Paul
Paul's Stats
- Review Count7
- Helpfulness Votes14
- First ReviewAugust 8, 2018
- Last ReviewAugust 19, 2018
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentNone
- Last Review CommentNone
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count1
- Helpfulness Votes4
- First AnswerAugust 8, 2018
- Last AnswerAugust 8, 2018
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers1
Paul's Reviews
![Ready Player One [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [2018]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6228/6228665_sa.jpg)
Ready Player One [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [2018]
Fun for an 80's Kid!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Paul
from Naperville, IL, USA
on August 19, 2018
It's tuff to find a move that challenges my home theater and also provides entertainment the whole family can enjoy. I really think "Ready Player One" on 4K Blu-ray fits that bill.
The picture is filled with a huge color spectrum and pushes the limits of my 4K TV. The ATMOS track is equally impressive - my in ceiling and rear surround channels were working overtime.
Best of all, I know I'll revisit this movie on occasion so it was definitely worth owning. I couldn't imagine losing all of the audio/video attributes by streaming this title - really need the physical format in your library!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
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Only at Best Buy! Enjoy the versatile headset for Hybrid work and beyond with the Poly Voyager 5220 Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset with Amazon Alexa. WindSmart technology and the four noise-canceling microphones let you take calls anywhere without distraction from background noises. The voice control button and moisture-resistant coating on this Plantronics Voyager Bluetooth headset let you use your phone hands-free, even in light rain or while working out. USB car adapter included.
Voyager 5220: Worth every penny!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Paul
from Naperville, IL, USA
on August 17, 2018
I was a little hesitant in purchasing this BB Exclusive Voyager 5220 only because of the price point. When there are cheaper alternatives inches away on the shelves it can be difficult to opt for one of the more expensive choices.
Then I read the reviews, put trust in the reviews, and ultimately bought it. I'm very happy I did as the sound clarity is excellent (even with the windows down). Fit is extremely comfortable with the stock ear bud (you have two additional in the box). Battery life is good so far and recharging is fast.
I do have one small negative. This unit can be charged via the micro USB [included] cable. The problem is the access cap that must be opened on the Voyager is a pain to open. So difficult that I didn't want to go through that process again so I ordered the Plantronics Voyager 5200 charging case/charging stand for $32.00 [even though it states "5200" in the title, it works with the "5220" wonderfully). If this charging application/unit was included that would have made things outstanding. The micro USB charging option is still there if I don't have the stand/case or need an emergency charge somewhere.
I'm happy as is and would recommend the Voyager 5220.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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AudioQuest - Cinnamon 3'4" 4K Ultra HD HDMI Cable - Black/Red
Complete your premium home theater system with this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable. Enjoy clear, precise audio thanks to the solid 1.25 percent silver conductors, and get more out of your TV's picture quality with High Dynamic Range pass-through technology, which increases color and contrast ranges. Designed to exceed requirements for HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 data streams, this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable supports HD televisions and Blu-ray players for versatile setup options.
How Much Is Peace of Mind Worth?
Customer Rating
5.0
HDMI cables are not all the same and I'm not just speaking in terms of their version 1.0, 1.1, 1.2...2.0. 2.1 - up to and including this AudioQuest Cinnamon's version: HDCP 2.2. If I focus just on 4K UHD content, I want peace of mind in my HDMI interconnects. I paid up for a decent TV/Monitor, AVR, UHD Blu-ray Player, etc. and don't want any extra variables or unreliability in the audio/video chain [the sole purpose of this particular cable].
Folks having issues with synchronization (dialogue so far off it sounds like a 70's Kung Fu movie), imaging (spouse asking "so why did we go 4K...I can't see any difference")...is all bad news. Not always attributed to lesser expensive HDMI cables but my opinion is that I'll do everything I can to avoid these pitfalls and this brand and cable level are very dependable. I've had no issues and even upgraded from their Forest line when I moved to 4K to ensure that reliability. Those Forest HDMI cables are now used in another theater application and have replaced lesser quality cables (kind of an across the house upgrade since these operate today like they were new).
