Bootleg89's stats
- Review count211
- Helpfulness votes257
- First reviewApril 24, 2010
- Last reviewJune 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Answer count16
- Helpfulness votes10
- First answerMay 2, 2017
- Last answerNovember 4, 2021
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Get even more peace of mind with SmartSensor for doors and windows. They protect your home with instant notifications when an entryway or access point is opened or closed. With an ecobee Smart Security subscription, you can unlock even more and get instant alerts when any unexpected motion is detected in your home.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent sensor that works great with app
on July 24, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
Ecobee has really perfected the smart home app and these door/window sensors are an outstanding addition.
Setup is super easy. The packaging is very nice and the sensors are very cool and high quality. Setup is also very easy as you hit the "plus" icon in the app and select "door/window sensor". You then scan the QR code on the sensor and it finds and registers it to the app. You then place it, with step by step directions, and name it.
You can then find the status of the sensor on the home page of the Ecobee smart home app. It shows you the status but with a small delay, like a 5 second delay.
It is nice to have the door sensors on the app, as even my Simplisafe sensors require a paid subscription to view this feature online in the app.
I think Ecobee has integrated these sensors perfectly and the app has worked without glitches or bugs. Well done!
Setup is super easy. The packaging is very nice and the sensors are very cool and high quality. Setup is also very easy as you hit the "plus" icon in the app and select "door/window sensor". You then scan the QR code on the sensor and it finds and registers it to the app. You then place it, with step by step directions, and name it.
You can then find the status of the sensor on the home page of the Ecobee smart home app. It shows you the status but with a small delay, like a 5 second delay.
It is nice to have the door sensors on the app, as even my Simplisafe sensors require a paid subscription to view this feature online in the app.
I think Ecobee has integrated these sensors perfectly and the app has worked without glitches or bugs. Well done!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Choose ecobee for smarter home security. Capture an expansive 180º field of view on your mobile device in HD video, so you’re never left guessing when something happens at home.Your privacy is paramount. SmartCamera can shut off automatically when family members arrive and features on-device processing and end-to-end encryption.
Customer Rating
5
Coolest camera I have, great app
on July 24, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
i was skeptical at first when ordering the new Ecobee smart camera. I was not sure how a thermostat company would create a camera. I do know their software is pretty good, but wanted to see how it would work.
Right out of the box, the camera is packed pretty cool and it looks and feels very high quality. The instructions are very simple and refer you to the Ecobee app. So I went to the app and followed the instructions. You hit the "plus" icon in the app and select "camera". Then you scan the QR code and it recognizes the camera. You then name it and go through a few more steps and it is all set. Very fast and very easy.
The camera lets you view live and detect motions which is pretty standard. But it has a feature that none of my other cameras have, pan. It lets you pan left/right and up/down and zoom. This is my favorite feature. I placed this in my back room where my dogs sleep and stay. It lets me check on them when we are not home and lets me pan around to see if the little critters are hiding anywhere or in a corner. I love it! It also has a 2 way audio feature where you can hear from the camera and talk through the camera.
So now the app lets me check my home's thermostat and camera all on the homepage of the app. So far the app and the camera features have worked without bugs.
I can honestly say that I am thoroughly impressed. I enjoy using the Ecobee app more than most of my other smart home apps.
Right out of the box, the camera is packed pretty cool and it looks and feels very high quality. The instructions are very simple and refer you to the Ecobee app. So I went to the app and followed the instructions. You hit the "plus" icon in the app and select "camera". Then you scan the QR code and it recognizes the camera. You then name it and go through a few more steps and it is all set. Very fast and very easy.
The camera lets you view live and detect motions which is pretty standard. But it has a feature that none of my other cameras have, pan. It lets you pan left/right and up/down and zoom. This is my favorite feature. I placed this in my back room where my dogs sleep and stay. It lets me check on them when we are not home and lets me pan around to see if the little critters are hiding anywhere or in a corner. I love it! It also has a 2 way audio feature where you can hear from the camera and talk through the camera.
So now the app lets me check my home's thermostat and camera all on the homepage of the app. So far the app and the camera features have worked without bugs.
I can honestly say that I am thoroughly impressed. I enjoy using the Ecobee app more than most of my other smart home apps.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get a smooth shave at home with this cordless Philips Norelco electric shaver. The anti-slip grip provides a secure hold for accurate cuts, while AquaTec technology allows both dry and wet shaves to suit your needs. This Philips Norelco electric shaver features dual precision heads for even results at different lengths.
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
I basically grew up using Norelco electric shavers, and I have grown to expect a very high quality shave from them. This one was no exception.
Right out of the box the shaver just feels right. It has the perfect weight and components are solid and snug. The power button is actually flush with the handle as opposed to raised. This actually feels more natural when you use it. This is a minor improvement that makes a big impact.
The shaver is buttery smooth giving you a close shave every time. Zero disappointment.
I am glad they are using the pop out trimmer versus the replacement head as it is always more convenient. The trimmer seems like it is a little loud compared to previous models. It works perfectly just the same though.
Overall this shaver works perfectly and a no brainer.
Right out of the box the shaver just feels right. It has the perfect weight and components are solid and snug. The power button is actually flush with the handle as opposed to raised. This actually feels more natural when you use it. This is a minor improvement that makes a big impact.
