BillFromKC's stats
- Review count191
- Helpfulness votes763
- First reviewJune 27, 2012
- Last reviewMarch 13, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count8
- Helpfulness votes10
- First review commentAugust 27, 2015
- Last review commentFebruary 19, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- Answer count68
- Helpfulness votes38
- First answerJanuary 9, 2014
- Last answerNovember 5, 2021
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- Best answers9
Provides power to a TV or other electronic devices and conceals wiring for a neat space with this ETL-listed Metra power relocation kit without a need for an electrician. The 3 meter fish tape lets you pull wires through conduits, while the two wall ports provide an opening for running your cables through a barrier from one point to another. This universal Metra power relocation kit features a hole saw with T-handle and power cables for simple installation.
Customer Rating
5
Easy to install and makes ugly cables disappear
on May 21, 2023
Posted by: BillFromKC
Super easy to install with or without a drill. I do recommend using a stud finder, however, as you'll need to make sure that 1 - there is no fire stop in the wall, and 2 - you'll be running the in-wall power cable in the same cavity between studs. If both of these are not a problem, the install is very straightforward.
I used the included t-handle with the hole saw included in the package, which didn't take much effort to get through the wall. Once both holes were cut, I used the included fiche tape to pull the plug end from the upper hole to the lower hole. I used the included retainers to hold both plugs in place, top and bottom, and they're not going anywhere; you can also use a plastic adhesive if you want reinforced joints between the retainer clips and the plugs.
Mounting the plug plates was really straightforward - I used a handheld screwdriver as not to damage the plastics. Then just run the extension cord from the plug you installed to an outlet (or get a nice 14 gauge grounded extension cord with a right-angle plug so whatever furniture under your tv can sit as close to the wall as possible).
Added bonus - the wall plates have pass-through holes for whatever cabling you'd like to run up to your TV. Thinner HDMI cables and network cords work better for this feature, however.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Master your flow with the MX Keys S Combo Wireless Mouse and Keyboard — the ultimate combo that combines the power of the fluid, fast precision typing of MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard with the precise, fast scrolling experience of MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse.
Customer Rating
5
Solid keyboard and mouse for Logitech fans.
on May 17, 2023
Posted by: BillFromKC
Are you a fan of both the Logitech MX Keys keyboards and Logitech's ergo mice? Well, this might be the deal for you. The MX Keys S Combo is made up of the MX Keys S keyboard and MX Master 3S mouse. Both are stellar devices if they're what you're into for keyboard and mouse design.
The MX Keys S keyboard is the same MX Keys keyboard you know and love, but updated with Logi Bolt support instead of Logi Unifying support. This means if you're invested into the Logi Unifying ecosystem, you'll be adding another dongle to use this keyboard and mouse. The advantage of the new technology is lower latency connectivity - you hit a key and letters appear sooner. Charges via USB-C and, if it's as good as the older MX Keys devices, you'll get at least two months of battery life out of the keyboard between charges.
The MX Master 3S mouse is the same way - it's nearly identical to the previous MX Master mice, but with Bolt technology instead of Unifying technology. This allows for not only faster response, but for a more sensitive sensor. The scroll wheel technology makes it really smooth and able to support really fast scrolling. There's also a side scroll allowing for horizontal scrolling. Logitech claims a 40 day battery life and I think they're underselling it - I've been using it for the last week and I'm at 90% battery life left. It also charges with USB-C.
The only real drawback is the included wrist rest - it's kinda underwhelming, but does make the keyboard a little easier to use. I'm not a fan of the silicone-like material it's made of.
The Logi Options+ software can be a little overwhelming for first-time users as it allows for mastic customization of what the keyboard and mouse do. Once you learn this software, however, you'll wonder why you didn't use Logitech keyboards and mice before.
All in all, a solid desktop combination.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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JVC Marshmallow true wireless inner ear headphones with memory foam ear tips for a custom secure fit. Includes Low Latency mode for gaming and watching videos. Bluetooth version 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection and enjoy up to 26 hours of total use with included rechargeable charging case that includes USB-C charging. Three sound modes and independent Left/Right single-ear use. Auto-pairing and auto on/off. Touch controls for music or phone calls. Sweat and splash-proof IPX4 rated, ideal for sports and fitness. Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility.
Customer Rating
4
Decent but lacking some features at this price
on May 3, 2023
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - These are decent cheap earbuds for everyday use as long as you're not a bass head. The low-latency part is okay for watching videos but not good for gaming, at least on iPhone and Windows 11. Easy to use, good battery life, and all-day comfortable. No JVC app support for changing EQ modes easily. Thankfully, they use USB-C for the case charge port.
The package comes apart like you'd expect and you'll find the ear buds in their case, a short USB-C cable, a packet of ear bud tips, and instruction/warranty inserts. Make sure you pull the little adhesive tabs off the earbuds themselves and charge them before your first use for at least 15 minutes, as they're not charged out of the box.
Pairing is simple - pull the earbuds out of their charge case and connect your phone or laptop. Keep in mind these are not multi-point audio devices and, as such, will only work with one device at a time.
Usage is also simple. You can use the touch sensors on the ear buds to play and stop music, answer calls, skip tracks, and change the EQ and latency settings. The EQ is adjusted by touching the left ear bud for a second or so and will change between "Normal", "Bass", and "Clear" modes. Low latency mode is enabled and disabled by tapping the right ear bud 4 times in rapid succession. Siri and Google Assistant can be accessed by tapping the left ear bud 4 times in rapid succession.
