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    July 8, 2015
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    August 12, 2017
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    March 23, 2021
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BADog's Reviews
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Experience the future of audio with this Samsung Atmos sound bar. The 13 speakers, 5.1.2-channel surround sound and Dolby Atmos technology provide a next-generation audio experience that you have to hear to believe. The included remote and compatibility with Amazon Alexa offer multiple options for controlling this Samsung Atmos sound bar.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Samsung's Best Soundbar to Date
on October 4, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
If you're looking for a "hefty" sound bar, this is literally the heftiest system I have seen both in weight and sound. This system has the ability to fill a room and more. This package comes with the Samsung HW-N850 soundbar, subwoofer, remote control (w/batteries), 2 identical power cords, HDMI cable, wall mounting brackets/hardware/guide, and user manual.
Rather than go over ALL the specs which you can already find on this Bestbuy.com page, I'll try to give more observations of those specs instead.

PROS:
-----------
* Really, really great sound. The 13 individually amplified speakers provide a clean and crisp sound with limited/no distortion, even at high levels. 9 speakers fire forward, 2 fire out the sides, and 2 fire out of the top (at an angle). Combined with HK sound processing, it truly provides a submersive 5.1.2 sound experience even without rear speakers.
* The bar and subwoofer connect flawlessly upon power-up.
* Bluetooth (BT) devices connect flawlessly. I used a Samsung Note 9 and a Galaxy S7+.
* Remote control is similar to the Amazon Fire TV remote as many other devices are also using this "smart" design. There was quick response from the remote to sound bar and the buttons felt solid.
* Durable mounting brackets and hardware are included.
* Samsung SmartThings app is useful in providing a graphic equalizer if you need more than just bass/treble settings. It is also used to manually push a firmware update to the device, but when I tried, it didn't work over the air (see 3rd "con" below).
* As with most newer sound bars, it provides HDMI ARC ability for digital audio. Of course, your TV will need ARC too for this functionality to work.
* If you have a Samsung TV, you can control the sound bar volume with the TV remote once they are synced together.
CONS:
-----------
* Sound bar does not include a headphones jack or coaxial input port. Even though sound quality lessens using analog, this is sometimes desired for some applications (ie. RF headphones that connect via RCA-to-3.5mm).
* At this time, the wifi feature for the system doesn't offer much, other than controlling the settings of the sound bar and optional automatic updates. The "Tune-In" application is the only available option built-in and it is a pay service after a free trial period. There is no Pandora or Spotify built-in.
* The Samsung website shows a firmware update that's newer than what I have received; however, the system will not update manually to that version over-the-air. The app states it is already at the newest level. Now there is a manual file you can download (a 300MB .zip file), but there is nothing in the user manual or app that states how to update the system with it. My guess is thru the USB port on the back; however, there are no instructions on how to do that.
* High price point could be an issue as this sound bar may cost more than your TV, possibly even double. On the flip side, this may be the best-sounding sound bar at this price point that I have heard. You will have to be the judge.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-------------------------------------
* This is the same sound bar and subwoofer as the Samsung SW-N950. The N950 however, includes 2 rear speakers which have 2 drivers each that improve the sound from 5.1.2 to 7.1.4. If you don't need as much depth/rear, then the N850 will be plenty.
* This system as a whole is heavy. The bar is 19.4 lbs and the sub is 21 lbs. It's heavy-duty, but the sound created is also really good. It has rubber feet on the bottom to secure itself on most platforms without vibrating itself off the ledge (from heavy bass by the sub). The sub is also just bigger all over (~16"x16"), and the sound bar is longer than other sound bars I own. Check your area and the dimensions of each component before buying.
* Dolby Atmos can only be played back via HDMI. "Digital In" via optical fiber cable will not provide you with Dolby Atmos sound.
* The Soundbar only displays if the received signal is Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X. There is no display for any other received audio format.
* The grill on the front/top/sides of the sound bar is not removable like some other brands. It is made of metal which does protect the individual drivers of the bar.
* The system connects to the Alexa Echo via the SmartThings app; however, I don't have an Amazon Echo so did not test this functionality.
* The sound bar only has 2 HDMI-in ports, so if you have 3+ items to hook up (ie. Fire TV, gaming console, blu-ray player or other IOT devices), you'll want to go with another sound bar or receiver that will allow that capability.
* There is a sound port on the back of the subwoofer (see pic) with the right side having black fabric which covers the sub components inside the subwoofer. It has a good luck, but keep in mind that the right side shouldn't be placed flush against something since the firing sub driver is located there.
* There are 4 button controls on the top/rear part of the sound bar: power, source, vol-, and vol+.
CONCLUSION:
==============
When looking for a quality sound bar system, you generally look for surround quality, frequency response, and price. You just want to have a great sound that immerses you in what you are listening to. The sound bar/sub alone does a great job giving good 5.1.2 sound. The rear/surround speakers are needed to give it even more depth but are included with the N950 package. Volumewise, this system is plenty loud - loud enough for a full sized media room. The sub is huge and creates vibrating explosions and great bass for today's music. Personally, I'd like to see this product do more with built-in internal apps, specifically Spotify and Pandora so pairing to a device via BT is not necessary. An on-screen menu might be necessary for that functionality. The only thing in the SmartThings app was the Tune-It pay service ... and I don't need to pay for another audio service. In conclusion, the bottom line is sound. You should be more than pleased with the sound of this beast for years to come. Great job Samsung.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+31points
35of 39voted this as helpful.
 