The shaver is buttery smooth giving you a close shave every time. Zero disappointment.
I am glad they are using the pop out trimmer versus the replacement head as it is always more convenient. The trimmer seems like it is a little loud compared to previous models. It works perfectly just the same though.
Overall this shaver works perfectly and a no brainer.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
5of 8voted this as helpful.
Enjoy dynamic sound with this black Sony EXTRA BASS speaker. Dual passive radiators deliver booming bass, while the 4900 mAh battery provides up to 24 hours of power for uninterrupted playtime on the go. This Sony EXTRA BASS speaker has Bluetooth compatibility, letting you listen to music wirelessly from paired devices, and the IP67 construction protects against water damage.
Customer Rating
5
Big booming speaker you have been looking for
on June 15, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
I have a lot of Bluetooth speakers so it is hard to get excited about them nowadays. This Sony speaker has actually impressed me.
The speaker is a nice size, reminds me of a center channel speaker in a nice surround sound setup. It is also very heavy and feels solid. It has a nice cloth outer, with rubber on the sides and on buttons. The sides have sub woofers that you can feel move when the bass hits.I just really like the way it looks and feels.
I powered it up and paired it in a matter of seconds and started listening. I played some hip hop right away and the bass is better sounding than any other Bluetooth speaker I have.I love it! The mid range and highs sound very crisp and clear, but I just love deep bass.
I then installed the Sony Music app and had some fun. It does not do anything special, it lets you control some music apps through there like Pandora and Spotify. What really makes the app nice is that you can control the EQ and the LED lights. It is moderately fun to mess with the lights, I may shut them off to save battery when I use at home. But when people come by I am going to turn on the lights to show off. They pulsate with the music. It is not annoying like I thought it would be. It is subtle and almost therapeutic.
This thing has a huge battery. I charged it on day one, and i am over a week later of almost every day use and it still have 70 percent. I have not been listening for hours non stop but just regularly here and there. I did sync it to my Firestick and let my daughter watch a movie outside on our projector with this speaker blasting the movie's sound. Plus all the other music and still going strong.
You can even charge your devices via the USB port on the back. I have not done this yet, which is why the battery is still going strong, but this is a nice plus to have when outdoors.
Overall I do not have one negative thing to say about this speaker. It is big, powerful, and looks great. You will have fun using it.
The speaker is a nice size, reminds me of a center channel speaker in a nice surround sound setup. It is also very heavy and feels solid. It has a nice cloth outer, with rubber on the sides and on buttons. The sides have sub woofers that you can feel move when the bass hits.I just really like the way it looks and feels.
I powered it up and paired it in a matter of seconds and started listening. I played some hip hop right away and the bass is better sounding than any other Bluetooth speaker I have.I love it! The mid range and highs sound very crisp and clear, but I just love deep bass.
I then installed the Sony Music app and had some fun. It does not do anything special, it lets you control some music apps through there like Pandora and Spotify. What really makes the app nice is that you can control the EQ and the LED lights. It is moderately fun to mess with the lights, I may shut them off to save battery when I use at home. But when people come by I am going to turn on the lights to show off. They pulsate with the music. It is not annoying like I thought it would be. It is subtle and almost therapeutic.
This thing has a huge battery. I charged it on day one, and i am over a week later of almost every day use and it still have 70 percent. I have not been listening for hours non stop but just regularly here and there. I did sync it to my Firestick and let my daughter watch a movie outside on our projector with this speaker blasting the movie's sound. Plus all the other music and still going strong.
You can even charge your devices via the USB port on the back. I have not done this yet, which is why the battery is still going strong, but this is a nice plus to have when outdoors.
Overall I do not have one negative thing to say about this speaker. It is big, powerful, and looks great. You will have fun using it.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Swann Professional 4K HD 6 Camera 8 Channel DVR CCTV camera security system is sure to give you peace of mind from every angle. Protect your loved ones & property with this multi-camera, wired surveillance system with everything you need to do-it-yourself or have it professionally installed. Be safe & confident as Swann outdoor home security cameras (camaras de seguridad para casa exterior) have you covered. A perfect home security system (camaras de seguridad inalambricas). See what's happening with digitally enhanced upscaling technology that provides 4K camera resolution & zoom - you won't miss a thing. Know what’s happening at any hour with powerful night vision up to 130ft in total darkness. Enjoy local recording onto the massive 2TB hard drive with no fees ever, store months of recordings before it starts saving over older footage. Cut the cost of crime & know what’s happening with this 8 camera security system (8 camaras de seguridad) to suit large homes, offices, small businesses & retail stores. Actively prevent crime as heat & motion trigger sensor lights, mobile alerts & video recordings. Enjoy hands-free security using voice commands. Stream video from your camera via Hey Google & Chromecast, Google Home Hub, or via Alexa devices with a screen, such as Echo Spot, Echo Show or 4K Fire TV. The Professional weatherproof design is IP66 rated, meaning they are built to withstand rain, snow & heat, all year round. The Pro-Series includes a DVR-5680 8 Channel DVR security system with 2TB Hard Drive, 4K Bullet Cameras x 8 also can be used as an indoor security camera, BNC Cables x 6, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, Mouse, Mounting Screws & Plugs, Quick Start Guide and Theft Deterrent Stickers. Wireless cameras for home security & wifi cameras can be found on Swann's main website.
