Saturday, January 24, 2009

Samsung LN46A550 46" LCD HDTV + $200 NFL Gear GC $1049.94 Free Shipping

Samsung LN46A550, Find Best Samsung LN46A550, Read Review from here.

Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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Samsung LN46A550 LCD HDTV : Detailed Info, Features.


Editorial Reviews


Manufacturer's Description--March 24, 2008

Samsung's 550 Series is a perfect way to step up to Full HD 1080p resolution. A fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes for sports and action movies, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 makes for deep blacks and crisp lines (15,000:1 in 32-inch and 37-inch models). Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means these HDTVs play well with all of your other electronics. Easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through the side-mounted USB 2.0, turn your LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect your MP3 player for a dynamic audio experience.
Key Features
* New -- 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 15,000:1 on 2007 models (15,000 on 32-inch and 37-inch models)
* New -- Fast 5ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal

Features

  • Full HD 1080p Resolution
  • Wide Color Enhancer
  • 3 HDMI Inputs
  • USB 2.0
  • HDMI-CDC
Customer Reviews

Incredible Value and Performance
The Samsung LN46A550 was at the top of our list for quite some time while we researched the quality and value of Flat Panel LCDs that were in the 42 - 46 inch range. While other TVs may have done slightly better in terms of price, the quality of Samsung televisions have surpassed even Sony in recent years as they consistently rank as one of the top brands. This TV is no different.

We were not in need of all the bells and whistles that are advertised on the later models of the Samsungs, such as the 120Hz refresh rate. This feature may smooth out intense sports action but as the human eye can only process a 60Hz refresh rate, the 120Hz will often tire your eyes out after viewing too long (this is why looking at an LCD monitor for a computer too long tires your eyes out).

As for its performance, we could not be happier. The Dark Night on Blu-ray played via a PS3 hooked up with HDMI 6FT / 2M Super High Resolution Male to Male Cable by Eforcity looked absolutely stunning. The 1080p resolution on this TV is incredible. People may complain about artifacts and pixelation while watching TV but that issue (which I have experienced) is not the TV itself. The fact that it can play Blu-ray movies at full 1080p resolution flawlessly indicates that the problem lies with the video source. The free HD channels I get as a Time Warner subscriber in NYC look amazing, but they do get a bit pixely sometimes during intense camera movement and action. This is also added to by the fact that even channels that are supposedly broadcasting in HD are using compression techniques that lower the quality on the subscriber's end. Unfortunately there is nothing to be done about it but wait for HD to become the standard. Everything still looks great and I do not regret this purchase in the slightest. Even the sound quality surprised me (it may not be 5.1 surround but it was better than I expected after reading people's reviews here).

Excellent TV
This TV is great, Ive had it for a month and a half with no problems whatsoever. The color/tone was perfect straight out of the box for me. It is also extremely quiet and doesnt give off any heat (I have it in a very small room and the temperature in there and the rest of the house is the same). I also really like the matte finish of the screen. This tv sits directly across the room from a window where the glare was tterrible with a normal tv but it is significantly reduced with this one. That is one way this tv is actually better than the A650, which has a glossy reflective screen.

I use it for over-the-air HD tv which looks great (if you have a strong signal on your antenna) and blu-ray movies, but the thing i use it for most is my Playstation 3. These two were made for eachother! The games look stunning even though most of them are only 720p. This TV doesnt have the 120Hz refresh rate like the A650 (which Ive seen because my parents have the A650). The 120hz refresh rate is nice for nature programs, animated movies, and sports but I actually do not like it for live action movies and tv shows. I feel like it looks like you're on the film set, which sounds good, but it really makes it look fake to me for some reason. Videogames currently only output at 60Hz so the 120Hz refresh rate makes no difference for them.

Overall I am extremely happy with this TV and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a nice HDtv, especially if your budget is a little tight.

Great hdtv
Great tv for a reasonable price. Excellent picture quality. We have a surround sound system and it truly is like being at the movies.



Visit Our Store Samsung LCD HDTV (All Series) Click Here

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Electronic Textbooks - Efficient Replacements for Traditional College Textbooks

In the last few years, college campus bookstores have continuously put students under pressure, selling curricular textbooks at prices that exceed the financial possibilities of the average student, already burdened by high tuition costs and additional expenses for one’s education. According to recent studies, a required new course textbook can cost between $100 and $200 in the campus bookstore, students rarely finding better offers in other specialized offline resources. Forced to spend a small fortune in order to gather a minimum number of curricular textbooks, students nationwide suffer pronounced gaps in their budgets during each school year. Although they clearly realize that they are being ripped off, most students continue to spend exaggerated sums of money on new college textbooks available for purchase in college campus bookstores; others look for cheaper alternatives in used bookstores or on the Internet, while some decide to borrow their needed textbooks from colleagues.