Audio quality is overall decent. The headphones support AAC audio over Bluetooth so Apple Music sounds good, as do videos from Netflix and YouTube being played back from both my iPhone and my Windows 11 laptop. There's no AptX or LDAC support here, so audio quality on Android may vary. As far as response goes, these ear buds are good for mids and some highs but lack low-end punch. You can tell the bass is there, but it doesn't feel as rich as in some other ear buds in this price range. It does have clarity with vocals and many instrumentals, which makes up for this.
My only real problem with these is they're not app-controllable. Plenty of other ear buds and headphones that don't cost nearly as much have apps to adjust their settings. Had these been app-controllable, I would have given them a 5-star score.
All in all, these are a good value if you can catch them on sale. They're all-day comfortable, easy to use, with terrific battery life between the buds and case. If you can live without app control and you're not wanting a ton of bass, these might be your new go-to ear buds.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience a balanced sound, with crisp, soaring teble and controlled, runbling bass. Built-in Dynamic Loudness adjusts the tonal balance of the sound, ensuring your music sounds brilliant at every volume, while Placement Compensation corrects for any nearby reflective surfaces that may affect the sound. Marshall has taken its signature rock 'n' rollhome speaker line-up and given it a stripped-back look that makes a loud statement. Its iconic design knocks all other speakers off the shelf. Generation III is ready for the future of Bluetooth technology and has been built to deliver next-generation Bluetooth features the moment they are available. Over 55 years of sound knowledge is combined with future-proof technology to completely immerse you in your music.
Customer Rating
5
little speaker got the beats
on May 3, 2023
Posted by: BillFromKC
When I see the Marshall name, I think crunchy distorted guitar and stacks of 4x12 speaker cabinets 4 units high and 25 or so units wide, blasting a Kirk Hammett, Jeff Hanneman, or Eddie Van Halen guitar solo to a stadium with 40,000+ that paid for seats they never used.
So imagine my surprise when I see they make Bluetooth speakers. They’re styled like miniature versions of their amps and speaker cabinets. While they’re surprisingly light for their size, they punch above their weight class.
The model I received is the Action III. It’s small - about 10 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and 6 inches tall with its feet. It requires mains power, so it’ll sit in your study, kitchen, or bedroom and probably not move. The most noticeable thing about the Action III is how solid the switchgear feels - a heavy toggle that feels like it came off an actual Marshall amp, buttons for playback controls and pairing that feel substantial, and knobs that feel like solid analog knobs (though they’re all rotary encoders with red LED indicators to show you volume, treble, and bass levels). Unboxing was easy enough, with molded cardboard around the speaker unit itself.
Pairing was straightforward on my iPhone. Once done, you’ll want to download the Marshall Bluetooth app - which, as an absolute win, does not require an email address to function. The app allows you to adjust treble and bass response, along with wall and shelf compensation.
Audio quality is remarkably good - solid treble and incredibly deep bass response for its size. It also gets very loud, though bass does distort at higher volumes - expected for the amplifier power (1x30 for the woofer and 2x15 for the tweeters). Everything I threw at it - NOFX’s “Don’t Count On Me”, TI and Rihanna’s “Live Your Life”, Mighty Mighty Bosstones’”Wonderful Day for a Race”, Avenge Sevenfold’s “Thick and Thin”, Yo-yo Ma’s rendition of Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suite, Pompeii’s rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”, and the Charles Mingus Band’s rendition of “Moanin’”. What was most surprising was clean the instruments sounded - you could hear hear the different parts of horn sections, guitars sounded like they should, and even a baritone sax “honk” sounded like the musician was in the room.
Only real negative? This speaker isn’t portable. But that’s okay because it wasn’t meant to be. Also, it could be considered pricy compared to other options but you won’t get this amount of quality sound in a package this small. And if it wasn’t for the control app not requiring an email to work, I would subtract a star for the lack of AirPlay, Chromecast, Sonos, or other wifi speaker tech.
It’s a solid value for a smaller listening space, no matter what genre of music you like. The lack of wifi audio doesn’t subtract enough from a quality aural and app experience to not give this 5 stars.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Swann - Home 8 Channel 4 Cameras Indoor/Outdoor 1080P 1TB DVR Security System with Analytics - White
The Swann SwannForce has crime-fighting features other security systems dream about. True Detect senses heat and motion-based to trigger red and blue flashing lights (Swann Patent) and bright spotlights to intimidate intruders and prevent crime. The activity also triggers reliable push notifications, with fewer false alarms, and video recordings. The SwannForce Cameras make it possible to see faces and license plates with 1080p Full HD video and powerful digital zoom to watch over entrances, yards, driveways, parking lots, storerooms and more. Know what’s happening at any hour, as the Cameras also display state-of-the-art Night2Day technology, providing full spectrum color night vision, to turn night into day. Mount the cameras inside or outdoors as their weatherproof design is built to withstand rain, snow and heat, all year round. Enjoy free local recording onto the massive 1TB hard drive with no fees ever and the option to backup video securely to your Dropbox account. One way audio allows you to hear what's happening and with the Swann Security app, you can even watch live or playback video on your smartphone from anywhere in the world. You can also speak to see via the Google Assistant or Alexa. The SwannForce Security System combines video surveillance and flashing lights to be an all in one crime prevention solution for any home or business. Enjoy Rich notifications with Swann's FREE Analytics Package which includes: Human, Vehicle, Sound, and Zone Defense Detection.
Customer Rating
4
Solid camera system but bad interface decision...
on April 3, 2023
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - solid performance, clear views, the app is easy to use, self-installation can be a pain if you're not comfortable with running wires through walls and applying caulk in order to seal things up, but the only real drawback is the on-device interface. It's an otherwise solid camera system with a bad UI.