I haven't A/B tested the Cinnamon line and don't need to- they sound wonderful to my ears and delight the eyes. Very well constructed with great shielding and they look cool too (like admiring the wiring in a muscle car's engine kind of way). I own two currently in 1m and 2m lengths and am a big admirer of AudioQuest.
Folks having issues with synchronization (dialogue so far off it sounds like a 70's Kung Fu movie), imaging (spouse asking "so why did we go 4K...I can't see any difference")...is all bad news. Not always attributed to lesser expensive HDMI cables but my opinion is that I'll do everything I can to avoid these pitfalls and this brand and cable level are very dependable. I've had no issues and even upgraded from their Forest line when I moved to 4K to ensure that reliability. Those Forest HDMI cables are now used in another theater application and have replaced lesser quality cables (kind of an across the house upgrade since these operate today like they were new).
I haven't A/B tested the Cinnamon line and don't need to- they sound wonderful to my ears and delight the eyes. Very well constructed with great shielding and they look cool too (like admiring the wiring in a muscle car's engine kind of way). I own two currently in 1m and 2m lengths and am a big admirer of AudioQuest.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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![Saving Private Ryan [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1998]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6221/6221364_sa.jpg)
Saving Private Ryan [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1998]
The best it's ever been
Customer Rating
5.0
I originally purchased this title back on DVD and intentionally searched for/purchased the DTS version of the movie over the Dolby Digital just for the sound. I didn't bother with it on Blu-ray only because the audio was so good on the original DVD encoded in DTS. Well, that's the past...this 4K version has both Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X so select your favorite option and have at it.
As much of a fan as I was of DTS back in the day, Dolby ATMOS blows away DTS:X in my 5.1.2 audio set up (dedicated height/ceiling speakers in the configuration). This movie won an Academy Award in 1999 for Best Sound Effects Editing and it's absolutely validated here.
The picture quality is fantastic and I'm in the camp that likes the grainy film like textures. Remember this won additional awards for Effects and Cinematography and is genuinely enjoyable still some 19 years after it was released.
I recommend owning this movie in this format.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Sony - Streaming 4K Ultra HD 3D Hi-Res Audio Wi-Fi Built-In Blu-ray Player - Black
Experience immersive entertainment options with this Sony 4K Blu-ray player. Its Ultra HD resolution provides exceptionally detailed screen images with increased brightness and more realistic color, and its support of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provides cinema-quality sound. This Sony 4K Blu-ray player supports high-resolution audio formats for more accurate music reproduction.
A nice player with a bit of a caveat...
Customer Rating
5.0
Before I speak to the overwhelming good features and the reason I've kept this unit, I need to convey a few things you should know immediately before you buy this player:
1.) SONY is not, will not, and will never add Dolby Vision to the UBP-X800 [pursue the UBP-X700 if you want a SONY alternative in this price range].
2.) However commonplace freezing issues are, at some point with one of your 4K Blu-rays...THIS PLAYER WILL FREEZE UP ON YOU. [No firmware update as of 8-10-18 has fixed this issue.]
3.) Dolby ATMOS will never happen on your Audio Video Receiver until you visit this player's menu and turn OFF "BD Audio Mix Setting". For whatever reason, SONY's default is to leave this ON.
1.) SONY is not, will not, and will never add Dolby Vision to the UBP-X800 [pursue the UBP-X700 if you want a SONY alternative in this price range].
2.) However commonplace freezing issues are, at some point with one of your 4K Blu-rays...THIS PLAYER WILL FREEZE UP ON YOU. [No firmware update as of 8-10-18 has fixed this issue.]
3.) Dolby ATMOS will never happen on your Audio Video Receiver until you visit this player's menu and turn OFF "BD Audio Mix Setting". For whatever reason, SONY's default is to leave this ON.
So on to why I kept this player.
1.) Luckily (or not) my Sony 900E series TV isn't getting Dolby Vision either - would be a shame to split up to very popular Sony products that should have gotten DV's update and will never have it. Like a marriage made in Heaven - a sarcastic Heaven.
