RonB
RonB's Stats
- Review Count3
- Helpfulness Votes19
- First ReviewJanuary 15, 2015
- Last ReviewFebruary 2, 2015
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count8
- Helpfulness Votes5
- First Review CommentDecember 24, 2014
- Last Review CommentNovember 29, 2016
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count11
- Helpfulness Votes17
- First AnswerDecember 24, 2014
- Last AnswerFebruary 2, 2015
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers2
RonB's Reviews
Sony - 8-Function Learning Remote - Black
Control up to eight A/V components with this easy-to-use remote and eliminate the clutter in your living room.
Best universal remote under $25; none better
Customer Rating
5.0
This universal remote, Sony RM-VLZ620, is not only the best universal remote under $25, it is one of the best on the market period. I have had one of these remotes for more than three (3) years. It will control up to eight (8) different A/V devices and it is also a learning remote. That is, if you have the original remote control that came with your device, you can learn function(s) that are not pre-programmed in the Sony.
Since I use my A/V receiver to control the volume for all of the functions, this remote can be set up so that the volume buttons control the A/V receiver's volume no matter which device button is selected. This remote control makes things very convenient for anyone to operate your home theater equipment; even younger children or less capable adults.
This remote also has four (4) "System" keys, at the bottom of the remote, each of which can be programmed to turn on multiple devices. I use one of these keys to turn on my TV, set the TV input to HDMI 1, turn on my cable box, turn on my A/V receiver and set the correct input to CABLE/SAT. I use another of the keys to turn on the TV, set the TV input to HDMI 2, turn on by Blu-ray disc player, turn on my receiver and set input to DVD. Again, this makes it very easy for younger children or less capable adults to easily use your home theater equipment.
Since each of my devices use a single on/off button for each device, I simply have to press the "System" key, that turned the devices on, to turn them off. If your device uses a separate on and off switch, you would have to program one of the other System keys to turn off your equipment. This is not a big problem as you have four System keys.
I have used the learning capability to program the Sony remote to perform functions that were not pre-programmed into the remote. For instance, my TV has 3D capability but nothing on the remote allowed me to select the 3D mode for the TV. So I picked a button on the Sony remote that I was not using, e.g., the Page + button, and learned the 3D function from the original TV remote.
The remote comes with instructions that help you set up your devices in the remote. It is as simple as pressing the SET button, then pressing the device button, e.g., TV, and inputting a 5-digit code. If your device is not listed, you can use the remote to search the codes to find the correct one. I'm sure there are some devices that can not be controlled by this remote, but I have not had a problem.
I just had to replace my oldest RM-VLZ620 remote as the "OK", i.e., SELECT button, stopped functioning. I heard that there is an "aluminum foil" fix for this but, since the remote was over three years old, I paid the $24.99 plus tax and bought another on. I then spent about 30-40 minutes to put in all the programming again and I am good to go.
All remotes have some programming issues and will eventually fail. However, this remote lasted over three years for me and only cost $24.99 plus tax to replace. It is such an incredible deal, I'm not sure how Sony packs so much power into such an inexpensive remote control.
Speaking of inexpensive, Best Buy also sells another universal remote control, the Sony RM-VZ320, which looks virtually identical to the RM-VLZ620. There are some VERY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES.. The RM-VZ320 only controls seven devices, does not LEARN any missing codes and can not be programmed to do multiple step functions. It costs $19.99 plus tax but for only an extra $5.00, you can buy the much more powerful remote, RM-VLZ620. I don't believe that you will be disappointed in spending that extra $5.00.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2016179732
+14points
14out of 14found this review helpful.
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Samsung - Battery-Operated 3D Glasses - Black
Designed for use with select Samsung LED and plasma 3D HDTVs, these Samsung SSG-5150GB/ZA 3D glasses allow you to enjoy an ultrarealistic viewing experience. The battery-operated design enables up to 70 hours of continuous use.
Works very well with my Panasonic Plasma VT50
Customer Rating
5.0
I received two pair of these glasses as a 2013 Christmas present. These glasses have a pop-up back for the battery. They take the CR-2025 batteries. I just recently bought another pair of these glasses. They have a screw-in cap for the battery and they take the smaller CR-1620 battery. Two of the CR-1620 batteries came in the package.
It is always nice to have a new battery around so it can be quickly replaced when you are watching a 3D movie (or sports event) and the battery dies. However, I have yet had to replace any batteries.
These glasses require some assembly but they are easy to snap together. To connect them to the TV, you need to turn the TV on to a 3D program (or turn on the 2D-->3D function). Then you need to point the glasses at the screen and press the button on the top of the glasses. The light on the glasses will blink red then green a couple of times while they are sync'ing with the TV, then turn green. Done, they are sync'ed and you are ready to watch a 3D program.