Unboxing and setup:
You'll find this Swann Enforcer set comes with two boxes inside its retail packaging - one box for the cameras, cables, and camera power adapter, and one box for the DVR, its power supply, a mouse, a short network cable, and a single HDMI cable. The
First power-on and initial setup, for me, was a chore. I tried it with four different TV sets (a Sony XBR2, an Olevia 5 series, a Westinghouse 32" that can do 1080p input, and an Element that can do 1080p input). I followed that up by the VGA connection, and the XBR2 worked immediately. So for the initial setup, make sure you have access to a TV or monitor with VGA input as HDMI may not work for initial setup. (Swann not including a VGA cable here is a bad thing, even though the connector is about as old as it's gets.)
Placing the DVR does have a few considerations - you'll want a place where attic or basement access for cable runs isn't a big issue, you'll need at least two power outlets, and you'll need to be near an ethernet port for your internet connection as this doesn't do WiFi. While Swann suggests placing this near your router, that's not always possible so other options include a network extender with network port, a long ethernet cable that you can hide, or powerline networking. For my setup, I placed it near a network switch in a closet with the Westinghouse TV, mounted to the wall.
The software on the DVR itself has one major annoyance - no hardware keyboard support. I used several USB keyboards, both wired and wireless. Even my keyboard/touchpad combo gave me a touchpad but no keyboard. I don't know if this is a design feature or flaw, but hardware keyboards should be compatible. There also is no option to configure the DVR from another device connected to your network through a web interface, which is the other way setup could have gone faster.
After pointing and clicking my way though the software keyboard, I found the interface (mostly) pleasing. It can show up to 8 cameras at once, and you can use the mouse to click into and out of them. The picture is crystal clear 1080p, and the LED features on the cameras help to make dark rooms and areas visible. The field of view is also wide, and the Enforcer LEDs are a real attention-getter.
The included video/power connection wires are 60 feet long, which is more than enough in smaller houses and businesses. Cabling and connectors are the industry-standard BNC and barrel-jack pairing. Keep in mind this kit doesn't come with low-voltage cable clips so you'll need to supply your own.
Usage:
The interface on the DVR itself is very Windows 7/10 like, with a taskbar as the bottom that controls different camera views and gives you access to settings and recording/copying functions. The system keeps time updated over the internet, along with its software. If you need to do anything that involves typing, however, prepare to point and click all over again.
The iPhone app has a little bit of issue with auto-fill on signup, but works well as a camera viewer. It's also great about notifications when the cameras detect motion.
The cameras have both bright white and red/blue LEDs on them. You have the option to turn these on and off in both the phone app and the DVR interface itself.
Recording at night is great. I could see deer in my field about 200' from the cameras clearly.
Drawbacks:
The lack of hardware keyboard compatibility in the DVR interface is a bummer. Self-installation can be not fun. No integrated WiFi or compatible adapters are available. No using network cameras of any type - it only works with BNC-connected cameras. Power can be an issue with additional cameras, WiFi bridge, powerline networking, and a monitor. (a 6-plug surge strip with space for transformers should do nicely here.)
Verdict:
If you're willing to look past bad interface decisions, this is a winner.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Upgrade your current gaming rig with this iBUYPOWER Desktop. It’s 8GB of RAM and Intel i3-12100 processor lets you run multiple programs at once, and its Intel Arc A380 graphics card renders fast-paced action smoothly without screen tearing. This iBUYPOWER desktop also has a 500GB NVME solid state drive for a faster start up and data acesss.
Customer Rating
5
Solid low-end gaming machine
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - if you're looking for a low-end gaming rig with midrange power, the iBuyPower SlateHAKO MR fits the bill nicely. If you're looking for something you can upgrade down the line, the SlateHAKO uses commodity parts, unlike some major pre-built manufacturers, so you'll be able to drop in other motherboards and power supplies instead of needing to toss the whole system and start over when its upgrade time. If all you want to do is run Roblox or Minecraft, this system is actually complete overkill after a RAM upgrade. For some harder-to-run titles, you may hit settings you wouldn’t expect when you consider what that parts would cost individually.
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And now onto the rest of the review...
The iBuyPower SlateHAKO MR is an interesting beast to say the least. Out of the box, it does surprisingly well with some demanding gaming benchmarks when you consider the hardware - with Core i3 12100 4c/8t, 8GB single-channel RAM, and Intel Arc A380 6GB graphics. However, the real question is the cost for the performance you get and the included hardware. So let's get started...
Unboxing and first impressions:
First, the box this comes in is very large, and this is a good thing. When you get the box open, you'll notice that the computer itself is packed well with dense foam all around the corners. There isn't an internal foam fill inside the case, but with how light the video card is, it doesn't need one. You'll also find a box with the included keyboard, mouse, two SATA cables. and power cable.
The included peripherials are a mixed bag. I do like the mouse as it's weighted nicely and has a long, braided cord. The mouse also has a button that controls both the DPI mode and the RGB lighting; as nice as it would be, there is no software for controlling this. For as well-constructed as it is, however, you do have to be careful as a drop can break the mouse buttons. The keyboard, on the other hand, isn't very good at all. It's a mechanical-looking membrane unit with RGB lighting that you have no obvious control over, either with settings buttons or with software. The light pattern is a very fast rainbow flash that annoyed me after 15 minutes.
The build quality of the computer itself is a work of art, for the most part. I implore you to open the metal side panel on the rear side of the motherboard, as it is a masterclass of how to cable manage a non-modular power supply and all the RGB inside of the case. While off-brand, the claimed stats of that gold-rated power supply are terrific - 600 watts total power and all of it can come off the 12 volt rail, a very handy feature if you want to upgrade to a more power-hungry video card down the line. The real disappointment in here is a low-end aftermarket heat sink that makes all the noise when the computer is under load; for what this system costs, it should have at least came with a 120mm tower cooler.