2.) 4K Blu-ray discs and standard Blu-ray discs look incredible. All the work I did in calibrating my TV really shines. I've tried a few DVDs and they look the best they ever have as well (previously had a Pioneer BDP 23FD Blu-ray player and I know this model is outperforming that for standard Blu-ray and DVD).
3.) Load times. What load times? This player gets to the movie in a flash!
4.) Noise level. Um...there is no noise. I think streaming is louder than the actual disc spinning in this unit. So quiet you can hear the button presses on the remote as you press eject to see if a disc is really in the player - very quite/very nice.
5.) Hi Res Audio. If you have super-human-bat-hearing like me and can appreciate higher frequencies than anyone else on the planet, good news, this player will let you do it. I've also been able to break out some of my old SACD discs and enjoy DSD playback. 24/192 FLAC files from the USB drive are awesome!
6.) The Apps are quick to load. Even faster than my Sony TV.
7.) Pricing is more than competitive for the features, build quality, etc. I paid $158.00 the end of July 2018.
1.) Luckily (or not) my Sony 900E series TV isn't getting Dolby Vision either - would be a shame to split up to very popular Sony products that should have gotten DV's update and will never have it. Like a marriage made in Heaven - a sarcastic Heaven.
2.) 4K Blu-ray discs and standard Blu-ray discs look incredible. All the work I did in calibrating my TV really shines. I've tried a few DVDs and they look the best they ever have as well (previously had a Pioneer BDP 23FD Blu-ray player and I know this model is outperforming that for standard Blu-ray and DVD).
3.) Load times. What load times? This player gets to the movie in a flash!
4.) Noise level. Um...there is no noise. I think streaming is louder than the actual disc spinning in this unit. So quiet you can hear the button presses on the remote as you press eject to see if a disc is really in the player - very quite/very nice.
5.) Hi Res Audio. If you have super-human-bat-hearing like me and can appreciate higher frequencies than anyone else on the planet, good news, this player will let you do it. I've also been able to break out some of my old SACD discs and enjoy DSD playback. 24/192 FLAC files from the USB drive are awesome!
6.) The Apps are quick to load. Even faster than my Sony TV.
7.) Pricing is more than competitive for the features, build quality, etc. I paid $158.00 the end of July 2018.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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AudioQuest - Cinnamon 6'7" 4K Ultra HD HDMI Cable - Black/Red
Upgrade your television setup with this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable. Solid 1.25 percent silver conductors provide clear audio by reducing distortion and jitter, while the air-filled foamed-polyethylene insulation offers enhanced signal strength. The 2-meter length allows for flexible placement options, and the PVC jacket supports in-wall installation. Designed to support resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD, this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable delivers excellent picture quality.
You DO get what you pay for...
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Paul
from Naperville, IL, USA
on August 8, 2018
HDMI cables are not all the same and I'm not just speaking in terms of their version 1.0, 1.1, 1.2...2.0. 2.1 - up to and including this AudioQuest Cinnamon's version: HDCP 2.2. If I focus just on 4K UHD content, I want peace of mind in my HDMI interconnects. I paid up for a decent TV/Monitor, AVR, UHD Blu-ray Player, etc. and don't want any extra variables or unreliability in the video/audio chain [the sole purpose of this particular cable].
Folks having issues with synchronization (dialogue so far off it sounds like a 70's Kung Fu movie), imaging (spouse asking "so why did we go 4K...I can't see any difference")...is all bad news. Not always attributed to lesser expensive HDMI cables but my opinion is that I'll do everything I can to avoid these pitfalls and this brand and cable level are very dependable. I've had no issues and even upgraded from their Forest line when I moved to 4K to ensure that reliability. Those Forest HDMI cables are now used in another theater application and have replaced lesser quality cables (kind of an across the house upgrade since these operate today like they were new).
I haven't A/B tested the Cinnamon line and don't need to- they sound wonderful to my ears and delight the eyes. Very well constructed with great shielding and they look cool too (like admiring the wiring in a muscle car's engine kind of way). I own two currently in 1m and 2m lengths and am a big admirer of AudioQuest.