Customer Rating
4
Great system, terrible app
on June 3, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
So the biggest thing you have to know about this camera system is that it is extremely high quality. The 4k resolution is fantastic and the clarity is bar none. The app is horrid though.
I was able to set this system up right out of the box. It can be a little intimidating at first, but the instructions are very clear and very intuitive. You place the camera and have to run the cables all the way back to the hub to connect it all. You connect an HDMI to your TV and an Ethernet cable to a router. Then you power all devices with the power supplies. You connect the included mouse and walk through setup step by step. Very easy. It is actually an easier setup than wireless devices because you don't have to link them all to your Wi-Fi. I was seriously up and running the whole system (not including camera mounting/wiring) in less than 10 minutes.
The quality of this system is unlike any camera system I have had before. You select 4k resolution if you have it available and it just pops off the screen. The cameras work very well and have night vision that is also clear. I really don't have a bad thing to say about the cameras and their clarity/reception.
Then there's the app. It prompts you to install the Swann Security app to control your system remotely via your smart device. This is where Swann really drops the ball. After installing you create a mobile account which is very easy. You scan the QR code to link your system to your account and that is a breeze. That is where the fun stops. The camera resolution defaults to a medium quality, which is bad, then lags when you change it to high resolution. The first time I tried looking at one of the cams it worked OK, minus the lag. You can turn on the LED light of the cam and even set off an alarm. I exited the app and re-entered it only to have multiple issues pop up. Trying to reopen for the first time it said "failed to connect to device". I exited and came back in and it was fine, but would not load any of the camera's images. Now the system is hard lined to my router so I know connectivity is not an issue. I then exited and opened again and was able to view one of the cameras. I then changed the app resolution to high and the image froze. I could not imagine that this will be quality experience in the long run unless Swann updates the app to correct these issues.
I think this is one of the best quality systems you can own for camera security, but the app interface leaves much to be improved on. What you capture as far as image goes however is worth the money.
I was able to set this system up right out of the box. It can be a little intimidating at first, but the instructions are very clear and very intuitive. You place the camera and have to run the cables all the way back to the hub to connect it all. You connect an HDMI to your TV and an Ethernet cable to a router. Then you power all devices with the power supplies. You connect the included mouse and walk through setup step by step. Very easy. It is actually an easier setup than wireless devices because you don't have to link them all to your Wi-Fi. I was seriously up and running the whole system (not including camera mounting/wiring) in less than 10 minutes.
The quality of this system is unlike any camera system I have had before. You select 4k resolution if you have it available and it just pops off the screen. The cameras work very well and have night vision that is also clear. I really don't have a bad thing to say about the cameras and their clarity/reception.
Then there's the app. It prompts you to install the Swann Security app to control your system remotely via your smart device. This is where Swann really drops the ball. After installing you create a mobile account which is very easy. You scan the QR code to link your system to your account and that is a breeze. That is where the fun stops. The camera resolution defaults to a medium quality, which is bad, then lags when you change it to high resolution. The first time I tried looking at one of the cams it worked OK, minus the lag. You can turn on the LED light of the cam and even set off an alarm. I exited the app and re-entered it only to have multiple issues pop up. Trying to reopen for the first time it said "failed to connect to device". I exited and came back in and it was fine, but would not load any of the camera's images. Now the system is hard lined to my router so I know connectivity is not an issue. I then exited and opened again and was able to view one of the cameras. I then changed the app resolution to high and the image froze. I could not imagine that this will be quality experience in the long run unless Swann updates the app to correct these issues.
I think this is one of the best quality systems you can own for camera security, but the app interface leaves much to be improved on. What you capture as far as image goes however is worth the money.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jam to your favorite tunes with these black Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 truly wireless earphones. The wide-ranging frequency delivers efficient sound reproduction, while the electro-dynamic drivers produce powerful, well-balanced audio. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 truly wireless earphones offer 7 hours of play time and an additional four charges in the Qi-compatible case. The 5.1 Bluetooth connectivity lets you listen to music without wires, and the Comply foam tips offer comfort for all-day use.
Customer Rating
4
Expected more for the price
on May 12, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
Upon ordering these wireless earbuds I expected them to be very high end given the price. I was slightly disappointed in them.
My first impression of them out of the box was they fell very solid and well built. They have a nice heft to them and the leather case is very sleek and small. I like that it is small because when I compare it to my other wireless buds it seems like they are huge now. They fit perfectly in my ears with out any adjustments.
Setup was not very user friendly. I downloaded the app as the instruction suggest. I went through the setup and it tells you to close the app and connect the buds like normal. OK, so I tried that and they were not automatically detected. Very unusual for wireless headphones or buds as they typically go into pairing mode one you power them on or pull them out of their charging case. Anyways, I finally got them connected and they were ready to use.
The first thing I noticed was a "white noise" hiss on low volume. I notice it immediately and you can even notice it when playing music at a low volume. It is kind of annoying. You have to raise the volume to about a 3 or 4 (in button presses from zero) to have it go away and listen to the music clearly. Some of my headphones do this but most don't. I don't think it is a sign of a high end ear bud.