The case is honestly one of the best I've poked around in, and I've built at least 100 computers for friends and family. For upgraders, there is room for two 360mm radiators (one on top, one in front). For those who want lots of storage, there are plenty of spaces for SATA SSDs and 3.5 inch drives. This case comes with four of iBuyPower's aRGB fans installed - 3 in front, 1 in the rear. The lighting for these fans is hidden inside of the motor hubs of the fans. As they are aRGB, the colors are completely adjustable.
The first thing that disappointed me, even before even powering the system, on was the single stick of memory installed. This was detrimental to performance; many games and benchmarks gained 4-10% in performance from upgrading this alone.
The motherboard is a Gigabyte B660-DS3H AC DDR4. This means you can use the less expensive and more commonly available DDR4 memory. It also has tons of room for expansion, with 2 M.2 NVMe SSD slots, front and rear USB 3.2 type A ports, a rear-mounted USB-C port, and intenal headers for more USB ports and a serial port. It also comes with 5 (mechanically) PCIe x16 slots, 3 of which support x1 speeds, 1 of which supports x4 speeds, and the 5th one supporting x16 speeds and already used by the graphics card. The only negative here is the on-board WiFi only supports 802.11ac (WiFi5) at speeds up to 433 mbps (which translates to around 220 mbps throughput).
Storage is nothing to write home about - it does use a Western Digital Blue 570 series PCIe 3.0 devices with read speeds around 3500 megabytes per second and write speeds I never saw break 2800 megabytes per second. While this is faster than many of the SSDs you'd get in major-brand prebuilts, a PCIe 4.0 device would have nearly doubled this performance.
The graphics card is the main attraction to this computer and why I got one - more as a curiousity, really. The Intel Arc A380 is not without some flaws, but I was honestly surprised on how well it works - many modern games ran at 1080p with medium settings and no ray-tracing without dropping below 60 fps, and even a few games surprised me with how well they ran at higher resolutions (Street Fighter V with low textures and high quality shadows ran 4k60, and Mortal Kombat 11 ran with low/medium settings at 4k/60.) Older titles also ran very well on this card; there wasn't a single Source engine game I couldn't run at 4k/60 with high settings, and the Half-Life 2: Lost Coast stress test had 68 fps at 4k with all the settings maxed out. I also ran the Superposition benchmark and got 22 fps before and 23.5 fps after upgrading from the stock RAM to dual-channel RAM at 4k. (This version of the Arc A380 card was manufactured by ASRock.)
Now here comes the value proposition for this system. You CAN build a very similar system with identical - or nearly identical in the case of the case and PSU - components for around $100 less. You do have to take into account the extra mile iBuyPower went with this in terms of assembly - with the exception of how they did the CPU cooler power cable, the cable management is amazing. It takes time to do presentation inside a computer case like this, I know - I've built several systems for friends over the years and what they thought would take half an hour would end up taking about 2 hours. You'll definitely be wanting to buy a second 8GB stick of DDR4-3200 memory and you may want to spring for a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive for more - and faster - performance.
The one other thing to consider here is "What is my upgrade path?" While I think DDR4-based Intel systems are just fine for the majority of users, especially when you consider the current cost of DDR5 RAM modules versus DDR4 RAM modules (as of this review, DDR4 was about 40% less expensive than DDR5 for the same amount of memory), DDR5 is the future. Either way, you'll be buying a stick of memory to go with this computer so you can run in dual-channel memory mode for the performance benefits that come with it.
Also, this is a system that you'll want to upgrade the storage on as 500GB isn't enough space for keeping larger titles downloaded, especially as games get larger. Considering there are two M.2 slots and space for 2 SATA SSDs and two 3.5 inch hard drives, you have plenty of upgrade options and iBuyPower included SATA cables and a NVMe screw for those upgrades.
All in all, I can recommend the iBuyPower SlakeHAKO MR for those getting into gaming and are willing to upgrade later on and for those who don't want to mess with building their own computer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4, Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True Wireless Earbuds with ACAA 3.0, Dual Dynamic Drivers, Hi-Res Audio, Heart Rate Sensor, CloudComfort Eartips, Spatial Audio, 28H Playtime
Customer Rating
5
Best earbuds for the money.
on October 17, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
You might think to yourself "Why would I get a pair of earbuds from a company known for their cables and battery packs?" I'm here to tell you that the Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds are easily the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can get for the money, period. Solid build quality and terrific battery life are both here, as is great (for Bluetooth) sound quality. The noise cancelling is good - they worked well enough to silence fan noises at work and nearly silenced a set of refrigeration compressors. Setup is also super simple - the earbuds paired with my iPhone with no issues.
The other great part of these earbuds is the app you use to control them. It's easy to switch not only between noise cancelling modes, but to pair other devices so you can be connected to two things at one time (my second device was an Android TV box that supports Bluetooth headphones). Going from watching something on Netflix to taking a phone call and back was seamless.
My only complaint? The packaging, while otherwise great, isn't completely intuitive as to where the box opens.
All in all, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are terrific.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Denon DHT-S517 premium soundbar takes your home entertainment up a notch with its left and right channel tweeters and midrange drivers, a dedicated center-channel driver, and two up-firing speakers, while the powerful wireless subwoofer delivers enhanced bass for your music, movies, and TV shows. Experience crystal clear dialogue and enveloping sound with Denon’s dialogue enhancer that lets you turn up the dialogue without having to adjust overall volume. Features a pure mode that eliminates surround processing and removes any adjusted characteristics associated with Movie, Music, or Night modes. Additionally, the DHT-S517 allows unlimited wireless music streaming at your fingertips via Bluetooth. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled smart device and directly stream your music to the soundbar. Enjoy a single-wire connection to your TV with included HDMI input and output with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) (Non-HDMI ARC TVs can connect via the digital optical input). All cables are included for a simplified setup.