Capture video from the air using this orange Autel Robotics EVO quadcopter drone. The full-color video panel on the controller gives you a real-time view of the terrain below, and the four propellers let you precisely maneuver the drone into position over your subject. This Autel Robotics EVO quadcopter drone folds into a compact configuration for storage.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for registration requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great Drone, even for Newbies
on September 26, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
The Autel EVO drone is an advancement in Autel's drone portfolio. The company's R&D have moved on from the X-Star and developed this great little gem. The package includes the EVO drone, remote control w/3.5" OLED screen, AC adapter/charging cables, 2 short control-to-device USB cables, quick guide, safety instructions, packing list, 2 spare sets of propellers (front and rear), re-attachable gimbal/camera cover, and a 32GB microSD card (already in the drone slot).
DISCLAIMERS:
1) This is my first drone; however not my first remote controlled craft. I have had numerous RC cars in the past.
2) I ONLY used the configuration with the control and a Samsung Note 9 attached. I did NOT use the drone with the controller by itself.
3) I have flown the drone on 4 flights, all at 400' or lower. The 4th flight I have posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/JXKZZYmZUfM
PROS:
-----------
* Extremely easy to operate. I enjoy having 2 screens since my phone (Note 9) screen is bigger than the controller anyway.
* You can abandon regular mode and go to "Ludicrous" mode, which allows the craft to go 45mph. Yes, I did obtain the 45mph speed according to my controls. This was the most fun mode to play in; however the battery dies much quicker.
* 4K@60fps is incredibly good. You can also pick from lesser resolutions down to 720p and higher frame rates. Picture quality is fantastic. I only used "auto" camera/video settings as I did not want to get too involved in that aspect of the system. The "auto" mode worked great for me as it probably will for most people.
* GPS locks on well to a given position. If you release all controls, it hovers in its current spot flawlessly.
* Drone folds up easily and nicely into a compact package.
* Drone is very solidly built with extremely durable plastic parts. It does not feel flimsy or cheap and the arms stay in place well when extended.
* Object avoidance works great - almost too good, as I wanted to get closer to objects but could only do so by going into ludicrous mode (which turns off sensors) or by manually turning off sensors.
* Customer support via chat was great. I had to chat in a couple of times, and I got a live person immediately (no bots).
* Easy takeoff and landing button. From anywhere if you want to bring it home and land immediately, just hold down the button, and the drone does the rest. It literally lands inches from where you take off.
* Pictures can be taken while video is rolling - however, taking a picture while the drone is moving may result in a more fuzzy picture as it happened with me a few times.
* There are 3 different controller modes you can setup.. with the 2 sticks having different built-in functions. Pick the mode that's best for you.
* The charging adapter allows for charging the drone and the controller at the same time. The charging cable for the controller is microUSB while the battery must be taken off the drone to be charged (after it has cooled off from flight) - and it's a proprietary connection.
CONS:
-----------
* Battery life should NOT be stated as 30 minutes. I did not, nor have I read anywhere, where a person got a full 30 minutes of fly time. I generally got between 20-25 minutes. Another battery would be great to have with limited flight time of the single battery.
* I tried the "follow me" mode and had some trouble with the drone staying up with me on a bright yellow 4-wheeler and no obstacles between myself and the drone. Walking had no issues with this mode... as long as tree limbs did not block you while tracking. Once the drone loses you, it stops and hovers.
* With a giant 4K picture, I would hope for an OPTICAL zoom instead of a digital zoom or a combination of both. This drone does not have an optical zoom so it only digitally zooms and thus causes eventual pixellation.
* As with any device, companies need to upgrade to USB-C connections instead of microUSB. The controller uses a microUSB to connect to the 2nd device and to charge with. Being a high-end device as this, I would REALLY hope for a USB-C connection... the microUSB cable connection is a nuisance especially with hard-to-reach ports such as this (with the attached flap).
* The 2 programmable buttons on the bottom of the remote can be depressed accidentally quite often, so don't make them do anything that would cause your drone to do something potentially hazardous to someone/something while flying.
* Range was good; however video on my phone would get weak sometimes even with drone not being too far off. I adjusted antennas but at that same distance still had some come/go issues. If you fly in hilly areas, this may be a problem.
* 2 device-to-controller cables (microUSB-to-microUSB and microUSB-to-USB-C) are provided but no microUSB-to-Apple connection cable. This may be due to proprietary reasons Apple would not allow (basically Android-to-Apple). I'm quite certain they probably thought of this.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* 32GB memory card does not come with an adapter. You will have to provide USB or SD adapter to read with PC.
* The drone separated my extended video (4K@30fps) into 4m:48s segments, each of which were 3.35GB, and in H.264/mp4 format. You'll need a video editor to connect them back together.
* I did not test the circling or tripod options.
* The drone does NOT record audio - only video.
* My EVO came with NEWER firmware than what was even posted on the Autel website. Not sure how or why that is, but I did not downgrade.
CONCLUSION:
==============
If you're a newbie to drone flying as I was, this drone is a great option. The price point is steep, but based on what I have read about this drone and other drones, pricing isn't bad. For me, the easibility of the controls was a huge plus. For a new drone flyer who is flying just for fun or to take simple aerial pictures, I would definitely recommend this drone. Again, you can view my 4th sample flight on YouTube - https://youtu.be/JXKZZYmZUfM
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+12points
15of 18voted this as helpful.
 