The sound overall is very good once you are listening and jamming out. I listened to all types of music and played with all of the EQ setting and they do sound very nice. I like listening to music at a higher volume with these compared to most of my other wireless buds. The app lets you change the EQ setting with about 5 default setting and a personalize setting that is actually kind of cool to use. You drag a dot around a big circle to adjust the EQ setting, hard to explain but very cool.
So now the phone call mode. About 50% of the time when I use them to take or make a call the person claims they cannot hear me. It is very frustrating. I have to find my phone, often buried in a pile of papers if I am working from home, and switch off the Bluetooth mode and cut over to my phone for the call. I checked the mic and it is not blocked or anything. It seems to happen about half the time which is unacceptable.
Aside from music I have used these to watch a few movies. They sound excellent for movies as well. You feel immersed in the movie and I feel like you hear it the way it was meant to be heard. I actually liked using them for movies a little more than for listening to music.
Overall, the headphones are very good, I just don't think they rise above Galaxy or Airpods...not even close.
My first impression of them out of the box was they fell very solid and well built. They have a nice heft to them and the leather case is very sleek and small. I like that it is small because when I compare it to my other wireless buds it seems like they are huge now. They fit perfectly in my ears with out any adjustments.
Setup was not very user friendly. I downloaded the app as the instruction suggest. I went through the setup and it tells you to close the app and connect the buds like normal. OK, so I tried that and they were not automatically detected. Very unusual for wireless headphones or buds as they typically go into pairing mode one you power them on or pull them out of their charging case. Anyways, I finally got them connected and they were ready to use.
The first thing I noticed was a "white noise" hiss on low volume. I notice it immediately and you can even notice it when playing music at a low volume. It is kind of annoying. You have to raise the volume to about a 3 or 4 (in button presses from zero) to have it go away and listen to the music clearly. Some of my headphones do this but most don't. I don't think it is a sign of a high end ear bud.
The sound overall is very good once you are listening and jamming out. I listened to all types of music and played with all of the EQ setting and they do sound very nice. I like listening to music at a higher volume with these compared to most of my other wireless buds. The app lets you change the EQ setting with about 5 default setting and a personalize setting that is actually kind of cool to use. You drag a dot around a big circle to adjust the EQ setting, hard to explain but very cool.
So now the phone call mode. About 50% of the time when I use them to take or make a call the person claims they cannot hear me. It is very frustrating. I have to find my phone, often buried in a pile of papers if I am working from home, and switch off the Bluetooth mode and cut over to my phone for the call. I checked the mic and it is not blocked or anything. It seems to happen about half the time which is unacceptable.
Aside from music I have used these to watch a few movies. They sound excellent for movies as well. You feel immersed in the movie and I feel like you hear it the way it was meant to be heard. I actually liked using them for movies a little more than for listening to music.
Overall, the headphones are very good, I just don't think they rise above Galaxy or Airpods...not even close.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Transform your viewing experience with this 55-inch Hisense Quantum smart TV. The Dolby Vision HDR technology and Dolby Atmos blend to deliver immersive visuals and cinema-like sound, while the Hi-View Engine and local dimming zones produce vivid and sharp image contrasts. This Hisense Quantum smart TV features AI technology for adjusting pictures automatically, and the game mode improves refresh rates for impressive responses.
Customer Rating
5
Unreal value: buy now, thank me later
on May 7, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
The first thing I want to say is that if you are on the fence considering this TV, just buy it. It is feature packed for an extraordinary value.
Right out of the box you can see that the TV looks very sharp and clean with a very slim bezel surrounding the display. It does not look over the top high end, but does not look like a cheap no name brand. They got it just right. It is very slim at the top half and a little more bulky on the bottom half where the "guts" are. It is a very low profile all around.
Setup was very easy as the TV prompts you through everything right from startup. If you are using a Google account, setup is even easier. You use the Google app on your phone to complete setup and I don't recall there being any issues at all. Once complete I was ready to test it out...
At first glance the display looked very nice but i knew i had some tweaking to do. There were no calibration setting online since it is so new, so I used the settings I found on a major website from last year's H9F model as it most closely resembles this TV in specs. Then BOOM! The picture looked awesome! Everyone in my house (3 non techies) all agreed that this was the best picture of any TV we have ever owned. And we have owned a lot of TVs (none high end). The picture popped and the colors looked warm and accurate. There were scenes of fire where the fire looked like it was real, trapped inside the screen. We even streamed movies side by side comparing it to our Samsung 6 Series 4K TV and it blew it out of the water. The Sammy costed almost double this TV does when it was new. The comparison was not even close. I know the 6 series does not have the features of the Hisense, but for what this TV cost it should have not matched the higher priced Samsung. You will be extremely pleased with the picture. 4K Dolby Vision looks fantastic.
Then I ran the auto scan for over the air broadcast TV and it picked up as many channels as the TV it is replacing, so no issues there. The only annoyance is that the "TV" button will launch a random input rather than take you to TV stations right away. This happens when you first start your TV watching session. You press TV and it will switch to one of the HDMI inputs. So you have to press Input and select channels to get to your TV stations. Then if you are switching between apps and inputs, just pressing TV on the remote will take you back to OTA broadcasts. This was one of the only problems I have found with this TV after a little over one week of using.