Customer Rating
5
Solid soundbar for small to medium rooms.
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
Solid performance and easy setup, hallmarks of Denon equipment. You're given a few connection options beyond HDMI eARC/ARC audio - optical audio and analog 3.5mm inputs for older TVs and equipment, and Bluetooth connectivity for listening to music through your phone. Unlike some other soundbars, The Denon DHT-S517 treats each port as an individual input. You'll also not lose your HDMI port to this soundbar as it does passthrough.
Setup was simple. Place the soundbar, connect power and HDMI to your eARC or ARC HDMI port (Sony, TCL, and Hisense all use the 4th input port for this), place your subwoofer where you want it, power everything on. The subwoofer was already paired for me which made life easy.
Once everything is physically set up, use the remote included to set your input mode, sound mode, and dialog enhancer. On some TV sets, you may also need to go into your settings to configure your HDMI port to support ARC or eARC properly, along with the power and remote functions over HDMI (also called HDMI CEC). After it's set up, you'll only need to touch your Denon remote to change input modes should you want to listen to music through your phone.
So how's the sound quality? Considering the soundbar's size, it's pretty good. The subwoofer definitely helps with the low end. The Dolby Atmos decoding was there in a smaller room but seemed to be swallowed up by my living room as I moved away from the soundbar, due to the room size; the sweet spot for Atmos seemed like 5 to 9 feet from the soundbar. Playback through Bluetooth from your phone may not sound as good as your earbuds do, as this soundbar doesn't support AAC or "lossless" headphone CODECs, which is a little disappointing but expected. For small to medium rooms, it's a good choice.
Overall, I was pleased with the setup and overall quality of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar. The analog and optical inputs were pleasant surprises, leaving connectivity for Dolby audio from older gaming systems and analog input for a DAC for my phone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With the Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System, you can tackle all your essential food prep tasks in no time. Its 750-peak-watt power-dense motor lets you power through tough ingredients, evenly mix cookie dough, and blend drinks or soups. Simply connect the PowerBase with one of two attachments to transform it into whatever you need it to be. Mix, whisk, and blend—all in one.
Customer Rating
5
Nice immersion blender with bonus mixer mode
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
This works great as both a mixer and an immersion blender. I felt like the motor had no problem whipping up a batch of meringue cookies and making whipped cream, with the mixer having 5 speeds and the immersion blender having two (thanks to a turbo button). Changing out tools is super simple and the immersion attachment is completely dishwasher safe. It also comes with a jar for use with the immersion blender attachment and the mixer attachment has both a pair of beaters and a whisk.
Everything is packaged well. Setup is super-easy and very intuitive, with release buttons on the tools for switching things out. Usage of the unit in either mode is intuitive as well; the immersion blender mode just has a power button and a "turbo" button for high speed until you release it; the mixer mode has 5 speeds, including a "turbo" button that takes you straight to high speed until you release it.
The other part about this kit is its overall power; a half cup of heavy cream became fresh whipped cream in maybe 2 minutes, and it whipped merengue faster than my older hand mixer does by about a minute and a half.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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MGC Switchplate Wireless Controller for Switch and Windows PC. Featuring a compact design and 2 swappable magnetic faceplates in white and black, the Switchplate perfectly enhances the aesthetic and play of the Switch OLED, Switch and Switch Lite consoles. In addition to clean style, the Switchplate is packed with all the features you expect from a premium wireless controller:
Customer Rating
5
Pretty solid and easily customizable controller
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - The Switchplate controller is solid, with compatibility to the Nintendo Switch. It functions exactly how you would expect, and compared to similar (and more expensive controllers) for the Switch, it's everything you would want. For fighting games, FPS games, sports games, and puzzle games, it works well. However, the key feature of this controller - the switchable magnetic faceplates - also feel like the most fragile part about it.
Unboxing and setup:
It comes packed well with a plastic piece holding the controller, the second faceplate boxed up, a decent-length USB-A to USB-C charge cable, and instructions. Pairing to the Switch was simple and quick. Swapping the faceplates does take some effort, but I promise that you won't break it even though it feels like you will.
Usage:
The only part I like better about other controllers is a little more motion in the shoulder trigger buttons, but that's not a big deal with Switch as the trigger buttons aren't analog anyway. There is a nice addition over other Switch controllers I've used in the underpad trigger buttons. The sticks were both responsive and the buttons felt solid overall. Wireless range was also fairly impressive - I was still connected with no interference at a little over 45 feet away from my console.
Negatives:
Like I said, the key feature of the Switchplate - the magnetically-attached faceplates - felt a little more fragile than I was hoping for. The magnets are very strong, which does add to this problem.
Closing:
I hope the ecosystem around this controller grows. The Switchplate has a lot of possibility for its future.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BillFromKC's Review Comments
Westinghouse HDTV: Enjoy your favorite movies, shows, games and sporting events in realistic 1080p resolution on this Westinghouse HDTV's LED panel. Ensure fast-moving scenes remain clear with a 60Hz refresh rate that minimizes blurring and ghosting.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5No HD tuner
By Westingtonhouse
I can not imagine that tv in today time do not have digiter tuner. I bought 6 now I have to return them since i use cable straight from wall for tv from COX
BillFromKC
KCMO
This TV has an ATSC tuner.