Folks having issues with synchronization (dialogue so far off it sounds like a 70's Kung Fu movie), imaging (spouse asking "so why did we go 4K...I can't see any difference")...is all bad news. Not always attributed to lesser expensive HDMI cables but my opinion is that I'll do everything I can to avoid these pitfalls and this brand and cable level are very dependable. I've had no issues and even upgraded from their Forest line when I moved to 4K to ensure that reliability. Those Forest HDMI cables are now used in another theater application and have replaced lesser quality cables (kind of an across the house upgrade since these operate today like they were new).
I haven't A/B tested the Cinnamon line and don't need to- they sound wonderful to my ears and delight the eyes. Very well constructed with great shielding and they look cool too (like admiring the wiring in a muscle car's engine kind of way). I own two currently in 1m and 2m lengths and am a big admirer of AudioQuest.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
10out of 15found this review helpful.
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Pioneer - Elite 7.2-Ch. Hi-Res 4K Ultra HD A/V Home Theater Receiver - Black
Optimize surround sound performance with this 7.2-channel Pioneer Elite network A/V receiver. Its seven HDMI inputs support 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision video, and it works with 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X speaker configurations for a cinematic audio experience. This Pioneer Elite network A/V receiver has two HDMI outputs for connecting Zone 2 components. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Another Great Pioneer Elite AVR
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Paul
from Naperville, IL, USA
on August 8, 2018
This was a replacement for my Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX (that is still functioning a new after 9 years). I recently added two ceiling/height channels and needed a Dolby ATMOS compatible AVR to process the signal accurately. I'm running 5.1.2 and utilizing the Zone 2 outputs on this receiver to drive outside speakers. This receiver operates very cool and has plenty of power. I can hear the sonic upgrades and really appreciate the streaming capabilities, Pioneer Remote App, etc. that this product offers. If you can still get one for $599.00, I'd highly recommend this model.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Paul's Questions
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Paul's Answers
AudioQuest - Cinnamon 6'7" 4K Ultra HD HDMI Cable - Black/Red
Upgrade your television setup with this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable. Solid 1.25 percent silver conductors provide clear audio by reducing distortion and jitter, while the air-filled foamed-polyethylene insulation offers enhanced signal strength. The 2-meter length allows for flexible placement options, and the PVC jacket supports in-wall installation. Designed to support resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD, this AudioQuest Cinnamon HDMI cable delivers excellent picture quality.
I just purchased a Samsung QLED (2017 version). Will my Audioquest Vodka HDMI that I purchased in the fall of 2013 support the TV’s 4K HDR resolution?
That is a great question and very difficult to answer from a version perspective - but easy enough to address in full. HDMI 2.0 (aka HDMI UHD) was released to the consumer market on September 4, 2013. You state "Fall 2013" as the approximate purchase range/date so you are in one of two camps:
1.) You made the cut so to speak and are HDMI 2.0 capable.
2.) You are HDMI 1.4b capable and a bit further behind [introduced October 2011].
Either way, the short answer is that your cable is out dated since it can not handle HDR content as found in the April 2015 release of version 2.0a. Newer cables are already 2.2 so you'll need to purchase new interconnects to get everything out of that QLED monitor. And don't forget everything in the chain must be HDR content capable (or ATMOS, or Dolby Vision, etc.) if you want it to sound/display best. That means your Audio Video Receiver, UHD Blu-ray Player, the HDMI Cables all need to be compatible with the format your trying to achieve.
Hoping this helped.
I
1.) You made the cut so to speak and are HDMI 2.0 capable.
2.) You are HDMI 1.4b capable and a bit further behind [introduced October 2011].
Either way, the short answer is that your cable is out dated since it can not handle HDR content as found in the April 2015 release of version 2.0a. Newer cables are already 2.2 so you'll need to purchase new interconnects to get everything out of that QLED monitor. And don't forget everything in the chain must be HDR content capable (or ATMOS, or Dolby Vision, etc.) if you want it to sound/display best. That means your Audio Video Receiver, UHD Blu-ray Player, the HDMI Cables all need to be compatible with the format your trying to achieve.
Hoping this helped.
I
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AudioQuest - Vodka 6'7" 4K Ultra HD HDMI Cable - Black/Blue
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