Add the ultimate complement to your gaming rig with this Fnatic Streak gaming keyboard. It's designed for e-sports professionals, and the responsive board consists of Cherry Red mechanical switches with full RGB LEDs behind for the ultimate look. The anodized aluminum bead blasted top keeps this Fnatic Streak gaming keyboard working seamlessly through heavy gaming sessions.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Impressive Gaming Keyboard
on August 29, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
FNATIC's new STREAK full-size keyboard is a gamer's dream. It uses CHERRY MX switches for its keys. The STREAK keyboard package comes with the keyboard, sticker sheet, palm rest, and user guide. Keyboard comes with a manufacture's 2-yr warranty.

PROS:
-----------
* Very cool-looking. It has a near infinite number of light variations which can be controlled by the downloadable software via the FNATIC website. That's the first thing you notice about the keyboard when powered up.
* Extremely comfortable palm rest made of PU (Poly) synthetic leather. Great perforated look too. It's magnetic, connects to the bottom/base, and can be moved forwards/backward for the perfect palm "fit".
* Every key is programmable via the software. Whatever you need any key or function to do, you can pretty much do it.
* Extremely great response time. There is absolutely NO noticeable lag in keystrokes to screen.
* Keyboard has an extra USB port for other devices or charging, located north of the #4 key (see picture).
* Keyboard has an incredible feel of durability to it. I think the chassis is aluminum-based. It just feels solid. Not flimsy at all.
* Easy-to-use Volume wheel on upper-right of keyboard. No searching for volume up/down buttons. Feel the wheel - much easier.
* Lightweight yet it doesn't move easily. Rubber feet keep it still.
CONS:
-----------
* Keys are quite loud when pressed. Not really a clicking noise from the key itself, but when the key strikes the bottom of the plate and when it hits the top after completely released. There is no sound in between. But if playing with headphones/mic, you likely won't hear much of it... but those around you will.
* Palm rest has a tendency to come off easily if you need to pick up the keyboard and move it. It doesn't fold under completely... if it rotates too far, it just comes off. If you don't move your keyboard much, it won't be a problem.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
------------------------------------
* The Cherry MX switches are a bit loud but incredibly easy to press, sometimes by accident. That can be good and bad, depending on what you're doing. It's something that you have to get used to as it is does not have the feel of a traditional keyboard by Logitech or HP for example.
* Keyboard cord has a split USB connection. One USB is used to power the keyboard for use. The other USB connector is used to power up the spare USB port on the keyboard itself if needed. If you want to charge or use another device with that port, this split part of the USB keyboard cord must also be plugged up to your PC. Obviously, if used, your (gaming) mouse can be plugged into this port so it doesn't have to be plugged into your PC directly.
* The keyboard has a "competition" mode, but I tend to gravitate towards my own configuration as it changes some settings when in that mode.
* Keyboard comes with a "Signature Plate" which is a magnetic plate that light passes thru and shows your gamer name (or any name) that you want on the front of your keyboard. According to the FNATIC website, these customizable plates will be available at a later date. It's unclear if there will be a charge for these plates. The given plate just has "FNATIC" on it with their logo. At this price point, they should offer each customer 1 free customizable plate.
* The keyboard cable is quite thick coming out of the back of the keyboard. It basically has 2 cables running inside it though.
* The keyboard has one leg-height for its feet to prop it up and they aren't very tall. But it didn't need much elevation to be comfortable though.
CONCLUSION:
=====================
This is a great gaming keyboard. After a few hours of playing Fortnite on this keyboard (and also with the FNATIC FLICK 2 mouse), I had absolutely no issues moving around in the game with great accuracy. The only thing that took some getting used to, was the ease of depressing the keys. They are almost too easy to press. I did not play in "competition" mode and it felt fine. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with this keyboard and would recommend over any basic keyboard. I cannot, however, state how it compares to other MX switch keyboards as I have not used others (brown, blue, black, etc) in the past.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Get in the game and keep up with each punt or pitch with this Fnatic Flick2 Pro e-sports gaming mouse. Cross-compatibility with PC and Mac provides versatile use across all your gaming platforms, with onboard dpi/cpi profiles for adjustable sensitivity. Textured rubber side grips on this Fnatic Flick2 Pro e-sports gaming mouse keep it firmly in hand during high-octane play.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Perhaps the Best Gaming Mouse
on August 29, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
FNATIC's new FLICK-2 mouse is all that and more... as far as mice go. It's not a super technical piece of equipment like a TV or computer but it's still necessary in the gaming world if you want to do well. The FLICK-2 mouse package comes with the mouse, sticker sheet, and user guide.