I just watched the College Football's National Championship Game in 3D #using the 2D-->3D function#. The 3D was not over-whelming but it added a unique viewing experience to the game. I had previous watched several HBO movies in 3D as well as several Blu-ray 3D movies. Some of the movies were incredible.
I highly recommend these 3D glasses for those with compatible 3D TVs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2016179732
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
An excellent inexpensive LED/LCD HD TV
Customer Rating
5.0
This is an inexpensive entry level 42" HD #1080P# LED-LCD TV. This television is very easy to set up. However, it does have at least one quirk. Overall, after calibration, this television has very good picture quality. However, it does need to be calibrated as the preset modes are mostly fairly poor. The best of the worst is the MOVIE mode.
So the first thing you want to do, after you get this TV placed where you want it, is to get into the MENU. The first thing I would suggest is to go to the HELP menu and scroll down to POWER ON IN DYNAMIC MODE and change it to OFF. Second thing is probably to go to the SETTINGS menu and scroll to TIME and set the DATE/TIME and the other items. I turned AUTO INPUT SENSING to OFF and changed the INPUT LABELS to names that made sense to me.
The menu you will spend the most time in, if you want good picture quality, is the PICTURE menu. I immediately changed the AV MODE to USER. Then, I dropped my calibration disc into my blu-ray player and started the calibration. #Note: You can download and burn a calibration disc for free. It is AVS HD 709. Just search for it and follow the directions to burn a disc. This disc walks you through what to look for when calibrate a TV. Then, you just go to the calibration screens and actually adjust the settings as was described. #
This TV has a quirk that you need to be aware of. If you switch the AV MODE to anything other than USER and make a change to the settings, the TV changes the AV MODE to USER and changes the settings in the USER mode to the AV MODE that you were in. This is a real pain if you haven’t written your calibrated USER mode settings down. #Hint: Write down the settings as soon as you finish the calibration!!!#
Here are the calibrated settings that I am using. Your settings may differ because every TV are different; even the same brand and model. However, I think you will be able to appreciate the improvement in the overall picture quality using these settings compared to any of the preset modes.
Here are my current PICTURE settings --
AV Mode: USER
Backlight: 28
Brightness: 44
Contrast: 42
Color: 30
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 30
At the bottom of the PICTURE settings you will see Advanced Settings. Click on the Advanced Settings and make the following changes --
View Mode: WIDE
Overscan: OFF
Active Backlight: OFF
Motion Enhancement: OFF
Color Temperature: NORMAL
Noise Reduction: OFF
Active Contrast: OFF
AV Mode: USER
Backlight: 28
Brightness: 44
Contrast: 42
Color: 30
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 30
At the bottom of the PICTURE settings you will see Advanced Settings. Click on the Advanced Settings and make the following changes --
View Mode: WIDE
Overscan: OFF
Active Backlight: OFF
Motion Enhancement: OFF
Color Temperature: NORMAL
Noise Reduction: OFF
Active Contrast: OFF
After calibration, I found the black levels for this inexpensive LED/LCD TV to be quite good. Not as good as a plasma or OLED TV, but very acceptable. Also, with these settings, I am very pleased with the natural look of skin tones.
My biggest disappointment with this TV is that it has only one combined Component/Composite VIDEO input. However, it does have three HDMI inputs while most TVs in this price range have only two HDMI inputs. On the plus side is that the HDMI 2 input is MHL-enabled so you can connect a ROKU TV box or stick or an Amazon Fire TV box or stick. #I suppose it is about time for me to begin shopping for a more modern AV receiver with HDMI up-conversion and up-scaling capabilities so I don't have to worry about the number of inputs on a TV.#
By the way, since I have this TV setup through my AV receiver, I didn’t do much with the SOUND menu. However, in the short time that I was using the TV speakers, I set the SOUND MODE to MOVIE which seemed to give a fuller sound. The TV speakers were okay for TV speakers but I really prefer a full-range surround sound experience. And with the picture that this TV is able to display, it deserves better sound!
For the price, I think this is an excellent TV.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2016179732
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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RonB's Questions
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Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
How long is the stand that comes with the TV?
I know the width of the stand is 9.5 inches, but I don't see a number for the length. Thanks.
The length of the stand is 22.25 inches. (I have the same TV and I just measured it.)
9 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sony - 8-Function Learning Remote - Black
Control up to eight A/V components with this easy-to-use remote and eliminate the clutter in your living room.
Will this remote control a FIOS Motorola set top box?
I have a FiOS Motorola set top box and it works great. If memory serves me correctly, I used the first Motorola code 50476.
Remember, if the remote doesn't have a function pre-programmed, it is a LEARNING remote so you can learn the function from the original remote.