August 27, 2015
There's no guarantee that ATSC tuners will work with ClearQAM cable channels, and even so, the greater majority of cable providers now scramble all cable channels. Including OTA channels. Because the FCC changed the rules and they're allowed to do this now.
+6points
6of 6voted this comment as helpful.
Sony XBR55X850C LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Experience your favorite movies, TV shows and video clips in a new way with incredible 4K upscaling. Advanced features from Android TV and Playstation Now allow you to browse sites, stream games and perform voice searches.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Big Time 3-D problems
By Mike
I am writing to review the “XBR-55X850C”. HOWEVER, I have read multiple web pages that state this problem is happening with all Sony 3-D televisions, in the United States AND Europe, and that customers are not receiving ANY customer service, or any help from Sony whatsoever.
I have called 3 times and have been hung up on each time.
So, if you are looking for a great 3-D experience and excellent SONY customer service, LOOK ELSEWHERE. Sony rolled out an update for this television at the end of November of 2015. After the update, when viewing 3-D content, the display mode function of the current screen is continuously showing the current screen mode of the television. ALL THE TIME. Coming in and out up to 7 times a minute.
So, while watching a 3-D movie, every 5 to 60 seconds, the words “Wide Mode Full” flashes on the screen in the lower left hand corner. It NEVER stops. Sony is aware of this problem, unfortunately, Sony customer service is rude & unhelpful with this issue. They claim that “Sony is aware of this and is working on an update”. When I asked when the update would be released, Sony representatives claim they do not know when this update will be available.
Every Sony representative has hung up on me after not being able to satisfactorily answer the simplest of questions.
Anyone looking for a great 3-D experience, look elsewhere. Sony does not care about this problem. After all, they already have our money.
If you think this is the same old Sony with great products, high standards, and great customer service, THINK AGAIN! This is not your father’s Sony. This is the new, corporate Sony that just wants your money.
Everyone out there looking for a good 3-D T.V. should stick with Samsung. I wish I did. I thought I was “upgrading” from Samsung to Sony.
BillFromKC
KCMO
Customer service people are never told when...
January 2, 2016
...things get fixed after they get broken. I have this TV as well, and customer service people have no idea when Android Marshmallow will hit this TV set, let alone any of the other 2015 Sony TVs. Considering the Google Nexus Player got borked by the update though, that's probably a good thing the update hasn't hit yet.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Sony XBR55X850C LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Experience your favorite movies, TV shows and video clips in a new way with incredible 4K upscaling. Advanced features from Android TV and Playstation Now allow you to browse sites, stream games and perform voice searches.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5tv is great support is non-existent
By ohno
I have been trying to get some confirmation on the hdr xtended dynamic range on the 850b but support on phone sent me unrelated information and online say it is but no documentation to confirm
BillFromKC
KCMO
850b doesn't have HDR support
January 14, 2016
but the 850c (this TV) does.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
BISSELL SmartClean Robot Vacuum: Easily rid your floors of dirt and debris with this vacuum that uses Opticlean optical sensors and a Triple-Action Cleaning System to tackle your floors. Invisible Wall technology lets you target specific areas.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Hard To Program
By FortFun2
from Illinois
Found it is difficult, not intuitive, to program. Others have said if you loose power all your programming is lost, but we haven't lost power yet so can't confirm. I just wanted it to run when I left the house without a set program and contacting Bissell just led to more confusion. But, once I got it working I was impressed with the amount of pet hair it removed.
BillFromKC
KCMO
I can attest to this.
September 16, 2016
Sometimes, I have to plug mine directly into the charger to get it to charge because the battery is overly drained. Because of this, I don't even bother programming it anymore.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
The new MacBook Pro is faster and more powerful than before, yet remarkably thinner and lighter.¹ It has the brightest, most colorful display ever on a Mac notebook. And it features up to 10 hours of battery life.² It’s a notebook built for the work you do every day. Ready to go anywhere a great idea takes you.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Terrible
By Joel
I purchased this one month ago and it has a faulty display. Best Buy takes no responsibility and will not exchange it for a good one. I have left voicemails for a district manager to call me and no one has called. I will never shop at Best Buy again.
BillFromKC
KCMO
Yep, take it to Apple.
January 13, 2017
If Best Buy is doing you wrong, just take it to your nearest Apple location and they'll set you up with a fix or a new one.
+4points
4of 4voted this comment as helpful.
![The Secret Life of Pets [DVD] [2016]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5431/5431203_sa.jpg)
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Bootleg Copy of Secret Life of Pets
By Disappointed
About 15 minutes into the movie the volume became muted and a message came on the TV that this was a bootleg movie. An unauthorized copy. Be very careful purchasing DVD's or Blu Ray movies from Best Buy. They just may leave you and your grand children very disappointed as it did our family.
BillFromKC
KCMO
This could very well be your DVD or Blu-Ray player
January 20, 2017
causing your issues. The Film Industry (MPAA and associated groups) are known for their draconian DRM systems, first with DVD and now with Blu-Ray and 4k Blu-Ray.
if your Blu-Ray player isn't connected to the internet, connect it to the internet and update its firmware. That should fix all your issues.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5This is the future of WiFi
By neio11
I threw (recycled) away my wifi extenders plus I am now able connect a device with an ethernet cable without having to run cables through the walls because each node has 2 ethernet ports. So for instance, I have one node connected to my modem and an ethernet switch. My 2nd node in another room is connected to an NVR for my security cameras. The speed through the nodes is surprisingly fast. The NVR is capturing HD videos from 3 cameras and it seems to capture fine. The 3rd node is in my living room area. The whole house is covered! Please put a password on your wifi otherwise you'll be supplying FREE wifi for your neighbors. I can have full internet access from 3-4 houses away from my house. I thought installation would be a pain considering you have to setup each node. Well, I shouldn't say "have to" because you don't have to use all 3 nodes. You can use only 1 or 2 and give the 3rd to me. haha. No but setup is a breeze! The only thing is that you have to use a smart device such as a tablet or phone, to do the setup. Velop currently doesn't support PC-based setup but I hope Linksys changes that especially for us "techies"!!! It works with Alexa. You can ask #Alexa what the wifi password is... so they say. I haven't had much success with it yet. It looks clean and neat. It doesn't all those antennas sticking out of it which makes it aesthetically pleasing.