PROS:
-----------
* Very accurate movement with up to 1000x scanning
* Buttons are easy to press
* Locations and ease-of-use for side buttons are in a good position.
* Rubber side grips allow for good control
* Software is downloadable on the FNATIC website which further helps with mouse configuration
* Nice look with the black and yellow design. Huge mouse feet platform on bottom help keep movements smooth.
CONS:
-----------
* Wheel is more rigid than I'm used to, but maybe that will loosen over time
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-------------------------
* Buttons are definitely more rigid but also more durable than traditional mice (ie. like from Logitech or HP)
CONCLUSION:
=====================
This is as solid of a mouse as I have ever used. Best of all is its accuracy and feel of durability. While playing, I had no issues when moving around or if I had to lift up the mouse, it didn't mess up what I was doing (mostly playing Fortnite). Overall, great for gaming. Unless you slam it to the ground on purpose, it should last for a long time. Mouse comes with a 2-year warranty from FNATIC. Definitely a good product if you're looking for a great gaming mouse.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Match 4K movies and games with high-definition audio by using this 5.2-channel Onkyo A/V receiver. Its Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding produces dynamic sound details, and its AccuEQ room calibration system optimizes the surround sound settings for your speakers. This versatile Onkyo A/V receiver supports various audio sources with its HDMI inputs, analog connectors and Bluetooth connectivity. 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.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Nice Receiver
on July 12, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Verified Purchase:Yes
This was my first Onkyo receiver. It is replacing a nice Pioneer that just didn't provide ARC capability which I now need to have due to wiring limitations with a new smart TV I acquired. Since this receiver was not purchased for our main TV-watching area in the basement, this one was perfect for our budget and upstairs family room. It doesn't have A/B speaker configuration but we were able to deal with that. We utilize the 5.1 system this Onkyo provides for this small area and it provides plenty of power to fill up the house with sound. The subwoofer thumps as well. No complaints. Setup was easy, and I have heard nothing but good things about Onkyo in general. Lot of bang for the buck for this model if you don't need all the bells and whistles of a true theater surround system. Bluetooth connectivity is also available but distance was more limited than most other devices I have used. This receiver was limited to around 15' range until a brand new Samsung device started cutting out audio. That Samsung device had no issues in connecting to other BT speakers at least 40-ft away. Not a huge deal in our case but an observation. Great job, Onkyo.
My Best Buy number: 0203796632
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
6of 9voted this as helpful.
 
Enhance game play with this HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset. Leather-textured memory foam ear cushions ensure your gaming sessions are comfortable no matter how long they last. This HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset also has a detachable microphone, which lets you talk when you want and disconnect when you don't.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great comfortable headset
on July 12, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased for my 15-yr old son, and he stated that this headset is extremely comfortable and has good feedback with the detachable mic. He uses with PS4 but the optional cable does provide PC connectivity.
The headset is "wired" however, it's wired to the PS4 controller which is wireless. So far, there hasn't been a huge degradation in battery life to the controller. Even then, the controller can still be hooked up to a charging cable while playing. We had no issues in setting up audio preferences in the PS4 settings menu. They're extremely good with noise-cancelling too as they cover the entire ear and provide immersive sound. They are no audiophile headphones, but they serve their purpose well. Lastly, the black/red design "looks cool". That's important too. right?
My Best Buy number: 0203796632
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Connect your home theater components to this Yamaha 7.2-channel AV-receiver to create a central operational hub. Two HDMI outputs let you connect a television and projector simultaneously, and support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay provides handy streaming options. Dolby Digital audio technologies deliver crisp, clear sound for a true home theater experience. With 4K Ultra HD HDMI support, this Yamaha 7.2-channel AV-receiver brings bold color and rich visuals to your screen.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Yamaha Serves Up Excellence Once Again
on June 28, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Yamaha has now released its newest of the RX-V receivers - the RX-V685, a 7.2 channel receiver. I am upgrading from a previous RX-V version - the V475. With the Yamaha RX-V685 includes an FM antenna wire, AM antenna, YPAO microphone, remote control with 2 AAA batteries, and quick setup guide. The power wire is permanently attached to the rear of the unit.
Rather than go over ALL the specs which you can already find on this BestBuy.com page, I'll try to give more observations of those specs instead.