Remember, if the remote doesn't have a function pre-programmed, it is a LEARNING remote so you can learn the function from the original remote.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Samsung - Battery-Operated 3D Glasses - Black
Designed for use with select Samsung LED and plasma 3D HDTVs, these Samsung SSG-5150GB/ZA 3D glasses allow you to enjoy an ultrarealistic viewing experience. The battery-operated design enables up to 70 hours of continuous use.
which batteries do i need
It depends on how old these 3D glasses are. The ones I got in 2013 use the CR-2025 battery. The newer ones use the CR-1620. The snap open battery compartment (older glasses) use the CR-2025. The screw open battery compartment use the CR-1620.
Since the newer glasses come with two (2) of the CR-1620 batteries and are rated for the same amount of 3D viewing time, I think Samsung is telling consumers that the CR-1620 batteries have half the expected life of the CR-2025 batteries.
Since the newer glasses come with two (2) of the CR-1620 batteries and are rated for the same amount of 3D viewing time, I think Samsung is telling consumers that the CR-1620 batteries have half the expected life of the CR-2025 batteries.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
HDMI Ports
Can all 3 HDMI ports - including the one labled MHL - support a normal HDMI connection (i.e. cable, blue-ray and video game)? The Sharp Website only indicates 2 HDMI connections (1 MHL).
According to the Sharp User's Guide for the 42" TV, all of the HDMI inputs can be used for all normal HDMI connections; such as cable box, Blu-ray player, or video game console. The only limitation is that HDMI 2 is the only one that is MHL enabled. So if you want to use an MHL device such as ROKU Streaming Stick, you have to use the HDMI 2/MHL jack.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
Are there any other stands that work with this TV (that sit higher)?
I am using the Whalen PROEC41-NV Television Console. It has three shelves and the Sharp 42" TV is just slightly more narrow than the bottom shelf. The TV itself mounts on a post that allows it to swivel about 45 degrees left and right. The height of my Sharp 42" is about 53" off the floor (minimum height). The post mount has several holes that allows it to moved up to a maximum height of about 57". This thee shelf console is also fairly inexpensive compared to other stands. You have to assemble it yourself (but the instructions are very good).
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
Does this tv have a matte or glossy screen?
Looking for matte screen for outside viewing that doesn't show a lot of light
I would describe the screen as matte. However, sitting in a room with windows behind me, I can see a diffused reflection on the screen. My opinion would be that as long as the sun is not behind you when you are viewing the screen, it would probably be okay. The screen can get very bright (as in the Dynamic Picture Mode.
There are TVs that are designed specifically for use outdoors but they tend to be very expensive.
There are TVs that are designed specifically for use outdoors but they tend to be very expensive.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
Closed Captions
The closed captions is not working and won't let me highlight it on the menu. I use HDMI and component.
The Sharp User's Manual is a bit ambiguous on this issue. It states:
• Depending on the signal source selected, you may
see different options on your screen.
• Menu items that are not selectable are grayed out.
• Menus in this manual are described in TV mode,
unless otherwise indicated.
• The screens shown in this manual are for
explanation purposes and may vary from the
actual screens on your TV.
Therefore, it seems that you if you are connected to some type of "set top box," you may have to set the Closed Caption setting on the box instead of the TV.
• Depending on the signal source selected, you may
see different options on your screen.
• Menu items that are not selectable are grayed out.
• Menus in this manual are described in TV mode,
unless otherwise indicated.
• The screens shown in this manual are for
explanation purposes and may vary from the
actual screens on your TV.
Therefore, it seems that you if you are connected to some type of "set top box," you may have to set the Closed Caption setting on the box instead of the TV.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
how many watts ?
According to the specifications in the Sharp User's Guide, the speaker amplification is 10 watts per channel. I don't know what the distortion levels are. Basically, the amplification is decent for TV speakers, but they are still just TV speakers.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
can this TV change wide screen to full screen viewing
can this TV change wide screen to full screen viewing. Many movies only come in wide screen.
Interesting question. The Sharp 42" HDTV has several display modes. These modes are: Normal, Wide, Cinema, Normal and Auto. Typically, the different modes are how you want to display a 4x3 picture on a 16x9 screen. If you are watching a movie with an aspect ratio higher than 16x9 (or 1.77:1) such as 1.85:1 or 2.39:1, there will be blacks bars shown at the top and bottom of the picture. I don't think the Sharp has any ability to display those higher aspect ratio movies without the black bars.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland
Sharp - 42" Class (42" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - HDTV
Sharp LC-42LB261U LED HDTV: Enhance your entertainment experience with this Sharp HDTV's 120Hz panel, which minimizes motion blur and judder, making images appear smooth and true to life. The full 1080p resolution presents subtle visual details with clarity and vibrancy.
do i need to connect an HDMI cable to get HD quality programming?
No, you do not need an HDMI cable to display HD quality programming. However, while component cables can provide HD quality programming, it will be limited to 1080i or 720p. This is not due to a limitation of the cable but a limitation of the RCA connectors. If you want to display a full 1080p picture, HDMI is the way to go.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
RonB
from
Maryland