I'm loving so far!
BillFromKC
KCMO
The setup process basically forces you to put a...
February 19, 2017
...password on your WiFi network. In fact, it's one of three things it asks when you set up the parent node, the other two being "Do you connect directly to the internet or through a modem/router device provided by your ISP?" and what to call your wireless network.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Blazing Speed, Best In Class Performance!
By gadgetguy11
The Linksys - Velop Tri-Band Whole Home Wi-Fi System (3-pack) is packaged in a beautiful & functional box with magnetic closure - it exudes quality! Each Node is protected individually. Just looking at the box, you expect a premium, esoteric product... & Linksys delivers that & more in spades! The shapely Nodes are beautiful & blend with any decorating style.
Simple set-up via the Linksys iOS or Android App. Within minutes, you are ready to go online.
As shown in attached photo, I have 90 wireless devices utilized over 5,000 sq feet / 3 floors: this is a challenging application for high speed Wi-Fi that includes: connected major appliances; BAS ceiling fans & Haiku Wi-Fi connected lights; Wi-Fi Thermostats; Netatmo Wi-Fi Weather Station; 65 Hue Lights; Connected exterior door locks; Wink Wi-Fi connected devices; connected iDevices, Nest & Arlo cameras; iPads; iPhones & computers. Finally, Streaming from 4) Apple TV's; Nixplay Wi-Fi Photo Frames.
And now the Results:
Velop delivers the fastest Wi-Fi speed I have ever experienced and does so consistently! The attached screen capture shows 349 Mbps Download / 23 Mbps Upload. These are WIRELESS speeds!! I pay for 300 Mbps Download / 30 Mbps Upload & our internet service provider generally delivers 300 - 360 Download & 22 - 32 Upload.
Velop is the only Wi-Fi System I have found to date that actually delivers this sustainable speed and does not randomly disconnect the many devices.
High power Wi-Fi requires a high current source. Each of the 3) square white power supplies produce 12 Volt, 2 Amp output! 24VA (Volt Amps) is the highest output of any router I have tested. Better yet, the cable that plugs into each Velop is perfectly angled at the plug so the wire routs neatly through the cable management feature at the base. Brilliant design!
PRO's:
1- Fastest Wi-Fi Speed
2- Easy approximate 10 minute Set-up per hub
3- Velop Nodes are very attractive & blend with any architecture
4- Robust infrastructure yields dependable performance
5- 24/7 Support
6- 3-Year Warranty
7- Easy to use App with great diagnostics
8- Wire Management at the base is excellent & offers a wire free appearance.
9- Three Velop Nodes establish fast Wi-Fi speed across the house on any floor.
10- Expandable: Add an additional Node any time you prefer.
1- Fastest Wi-Fi Speed
2- Easy approximate 10 minute Set-up per hub
3- Velop Nodes are very attractive & blend with any architecture
4- Robust infrastructure yields dependable performance
5- 24/7 Support
6- 3-Year Warranty
7- Easy to use App with great diagnostics
8- Wire Management at the base is excellent & offers a wire free appearance.
9- Three Velop Nodes establish fast Wi-Fi speed across the house on any floor.
10- Expandable: Add an additional Node any time you prefer.
CON's:
1- IP Address range cannot be changed from: 192.***. My 2) existing Apple Time Capsule / Routers had IP addresses of 10.***, but they can be set to different ranges. A different IP Address range requires individually resetting a few devices that previously connected to the other range. For example, each Nixplay connected frame had to manually "Forget" the old Wi-Fi name of the previous SSID, then set up the same name with Velop, even though the Wi-Fi name and password are the same. On 13) Apple Airport Express devices, I had to power down each device to reset it from 10.*** to 192.***
2- IPv6 is not supported as of product release. This is surprising, as my three year old Apple Time Capsule / Router supported IPv6.
3- The first unit set up in under 10 minutes; however the remaining two hubs froze at the same exact place midway every time during set-up. After 6 failed attempts, I held each Node horizontally and kept my hand around it. Surprisingly, this procedure resulted in a virtually immediate set-up! Then I set each Node vertically & it continued to work great.
4- Only one Node can connect to the internet via ethernet. The other Nodes connect to the first Node via wireless mesh connection. I would prefer the option of connecting each Node to a wired ethernet connection. Linksys Technical Support indicated this may be added later as a software update. This would prove beneficial because the Nodes must be located fairly close together (my tests showed less than 40 feet apart at most).
1- IP Address range cannot be changed from: 192.***. My 2) existing Apple Time Capsule / Routers had IP addresses of 10.***, but they can be set to different ranges. A different IP Address range requires individually resetting a few devices that previously connected to the other range. For example, each Nixplay connected frame had to manually "Forget" the old Wi-Fi name of the previous SSID, then set up the same name with Velop, even though the Wi-Fi name and password are the same. On 13) Apple Airport Express devices, I had to power down each device to reset it from 10.*** to 192.***
2- IPv6 is not supported as of product release. This is surprising, as my three year old Apple Time Capsule / Router supported IPv6.