PROS:
-----------
* Great sound, great options within the setup to get the exact sound you want on any input or function. Those settings can be saved so not to have to be changed each time the unit powers up or when changing scenes/inputs.
* Front LCD display can be dimmed for low-light viewing.
* Responsive and durable remote control. This design keeps liquids out of button crevices.
* Receiver has the ability to play music via cell phone using the Yamaha "MusicCast Controller". In addition, you can also change settings within the AV Controller app and setup the receiver via the AV Setup Guide app. Unfortunately, I am unable to utilize the MusicCast function currently.
* Receiver has 2 HDMI OUT ports which comes in handy when you want to have 2 TVs showing the same thing in separate areas of the home. There are many settings that can be used with this "Zone2" concept.. too many to list here. It extends past the old A/B speaker selection button.
* Receiver connects to your network via ethernet cable or wirelessly. I used ethernet for maximum throughput and performance. I switched to wifi briefly (to test) and had no connectivity issues.
* Receiver can play audio with built-in Spotify (see Con below for Spotify)/Pandora, via bluetooth, Apple Airplay, via USB storage, and via media servers (PC/NAS)
* Has a phonograph input (rare). I will be hooking my turntable up to the receiver at a later date.
* As with most receivers made today, it allows for HDMI ARC connection. If you don't have an optical output on the back of your TV, this will come in handy if you play movies from apps built into the smart TV.
* The AV Controller app is really good for seeing all the scenes, inputs, and surround sound modes without having to scroll through them all on the receiver itself. It has a great interface & includes most of the buttons on the remote itself.
CONS:
-----------
* Though the new remote control design keeps liquid out of what would otherwise be crevices around the buttons, it makes the buttons a little more difficult to press.
* Setup can be a bit tedious if you have a number of devices and speakers to setup and calibrate.
* I wish there was a way to change individual speaker volume levels via the front display only while watching TV. I have read the instructions and tinkered with it - and if you want to change any dB level of an individual speaker, the whole screen must change to settings in order to change them. On my previous Yamaha, I was able to have a small pop-up box on the TV screen (and front of receiver) that was semi-transparent where I could make changes while still being able to view what I was watching. You are, however, able to change the "tone" via the AV Controller app (bass & treble levels) but not individual speakers without bringing up the full-screen menu on the TV.
* You can only listen to Spotify via the receiver if you are a premium Spotify member. If you are a free Spotify member, the only way you can listen to Spotify is via "Bluetooth" input connection (using Spotify on the other device). I could never get Spotify to play until I went to BT input... and on the Yamaha AV Controller app, it stated (while in BT mode) that that option was only available to premium Spotify subscribers. I did not see this information in the owners manual.
* When Pandora is running (and possibly Spotify if you are premium), you can run without the TV being powered up; however, if your TV is on, the receiver shows the album art, artist, album, and song name in the middle of the screen while the time is in the upper-right of the screen under a permanent "Pandora" logo. My complaint here is that a screensaver mode is never triggered nor could I find any settings for a screensaver when listening to Net Radio. I believe many TVs are now being created to avoid screen "burn-in" images but I still would like for there not to be a static image on my TV for long periods of time. A screensaver when listening to music would be nice here so possible screen damage does not occur regardless.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* The remote is long and heavy compared to earlier models Yamaha has made. It can be used as a night stick if necessary.
* There is no printed user manual. You will have to download it here in .pdf format: https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/3/1161703/web_AV17-0164_RX-V685_om_UCRABGLFH_En_A0.pdf That is the only way to read about the hundreds of features of this product as not everything is obvious in the menus or in the Quick Setup Guide which is provided.
* Setup can be a bit tedious if you have a number of devices to setup and calibrate. If you just want basic functions and sound, you may want to opt for a lesser Yamaha model as this one could be a little cumbersome for a non-tech person.
* Firmware update out-of-the-box was simple. The process was automatic and took about 20 minutes to complete.
* Having stated the individual speaker setting issues, I did use the YPAO mic to initially setup the unit according to the users manual. It miscalculated the distance of the sub the 1st time. I re-ran YPAO setup, and it calculated better. I still made some small tweaks here and there for my listening preference but it was a decent baseline t ostart from. In the end, most of the YPAO settings ended up being changed.
CONCLUSION:
===========
Most people who like to have external speakers as opposed to a speaker bar will be quite impressed with the RX-V685. It has more options than most people will know what to do with. If you're an audiophile, you won't go wrong with this unit at all. It has plenty of power at 630W to feed all your speakers and create plenty of sound. The pros outweigh the cons by quite a bit. In addition, you the the Yamaha quality which is usually much better than many of their competitors. Great job, Yamaha.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+60points
71of 82voted this as helpful.
 
