV currently sits on a low profile (~1 inch high) stand in a cabinet. Can I set my TV directly on top of the sound bar? If not, what is the result if I mounted the sound bar directly over the TV?

User submitted photo
My TVs are all LG with bottom-firing speakers. Measuring the distance from the bottom of the TV to the top of the soundbar equals 2". Using both TV and soundbar speakers, have encountered no undesirable listening results.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Only at Best Buy Add booming audio to your home theater with this LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit. The lightweight carbon diaphragm reduces distortion for clean, crisp audio, while Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts settings for optimal quality. This LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit comes with a wireless subwoofer for intense bass.
 

Hi, How does one correct the audio delay? If I have the TV speakers on I get an echo effect. The TV audio delay does not fix this issue. The manual for the LG unit does not show how to correct. Please advise.

You answered your own question. You are NOT getting a delay; you are getting an echo. Re-position your speakers or use only the souundbar.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Ragnar
 
Only at Best Buy Add booming audio to your home theater with this LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit. The lightweight carbon diaphragm reduces distortion for clean, crisp audio, while Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts settings for optimal quality. This LG Electronics 2.1-channel speaker kit comes with a wireless subwoofer for intense bass.
 

Hi, I expected a bigger/louder sound from this unit. It says 300w, but I know that is not the output. I am a little disappointed that it was not louder than I expected. How can I get a louder sound? A preamp? an amplifier? please advise

You cannot get louder sound. I rate the soundbar system at 80W. One of the factors that govern high and midrange speaker output is the distance the cone can move back and forth. Another factor is the diameter of the cone. In sum, the more air a speaker can move - more sound. The soundbar dimensions afford little room for cone back and forth movement and only tiny diameter cones. Those limitations are built-in. The sub is ported reflex unit which is better at delivering lower frequencies. Here the limitation is in the size of the speaker; a 6-inch speaker simply cannot move that much air to produce a really deep base.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Ragnar