3- The first unit set up in under 10 minutes; however the remaining two hubs froze at the same exact place midway every time during set-up. After 6 failed attempts, I held each Node horizontally and kept my hand around it. Surprisingly, this procedure resulted in a virtually immediate set-up! Then I set each Node vertically & it continued to work great.
4- Only one Node can connect to the internet via ethernet. The other Nodes connect to the first Node via wireless mesh connection. I would prefer the option of connecting each Node to a wired ethernet connection. Linksys Technical Support indicated this may be added later as a software update. This would prove beneficial because the Nodes must be located fairly close together (my tests showed less than 40 feet apart at most).
CONCLUSION: My search for the "Ideal" Whole Home Wi-Fi System that consistently delivers 300 Mbps over 5,000 square feet with 90 devices ends here!! I am THRILLED with Velop & give it my highest recommendation!! It has proven to be the BEST ROUTER available for 2017!
BillFromKC
KCMO
Mine gave me IPv6 OOB
February 19, 2017
and even so, there was a firmware update it applied immediate after setup. I agree that the IP address range thing is annoying though, especially when you're moving from an existing network with static IP devices (NAS, printers, etc.)
0points
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BillFromKC's Questions
BillFromKC has not submitted any questions.
Make a smart solution to upgrade your home security to IndoorCam Mini. Never second-guess what you see in clear 2K resolution, and give yourself control with pan and tilt functions to monitor your home’s most vital areas. IndoorCam Mini features On-Device AI Human Detection, a technology that identifies humans in the frame and only sends you the notifications that matter. After returning home, you can turn on Home Privacy Mode, which turns off the camera and rotates it to your preferred privacy angle. Best of all, there’s no monthly fee after your purchase.
Can this new Indoor Cam Mini connect to the Eufy HomeBase? I would like for the IndoorDam store data on the base for easy access and control.
It stores data on the camera itself and not on a Homebase module. However, you still access the video like you would with Homebase-connected cameras - via the app.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
BillFromKC
Make a smart solution to upgrade your home security to IndoorCam Mini. Never second-guess what you see in clear 2K resolution, and give yourself control with pan and tilt functions to monitor your home’s most vital areas. IndoorCam Mini features On-Device AI Human Detection, a technology that identifies humans in the frame and only sends you the notifications that matter. After returning home, you can turn on Home Privacy Mode, which turns off the camera and rotates it to your preferred privacy angle. Best of all, there’s no monthly fee after your purchase.
Does this camera require WiFi to operate?
It can record internally to a micro SD card, but you would need WiFi to access your footage and receive motion alerts.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
BillFromKC
Meet the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 6.5qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid. The pressure cooker that steams and crisps. SmartLid slider unlocks pressure cooking, air frying, and Steamcrisping - all under one SmartLid. SteamCrisp Technology steams and crisps at the same time for faster, juicier, crispier results*. 14 one-touch programs unlock even more versatility. (*Vs. Ninja Foodi OL501 in dry mode only)
Does this model have hands free pressure release when pressure cooking timer is done, or do you have to manually release steam after pressure cooking?
The Core Innovations ANT800BAR Indoor TV Antenna Bar allows you to access HDTV channels up to 80 miles away, free of charge. The signal indicator displays reception strength for peak viewing potential, and the omni-directional bar design provides connectivity in all directions. Enjoy content in up to 4K full HD where supported.
We have a steel roof, will this antenna work for us?
As long as the signal path isn't being blocked by the roof, this should work. However, you're better off to look into an outdoor antenna system.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
BillFromKC
The Core Innovations ANT800BAR Indoor TV Antenna Bar allows you to access HDTV channels up to 80 miles away, free of charge. The signal indicator displays reception strength for peak viewing potential, and the omni-directional bar design provides connectivity in all directions. Enjoy content in up to 4K full HD where supported.
Is this antenna ATSC 3.0 capable?
All antennas that work with ATSC 1.0 work with ATSC 3.0. In fact, all TV antennas that work on the standard UHF range (which means nearly every antenna, ever) work with ATSC 3.0 receivers and TV sets.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
BillFromKC
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
Will this work on a Xbox s and save my downloads
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
Can this work for Mac PC
It can. You may need to format it for PC usage first, however.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
BillFromKC
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
Can this be used with IPad Pro 10.5 inch
It can if you used a Camera Connection Kit and a Powered USB 3.x Hub. The lightning port by itself doesn't output enough power to run this drive.
For newer iPad Pros with USB-C connectors, you could just use a USB-C to USB 3.0 Micro B cable.
Either way, you'd need to format this drive using a computer first to a supported format (I believe that would be either ExFAT, HFS+, or APFS).
For newer iPad Pros with USB-C connectors, you could just use a USB-C to USB 3.0 Micro B cable.
Either way, you'd need to format this drive using a computer first to a supported format (I believe that would be either ExFAT, HFS+, or APFS).
2 years, 9 months ago
by
BillFromKC
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
Does this need a 3.0 slot to work correctly on an xbox series x? Will it work in a usb hub on the xbox series x with only 2.0 slots available?
It can work with a USB 2.0 hub, but it will run at approximately 1/3 the speed you'd get with a USB 3.x connection (40 megabyte per second transfers on USB 2.0 versus 120 megabyte per second transfers over USB 3.x).
2 years, 9 months ago
by
BillFromKC
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
Will it work with a Xbox 360 E console?
It should, but you'd be better off with a less expensive external drive as the Xbox 360 series of devices do not have USB 3.0 connections and even the slowest of external drives currently available can saturate a USB 2.0 connection.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
BillFromKC