The smart features are way better than expected. From what i have read about Android TVs is that they are sometimes slow and not polished. This TV ran an update right out of the box and one more a few days later. I must say that I like using it slightly more than my old Samsung w/ smart hub. It runs fast and smooth and I feel like it is very easy to go places. I can launch apps at any time, hit the home button, or hit one of the 4 quick launch buttons at the bottom of the remote for 4 frequently used apps. I liked jumping around and testing my media library on each app.
The TV also integrates with smart home features. I connected it to my Alexa account and it works as you would expect an Alexa device to work. Sometimes. This is not the fault of the TV as almost every smart device I use is not without its quirks. I only use it some of the time, but I feel this technology will get better over time through updates and refinement.
The built in speakers of this TV are even nice. I usually use the TVs speakers when we are listening at night and don't need booming surround sound, and we turn on the receiver when we want to watch from the other room or when we are watching our favorite movie and want to knock the pictures off the wall. So the built in speakers have to be good for us. This Tv's speakers actually make you feel like you have a sound bar. No joke. There is no deep bass, but somehow they integrated Dolby Atmos sound and I can honestly feel there is a high quality difference versus my other TVs in my house. The built in speakers do a fantastic job of producing a high quality sound.
I honestly don't know how HIsense was able to pack so much into a TV for a small price, but I do know that it makes me very happy and I have no shame in replacing a 65" curved Samsung 6 series with a 55" Hisense ULED TV. No shame at all.
Right out of the box you can see that the TV looks very sharp and clean with a very slim bezel surrounding the display. It does not look over the top high end, but does not look like a cheap no name brand. They got it just right. It is very slim at the top half and a little more bulky on the bottom half where the "guts" are. It is a very low profile all around.
Setup was very easy as the TV prompts you through everything right from startup. If you are using a Google account, setup is even easier. You use the Google app on your phone to complete setup and I don't recall there being any issues at all. Once complete I was ready to test it out...
At first glance the display looked very nice but i knew i had some tweaking to do. There were no calibration setting online since it is so new, so I used the settings I found on a major website from last year's H9F model as it most closely resembles this TV in specs. Then BOOM! The picture looked awesome! Everyone in my house (3 non techies) all agreed that this was the best picture of any TV we have ever owned. And we have owned a lot of TVs (none high end). The picture popped and the colors looked warm and accurate. There were scenes of fire where the fire looked like it was real, trapped inside the screen. We even streamed movies side by side comparing it to our Samsung 6 Series 4K TV and it blew it out of the water. The Sammy costed almost double this TV does when it was new. The comparison was not even close. I know the 6 series does not have the features of the Hisense, but for what this TV cost it should have not matched the higher priced Samsung. You will be extremely pleased with the picture. 4K Dolby Vision looks fantastic.
Then I ran the auto scan for over the air broadcast TV and it picked up as many channels as the TV it is replacing, so no issues there. The only annoyance is that the "TV" button will launch a random input rather than take you to TV stations right away. This happens when you first start your TV watching session. You press TV and it will switch to one of the HDMI inputs. So you have to press Input and select channels to get to your TV stations. Then if you are switching between apps and inputs, just pressing TV on the remote will take you back to OTA broadcasts. This was one of the only problems I have found with this TV after a little over one week of using.
The smart features are way better than expected. From what i have read about Android TVs is that they are sometimes slow and not polished. This TV ran an update right out of the box and one more a few days later. I must say that I like using it slightly more than my old Samsung w/ smart hub. It runs fast and smooth and I feel like it is very easy to go places. I can launch apps at any time, hit the home button, or hit one of the 4 quick launch buttons at the bottom of the remote for 4 frequently used apps. I liked jumping around and testing my media library on each app.
The TV also integrates with smart home features. I connected it to my Alexa account and it works as you would expect an Alexa device to work. Sometimes. This is not the fault of the TV as almost every smart device I use is not without its quirks. I only use it some of the time, but I feel this technology will get better over time through updates and refinement.
The built in speakers of this TV are even nice. I usually use the TVs speakers when we are listening at night and don't need booming surround sound, and we turn on the receiver when we want to watch from the other room or when we are watching our favorite movie and want to knock the pictures off the wall. So the built in speakers have to be good for us. This Tv's speakers actually make you feel like you have a sound bar. No joke. There is no deep bass, but somehow they integrated Dolby Atmos sound and I can honestly feel there is a high quality difference versus my other TVs in my house. The built in speakers do a fantastic job of producing a high quality sound.
I honestly don't know how HIsense was able to pack so much into a TV for a small price, but I do know that it makes me very happy and I have no shame in replacing a 65" curved Samsung 6 series with a 55" Hisense ULED TV. No shame at all.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
Stream your favorite tunes from media servers, PCs and smart devices with this Yamaha sound bar. The built-in Alexa voice control lets you decide how your favorite content should play, and the preset modes provide different surround sound effects for your listening pleasure. Featuring clear voice technology, this Yamaha sound bar ensures clear dialog so you can keep up with critical scenes or plot twists.
Customer Rating
4
Nice soundbar, needs improvement
on April 3, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
The Yamaha sound bar has many great features, sounds great, but feels like there is still room for improvement.