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Toshiba Hits a Triple... lacks some basic needs
on June 14, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Toshiba is not currently a huge player in the TV market, but they have done a pretty good job with this TV... but not with some shortcomings. Lack of features that a basic user would want need to be added, even at this price point. The package comes with the TV, 2 detachable legs, Fire TV remote marketed for this setup, 2 AAA batteries, power cable, and user instructions.
Rather than go over ALL the specs which you can already find on this Bestbuy.com page, I'll try to give more observations of those specs instead. In addition, my pictures show the positioning of how the ports on the back of the TV are laid out.

PROS:
-----------
* Initial setup was simple and user-friendly. The TV automatically updates itself once connected to your network.
* Extremely great picture for this price point. At $400, one of the best I've seen for a 50" TV. Watching HDR via Netflix premiere package looks phenomenal. I watched "Thor Ragnarok" and "Guardians of the Galaxy V2" and picture clarity was stunning.
* With access to hundreds of apps in the Play Store, this makes for a great Smart TV option having Fire TV built-in; however, see "CONS" #4 below for possible setback.
* Responsive remote, buttons solid, don't have to be aimed at TV (works via BT).
* With lack of good sound via TV speakers, they can be turned off so that a sound bar or audio system can be used. It's a huge plus that both optical audio and headphone (analog) jack are available. If optical audio port is used, the speaker control (+/- button) on the Toshiba remote cannot be used; however if the headphone jack is used instead, you can use the TV speaker controls in addition to your other external speaker/system volume.
* The TV uses a standard detachable TV cord instead of having a block/transformer combo (like most laptops have).
* The TV includes both wi-fi and ethernet connection availability. You should generally use wired whenever possible as wi-fi antennas can degraded over time.
CONS:
-----------
* There is NO TV support via phone call (only phone support for their PC computers is available). Upon calling their customer support line, this was stated on the recording, and they said for support you can go to http://go.toshiba.com/tv That is NOT a preferred option for most people. The website had a knowledge base and some general support topics.
* There is NO regular TV remote control (with numbers, input, settings). All settings and input controls are done via the Fire TV remote in the Settings menu from the Home page. You can use voice...but suppose you are in bed with someone that is sleeping and you want to change the channel (via antenna TV), there is no convenient way to do so without speaking and possibly waking up the other person. Was it not possible to create a full but simple regular TV remote with the Fire TV functions included?
* After the TV is setup with your Amazon account, it goes to the Fire TV home page. However, if you go to HDMI 1 or 2 and decide to use another device or watch TV via cable provider...and THEN power off the TV, the next time you power on, it won't start where it left off. It will start you out on Fire TV regardless (not on HDMI 1 or 2). So if you have a cable box hooked up and use that function more than anything, you'll have to change to the HDMI input each time you power up the TV. There is no option that will keep your current input as the input used on a power off/on sequence. Toshiba should offer a firmware update to add this option. This is a big problem IMO.
* Though many apps are available in the Play Store, this TV only has slightly over 4GB of internal storage. That is not good. However, the TV does have a USB port which can be used for External Storage options. I had a spare 32GB thumb drive which I plugged in... the TV asked to format the drive, so I did... and it does work as extra space. But a possible problem you now have is the fact that you can't use your USB drive for an optional power source for other USB devices if those should be used. It's workable, but having more internal memory would have been a better option.
* TV offers Composite (Y/WR) input but no Component (GBR/WR) input (or combo of the two which some TVs have).
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
------------------------------------
* This TV appears to be more for the cord cutters out there as using HDMI or other inputs regularly could be a slight nuisance each time you power on the TV.
* Onkyo 10W speakers offer as good a sound as most other TVs if you decide not to use a sound bar or audio system. It's not great, but definitely doable. Great sound from a base TV speaker system is rarely expected.
* The edge of the TV is black plastic that doesn't offer a lot of visual appeal. This is minor as the main focus should be on the picture which is very good.
* Because it has legs on each end instead of having a center stand, the TV cannot swivel and has to remain stationary.
* TV is a bit thick (depth) so mounting may be a bit tedious. It's not very light to be mounted either at ~30 lbs.
* TV is BT-capable but only connects to other Amazon Fire TV remotes, Fire TV game controllers, and other BT devices such as "other" remotes, keyboards, and mice. I was unable to pair up my phone (Samsung Note 8) with the TV in any way for Casting or other functions.
* TV has the ability to connect with Alexa and be connected via Amazon Echo. I don't have an Echo so was unable to try this feature.
* In addition to this TV taking updates, the remote also has to take updates. But you will only know if your remote needs to be updated if you go into the Fire TV settings and check where it states the version remote that you have. It will state there if it's up-to-date or if it needs updating. The process takes about a minute or two to update.
CONCLUSION:
=================
Though this is a TV with Fire TV built-in, a "regular" TV remote setup would be a great addition to the device. That's what most people are accustomed to. I'm not sure why a bigger remote with the same functions and number pad, etc couldn't have been designed for this unit. That's my biggest complaint along with the last-used input not being active after the TV is powered OFF/ON. Toshiba - can this be corrected with a simple Firmware update? If users can get around some of the inconveniences of the TV, the end result isn't very bad. Some of these flaws can be expected at this price, but given the price point, it's still a good buy. A few minor changes would make this an exceptional product.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+324points
346of 368voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy an authentic sound with these Sony 1AM2 headphones. Their 40mm HD drivers provide clear, precise sound across all frequencies, and their separate left and right channels reduce crosstalk for balanced audio. These Sony 1AM2 headphones are lightweight, with pressure-relieving cushioned earpads for comfortable all-day wear.
 