My first thoughts right out of the box is that the sound bar seems slightly smaller than expected. It is slightly larger than most smaller sound bars, but not as big as the nice high end ones, if that makes sense. It is somewhat average in size. It is also slim, not very tall. I thought this would impact the sound, but it doesn't. The slim design will actually allow it to fit under some spaces that most sound bars cannot. The look and feel are all very nice and premium.
The sound bar includes the remote, an optical cable, some foam spacers, instructions, and a wall mounting template that is thick stock and will making the wall mounting very easy.
You can plug everything in and enjoy this sound bar right out of the box, but you can install the app and connect it to your home wifi for the full experience. There is a Yamaha sound bar app specifically for their sound bars. It is user friendly and very intuitive. I actually enjoy using the app. It allows you to connec the device to you Alexa account, control the sound settings, check network settings, change sources, and play music via Spotify and Tidal. That is pretty much it, there are no in depth settings to change things like auto shut off (more on this later). Overall the app is clean and gets the job done.
I first connected this to my TV via the optical cable and switched to input to TV. It played sound crystal clear and I was very impressed. I played Iron Man 3 and the sound was impressive. The bass was nice and tight and voices were nice and clear as well. I think the sound was better that a high end Samsung sound bar I have.
Then I browed around some VUDU movies and spent a few minutes trying to figure out what I wanted to watch. I finally found a movie I liked and played it...there was no sound. I had to get up and take a look at the bar to make sure it was still on and it was. It was on stand by. It auto shuts off when there is no sound for a few minutes. I don't know exactly how many minutes, but this happened to me several more times when I tried browsing Youtube videos as well. This is very frustrating because you have to keep turning the unit on just to keep using it while you browse. You have to either keep the remote near you or keep asking Alexa to "switch the audio source to TV" to get it to power on. This also happens after you shut off the TV and turn it back on later as the TV remote does not control the unit when plugged in via the otptical cable. All of my other sound bars I have used allowed me to control their volumes from the TV remote when plugged in via the optical cable.
I then switched over to connecting the unit via the HDMI. This is a much different experience. I plugged my cable box into the sound bar, then the sound bar to the HDMI ARC port on my TV. This woke up all of the features in which my TV remote controls the sound bar. It wakes up when I control the volume from my remote, and it turns on when i turn on the TV. This is what I am used to when controlling a sound bar. This does not work like this if you are using optical only which would be the case if you only use antenna (cord cutters).
The Alexa function also needs improvement. There are several times where my family and I are having a conversation and the sound bar beeps and starts listening. This causes the sound to cut off while it is listening. This is because the sound bar thinks you said the magic word (Alexa) when you really didn't. This happens very rarely on my Echo or Echo Dot devices, but happens a few time a day on the sound bar. This is also frustrating. Also, you have to say very sepecific phrases to change the input on the bar, like "change the input source to ....". Once it is playing you can simply ask it to higher it or lower it, that works fine. It is nice having Alexa around to answer questions and provide info if connected to a room that doesn't already have an Alexa device.
So overall I think in the right setup this sound bar will be the best option for upgrading the sound for your TV viewing experience. For some it will be slightly frustrating and sometimes annoying. The sound is spot on and you will at least enjoy that. I like it, I just wish it was more refined with the tech/smart features.
My first thoughts right out of the box is that the sound bar seems slightly smaller than expected. It is slightly larger than most smaller sound bars, but not as big as the nice high end ones, if that makes sense. It is somewhat average in size. It is also slim, not very tall. I thought this would impact the sound, but it doesn't. The slim design will actually allow it to fit under some spaces that most sound bars cannot. The look and feel are all very nice and premium.
The sound bar includes the remote, an optical cable, some foam spacers, instructions, and a wall mounting template that is thick stock and will making the wall mounting very easy.
You can plug everything in and enjoy this sound bar right out of the box, but you can install the app and connect it to your home wifi for the full experience. There is a Yamaha sound bar app specifically for their sound bars. It is user friendly and very intuitive. I actually enjoy using the app. It allows you to connec the device to you Alexa account, control the sound settings, check network settings, change sources, and play music via Spotify and Tidal. That is pretty much it, there are no in depth settings to change things like auto shut off (more on this later). Overall the app is clean and gets the job done.
I first connected this to my TV via the optical cable and switched to input to TV. It played sound crystal clear and I was very impressed. I played Iron Man 3 and the sound was impressive. The bass was nice and tight and voices were nice and clear as well. I think the sound was better that a high end Samsung sound bar I have.
Then I browed around some VUDU movies and spent a few minutes trying to figure out what I wanted to watch. I finally found a movie I liked and played it...there was no sound. I had to get up and take a look at the bar to make sure it was still on and it was. It was on stand by. It auto shuts off when there is no sound for a few minutes. I don't know exactly how many minutes, but this happened to me several more times when I tried browsing Youtube videos as well. This is very frustrating because you have to keep turning the unit on just to keep using it while you browse. You have to either keep the remote near you or keep asking Alexa to "switch the audio source to TV" to get it to power on. This also happens after you shut off the TV and turn it back on later as the TV remote does not control the unit when plugged in via the otptical cable. All of my other sound bars I have used allowed me to control their volumes from the TV remote when plugged in via the optical cable.