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  • My Best Buy® Elite Member
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Incredible headphones ... 1 minor flaw
on May 31, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
The Sony 1AM2 wired headphones are a great addition to the already-great selection of headphones Sony has to offer. These headphones, however, rival some of the big other big names out there but for a fraction of the price. The packaged box comes with the 1AM2 headphones, soft carrying case/bag, 2 detachable audio cables & warranty papers.

PROS:
-----------
* Incredible sound. The highs and lows of the sound spectrum are distinct.
* Pressure-relieving earpads provide a ton of comfort - feels like memory foam around your ears and they are not too tight.
* Very lightweight - after a while, you barely know they are there.
* Nice low-profile look on the side of your head...they don't stick out like bigger ear pieces.
* Ability to take phone calls if hooked up to your cell phone.
* Swivel design allows you to pack them in flatter areas without damaging.
* Headphone size adjustments on each side are of good construction/quality and feel solid.
* The bag that the headphones can be stored in are not of a felt-type material, but a material more like polyester cloth so the headphones slide into the bag easier and are actually better protected. More of a rigid feel than floppy... and more durable.
CONS:
-----------
* Phone call audio quality was well below subpar. I was wired to a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and it was nowhere near HD quality as it was without using the headphones. I also tried the headphones on another phone/device and the phone audio quality was the same. Seems to be a defect or flaw with the headphones. When using another pair of Sony BT headphones I own with the same phones, they worked great, including audio... so the issue appears to be with this 1AM2 pair of headphones. Perhaps I got a bad pair? Not sure.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* Cord length is ~4 feet and is acceptable for most purposes. There are times when a bit longer cord would be nice to have.
* Included in the box is a balanced-connection headphone cable (also ~4 feet long). I am unable to use this connection for added audio clarity. Based on what I have read, this type of cable will allow for an even more enhance listening experience.
CONCLUSION:
===================
Overall, Sony did an outstanding job with these headphones, both in style, performance, weight, storage, and price point. The only gripe is the call quality if connected to a cell phone. Being a wired device, I feel that that feature should have been as great as the rest of the product. Still, a great product, Sony.
My Best Buy number: 0203796632
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+15points
17of 19voted this as helpful.
 
Complete your HT-Z9F surround system with this Sony rear speaker. Place it on a stand or shelf, or mount it to your wall for unobtrusive performance, and connect to other components wirelessly to keep unsightly cables out of your space. This Sony rear speaker's S-Master amp outputs 50W for powerful rear audio.
 
  • Top 50 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Elite Member
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
They work great - as long as your sound bar does
on May 22, 2018
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
The Sony SA-Z9R rear speakers are a must-have *ONLY* if you purchase the Sony sound bar HT-Z9F *IF* you watch a lot of movies. Added rear sounds are about all that is gained here, but that can make the difference in listening to your movie or being entrenched in your movie. The package comes with the 2 speakers and paperwork.

PROS:
-----------
* Simplistic, small, and looks good.
* Plug in power, and that's all. Speakers connect to Z9F sound bar seamlessly.
* They give the rear surround sound to the Z9F sound bar and they sound great. There is no real bass as this is only secondary sound for watching movies.
* Mountable, though no mounting hardware is provided.
CONS:
-----------
* Pretty expensive considering they only work with the Sony HT-Z9F sound bar. If the sound bar stops working, you're stuck with two ($150x2) paper weights.
* Each speaker is powered by a normal sized power cord (think about a lamp or a TV power cord). For rear speakers, if you use stands or need to use the carpet/baseboard for concealing wires, it would be better to have a much skinnier wire AND LONGER wire. The given AC cords are about 5-6' long. If these are mounted high or set on a tall shelf, the cord (after routing) may not reach the AC outlet without the aid of an extension cord. Thinner & longer cords would help quite a bit.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------
* Unlike its sound bar brother, the front grills are not removable.
CONCLUSION:
=====================
Saying this product is a "must-have" is only partially accurate. However, if you have the HT-Z9F sound bar and you would like a much better surround sound, then yes, you must have these speakers - because they are your *only* option. Having said that, if there were other rear speakers that were $150 total and could connect, I'd likely go with those since these only provide surround sound (which nearly any low-power speaker can do). IMO, including these 2 speakers with the HT-Z9F sound bar package (and price) would be a better idea, especially since that's the only product it will work with.
My Best Buy number: 0203796632
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+22points
27of 32voted this as helpful.
 
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Immerse yourself in the future of gaming with Soundslayer Gaming Speaker, featuring the Dolby Atmos soundbar. SoundSlayer with Dolby Atmos puts you in the middle of the action by placing crystalline sound all around you with three-dimensional precision even overhead and behind you bringing you all the way into the story and fostering a deeper connection to your gaming, video and audio experience. Compatible with 4k Pass Through, the SoundSlayer Gaming Speaker lets you enjoy high-definition 4K content with no loss in image quality, as video source passes through the system to your PC or TV. This compact, yet powerful speaker brings gaming into the future for unprecedented level of intensity, tension, and connection.
 

how does it sound with music on a computer?

Sound is good for gaming mainly. If you have bass sounds in a game, they sound very good. But if you're looking for bass sounds in music using this speaker, you'll probably want to go with a speaker system with a dedicated sub.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
BADog
 
Keep your patios and entryways looking great with this Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit. The lightweight construction makes cleaning tasks easier, while the long-lasting battery lets you get through extensive jobs before having to recharge. This Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit blows up to 85 mph to get solid results fast.
 

How long does this run after a charge?

I got around 14 minutes on a full charge. Hoover claims 16 minutes but I was unable to get that multiple times. If you get the 3Ah battery, time will be more, but I'm not sure how much more since that battery was not included in the box.
4 years, 4 months ago
by
BADog
 
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
 

How long does the cobra dash cam hold the footage does it erase it over how can you look back a week to see the footage

it keeps the footage until it starts looping and writes over it. That is, unless the file is protected by manually hitting the blue button on the back of the unit OR if a video is triggered due to GPS event (car is hit). It will also depend on how big of a microSD card you use and how much time is used driving. Many factors.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
BADog
 
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
 

What is iRadar? How does it work

iRadar is just an app you put on your phone that works with this Cobra dashcam. Without the iRadar app running on your smartphone and bluetoothed to your unit, you won't get GPS data. So you have to turn on the app each time you drive if you want GPS data embedded on your videos. And even then, your MPH won't be on the video itself - it's only seen with the HD Dash Cam program you download from the Cobra website. I have a couple of screenshots on my review with GPS data and without GPS data.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
BADog
 
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
 

What hard wire kit can be used?

Yes
4 years, 8 months ago
by
BADog
 
Enjoy a theater-like experience in the comfort of your home with this 370W Samsung soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality offers hands-free voice control with select devices for an easy intuitive user experience, while dual HDMI ports connect multimedia equipment. This Samsung soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer that adds rich bass for immersive audio.
 

Will the new hw q80r shut off like the hw n850 after 5 min of paused movie.

Q80 should do everything the N850 did. Based on specs and my experience with the two, the changes from last year to this year are a name change and a couple of cosmetic changes (dark gray to black chasis, smaller Harmon Kardon label on top of bar, circular fabric over the subwoofer driver instead of cloth covering the entire side). Oh, and they now offer 1 more wifi audio service in addition to Tune-in. They offer Deezer too. Still no Pandora or Spotify via the Smartthings app unfortunately.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
BADog
 
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
 

Does it have bluetooth capability?

Yes, but only to Fire TV remotes, Fire TV game controllers, keyboards, and mice (based on the pairing menu options). I posted something about that in my review of the product if you want to take a look.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
BADog
 
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
 

Hi, is this product releases on April 29 for both online store and physical store? If so, can I buy it in physical stores of any state? Thx

You can if they have it of course. Just call them up and give them the SKU and they can easily check inventory.
6 years ago
by
BADog
 
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
 

Will the lid hinge rest/scratch upon the surface when opening it?

It just opens/closes with no latch mechanism. It rests flat against the base but I don't see how it would scratch it.
6 years ago
by
BADog
 
Cut The Cord with AirTV Player. Stream movies, TV, music and other content using a wide range of apps, including Netflix, SlingTV, Google Play and many more from the Google Play Store all with AirTV Player. AirTV’s streaming platform integrates local over-the-air (OTA) programming with your streaming services. The AirTV Adapter and an OTA antenna provide local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, without a monthly cable bill.
 

Will this device act as a DVR? If not is there other devices that offer DVR option?

It will have DVR capabilities VERY SOON for OTA content... see my review for details
6 years, 2 months ago
by
BADog