I then switched over to connecting the unit via the HDMI. This is a much different experience. I plugged my cable box into the sound bar, then the sound bar to the HDMI ARC port on my TV. This woke up all of the features in which my TV remote controls the sound bar. It wakes up when I control the volume from my remote, and it turns on when i turn on the TV. This is what I am used to when controlling a sound bar. This does not work like this if you are using optical only which would be the case if you only use antenna (cord cutters).
The Alexa function also needs improvement. There are several times where my family and I are having a conversation and the sound bar beeps and starts listening. This causes the sound to cut off while it is listening. This is because the sound bar thinks you said the magic word (Alexa) when you really didn't. This happens very rarely on my Echo or Echo Dot devices, but happens a few time a day on the sound bar. This is also frustrating. Also, you have to say very sepecific phrases to change the input on the bar, like "change the input source to ....". Once it is playing you can simply ask it to higher it or lower it, that works fine. It is nice having Alexa around to answer questions and provide info if connected to a room that doesn't already have an Alexa device.
So overall I think in the right setup this sound bar will be the best option for upgrading the sound for your TV viewing experience. For some it will be slightly frustrating and sometimes annoying. The sound is spot on and you will at least enjoy that. I like it, I just wish it was more refined with the tech/smart features.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+4points
5of 6voted this as helpful.
Remove dirt and spills with this Hoover Oxy tough stain remover. The fast-acting formula quickly loosens grime for easy removal and works on carpets, rugs, upholstery and car interiors for versatile use. This Hoover Oxy tough stain remover deodorizes carpets and breaks down stains, leaving the area smelling and looking clean.
Customer Rating
4
Leaves fresh scene and works well.
on March 17, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
I used this spray several different ways and it works very well.
My first technique was to spot clean and blot a stain. I sprayed a fabric ottoman that had a light colored stain I believe to have been from my dog. It got most of the stain but still left some outline I even scrubbed it for good measure but did not get all of it.
My next method was to use with my deep cleaner. This left a much cleaner look and smell. It got almost all traces of my stains out of the ottoman. Both the originally treated stain and some new stains on that same peice.
I then used it on my recliner with my deep cleaner. It left it so clean and fresh, like it had been professionally cleaned. I love the fresh sent.
Overall this is a very good cleaner. It does not get stains out perfectly, but it's not a miracle worker. It is still very good and perfectly worth it.
My first technique was to spot clean and blot a stain. I sprayed a fabric ottoman that had a light colored stain I believe to have been from my dog. It got most of the stain but still left some outline I even scrubbed it for good measure but did not get all of it.
My next method was to use with my deep cleaner. This left a much cleaner look and smell. It got almost all traces of my stains out of the ottoman. Both the originally treated stain and some new stains on that same peice.
I then used it on my recliner with my deep cleaner. It left it so clean and fresh, like it had been professionally cleaned. I love the fresh sent.
Overall this is a very good cleaner. It does not get stains out perfectly, but it's not a miracle worker. It is still very good and perfectly worth it.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0of 0voted this as helpful.
This H&R Block Deluxe Tax software is designed for people who want to be in control of their tax preparation experience and feel empowered by completing their own return. It is a perfect solution for homeowners, investors, or both who want to get a big refund.
Customer Rating
4
Overall good, but has a few issues.
on February 3, 2020
Posted by: Bootleg89
from Northwest, IL
I used this software to file my federal taxes this year. I like the software overall but thought it had a few issues.
The good: it has many ways to import your information. You can input via PDF, import a photo, retrieve from employer, in addition to manual entry. It also tell you the increase/decrease in your refund with each change you make to your filing, in real time. It also makes it easy to import prior year's taxes via PDF. This made the filing very easy.
The issues: When you import the PDFs or pictures, you have to double check the info anyways. There was a mistake in every single document I imported that I only caught because I checked the info after each import. Also, although each section is broken up by category and sub category. Also, the automatic questions don't necessarily ask you all of the information required for your tax filing. I was able to open up the entire tax form and able to input the data. The wizard did not prompt me to do it and it could have effected my return if I did not catch it. The repayment of the home buyer credit was also very hard to figure out. It requires you to know how you claimed and how much you claimed. Other software i used automatically enters the standard amount. In this software you have to figure it out for yourself. Lastly, if you have misc income you have to pick the category yourself with vague descriptions. Other software gave detailed descriptions of those categories and I had to reference last year's taxes to see what categories to use.
Be aware that if you purchase this particular software it costs an additional forty dollars to file the state tax. You can compare this to the software version that already includes the state filing.
Lastly, once you are ready to file and try to submit, it give you a slew of issues that you need to correct. After you thought everything was ready to correct. It found 8 errors on objects that was already entered. It was automatically inputting my address into the control number space.
Overall, this software was very good, but had a few hiccups along the way.
The good: it has many ways to import your information. You can input via PDF, import a photo, retrieve from employer, in addition to manual entry. It also tell you the increase/decrease in your refund with each change you make to your filing, in real time. It also makes it easy to import prior year's taxes via PDF. This made the filing very easy.
The issues: When you import the PDFs or pictures, you have to double check the info anyways. There was a mistake in every single document I imported that I only caught because I checked the info after each import. Also, although each section is broken up by category and sub category. Also, the automatic questions don't necessarily ask you all of the information required for your tax filing. I was able to open up the entire tax form and able to input the data. The wizard did not prompt me to do it and it could have effected my return if I did not catch it. The repayment of the home buyer credit was also very hard to figure out. It requires you to know how you claimed and how much you claimed. Other software i used automatically enters the standard amount. In this software you have to figure it out for yourself. Lastly, if you have misc income you have to pick the category yourself with vague descriptions. Other software gave detailed descriptions of those categories and I had to reference last year's taxes to see what categories to use.
Be aware that if you purchase this particular software it costs an additional forty dollars to file the state tax. You can compare this to the software version that already includes the state filing.
Lastly, once you are ready to file and try to submit, it give you a slew of issues that you need to correct. After you thought everything was ready to correct. It found 8 errors on objects that was already entered. It was automatically inputting my address into the control number space.
Overall, this software was very good, but had a few hiccups along the way.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Simplify device management with this Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control. Amazon Alexa is built in, letting you issue voice commands to access entertainment, ask questions and a host of other features. This Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control lets you change TV channels, open apps on tablets and tackle numerous other tasks.
Can you use Harmony Elite AND Harmony Express in same room if you tweak Alexa App so that nothing overlaps ie commands,?
Logitech does not recommend using 2 Harmony remotes in the same room.
5 years, 1 month ago
by
Bootleg89
Enjoy the rich, full-flavored coffee you love or delicious coffeehouse beverages from the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition single serve coffee, latte, and cappuccino maker. Featuring metal details and a premium nickel colored finish, the K-Cafe Special Edition brewer is a stunning addition to your kitchen. Whether brewing coffee, or making lattes, and cappuccinos, the K-Cafe Special Edition brewer works with any K-Cup pod so the options are endless. Use the coffee SHOT to brew a concentrated shot of coffee and froth your choice of fresh milk to create a creamy latte or frothy cappuccino. Enjoy your latte or cappuccino hot or use the COLD setting to froth cold milk for a wonderfully refreshing iced latte or cappuccino. Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz of your favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa, select Strong Brew when you want a bolder cup of coffee. The dishwasher safe frother makes clean up a breeze – enjoying delicious specialty beverages at home has never been so easy. Just brew, froth, enjoy!
I have a price match on this.
Bring the sounds of the movies to your home with these Sony Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. The compact size fits neatly on top of your existing tower speakers for an easy way to upgrade your sound system. Mica-reinforced cellular cones reduce distortion, while the MDF cabinets absorb vibrations for better playback. These Sony Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers offer surround sound capabilities for an immersive listening experience.
Today was the first day I saw these (Sony - Dolby Atmos Enabled Speakers (Pair) - Black) available at Best Buy (other retailers have had them for about two weeks). It's 10:30am ET and they're sold out. Seriously!? When will they be available? If ever.
They will be available once they are obtained and put back into inventory. Thanks!
5 years, 11 months ago
by
Bootleg89
Without you knowing it, cybercriminals can infiltrate your Wi-Fi network and steal your identity or invade your privacy by accessing your connected devices. Password protection isn't enough anymore.Engineered with multi-layered security, Norton Core™ intelligently protects your Wi-Fi network and an unlimited number of connected IoT devices such as smart TVs, baby monitors, Wi-Fi thermostats as well as your personal devices like laptops, desktops, smartphones and tablets against malware, spyware, ransomware, viruses and more.
Was just advised by Norton rep (have Nighthawk 1900/r7000 + Ubee Spectrum modem & current Norton Internet Security Premium) that I should "ADD the Core to my Nighthawk for enhanced security". Is this correct? So I'd connect Core to modem AND Nighthawk??
You could run the Core from an open Ethernet port from your Nighthawk, but may want to consider eliminating the Nighthawk and only run the Core since it protects all of your connected devices at the source (router).
6 years, 2 months ago
by
Bootleg89
Without you knowing it, cybercriminals can infiltrate your Wi-Fi network and steal your identity or invade your privacy by accessing your connected devices. Password protection isn't enough anymore.Engineered with multi-layered security, Norton Core™ intelligently protects your Wi-Fi network and an unlimited number of connected IoT devices such as smart TVs, baby monitors, Wi-Fi thermostats as well as your personal devices like laptops, desktops, smartphones and tablets against malware, spyware, ransomware, viruses and more.
Have 2yr old Netgear Nighthawk ac1900/r7000 connected to a Spectrum/TW modem and about 350 days left of Norton Security Premium. As much as I like Core-safety sales pitch, is it really so good you'd trash my current router plus 11 month subscription?
Enjoy your tunes by the pool or on a boat with this ECOXGEAR ECOPEBBLE GDI-EGPB100 speaker, which features a waterproof, floating design that protects against moisture infiltration. Bluetooth technology makes wireless audio streaming simple.
Why is the Blue and Orange speaker more expensive (15 dollars!?) than the black one. I just received the orange one and now see the black is 14 dollars less. Why?
The blue and orange dyes are roughly 15 dollars more than the black dye.
7 years, 1 month ago
by
Bootleg89