According to a recent study conducted by CALPIRG – the California Public Interest Research Group in 59 superior educational facilities across the country, college textbook prices have increased at four times the rate of inflation over the last few years. As very few parties are currently trying to find efficient solutions to the problem, the phenomenon continues to grow and is expected to become even more acute in the near future. Considering the fact that the average cost of college textbooks is estimated at $900 a year per student, study materials substantially add to the already high cost of a higher education.

The high costs of today’s college textbooks represent a problem with many different aspects. The primary reason why college textbook prices have rocketed over the last few years is poor competition on the market. As long as college bookstores continue to hold the monopoly over the specialized market, the costs of new college textbooks are expected to grow further. Although at present there are many competitive resources that offer both new and used textbooks for more affordable prices than those established by campus bookstores, they currently cover a small segment of the market and don’t pose a serious threat to college campus bookstores.

The unaffordable prices of most curricular college textbooks are primarily the consequence of frequent and often unneeded updates and reviews, but also high production costs, according to textbook publishers. Thus, an effective solution to the problem would be to completely eliminate the costs of ink and paper by replacing traditional college textbooks with electronic study materials. In electronic format, the college textbooks of tomorrow will not only be substantially cheaper, but will also include interactive content, thus stimulating students’ imagination and raising their interest for learning.

Digital college textbooks are expected to offer major educational advantages, as they will comprise many different tools into a single volume. Unlike traditional textbooks, such study materials will introduce videos, simulations and various interactive games which will help students better understand the topics discussed in class. The next generation of e-books will open new educational perspectives, creating a new, innovative model for teaching. By corroborating affordability with great educational value, the electronic college textbooks of tomorrow will open many new horizons for students in superior educational facilities worldwide.

So if you want to find out more about textbooks and especially about college textbooks, follow these links, you will also find information for the Dutch versions - studieboeken.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Sony MP4 Players Review

Sony NWZ-S639FB 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM Tuner, Black

Sony NWZ-S639FB 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM Tuner, Black
From Sony


Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description
Sony Logo Walkman Logo The Sony WALKMAN® S-Series

Available in 8GB & 16GB storage capacity and up to 40 hours of battery life. The premium video NWZ-S-Series is perfect for frequent travellers.


Works with BBC iPlayer Works with BBC iPlayer You can now download BBC shows on to your WALKMAN® with BBC iPlayer.
Watch up to 400 hours of BBC programmes updated weekly.

Follow the simple online tutorial to find out how.
8 music videos 8 music videos Pre-loaded with 8 music videos including tracks from the Ting Tings, Sandi Thom and Chris Brown.
4 Clear Audio technologies 4 Clear Audio technologies 4 Clear Audio technologies work together to create a pure sound true to the original source.
Windows Media® Player 11, Windows Explored and iTunes® Windows Media® Player 11, Windows Explorer and iTunes® Use Windows Media® Player 11, Windows Explored or iTunes® to transfer your content and Podcasts by drag and drop.
Ultra bright 2.0” QVGA LCD screen Ultra bright 2.0” QVGA LCD screen Ultra bright 2.0” QVGA LCD screen displays razor sharp videos, photos and album art in portrait or widescreen format.
SensMe technology SensMe technology SensMe technology organises your music into different moods at the touch of a button.
Supports most popular video and audio file formats Supports most popular video and audio file formats Supports most popular video and audio file formats, including mp3, AAC, WMA (DRM), AVC, MPEG-4 and JPEG.
Easily drag and drop content Easily drag and drop content Easily drag and drop content directly from Windows Media® Player and iTunes® (excludes iTunes®-DRM).
Up to 40 hours battery life Up to 40 hours battery life Listen for longer with an incredible battery life of up to 40 hours for music playback and 10 hours for video playback.
Dynamic Normaliser Dynamic Normaliser Dynamic Normaliser balances the volume level between songs to keep sound even.
The thinnest WALKMAN® ever The thinnest WALKMAN® ever The thinnest WALKMAN® ever and so lightweight you’ll barely notice you’re carrying it.
Make it your own Make it your own Make it your own with a choice of different themes and even set your own picture as a background.
FM radio FM radio FM radio for even more listening choice.
5 band equaliser 5 band equaliser 5 band equaliser (4 presets and 2 custom settings) brings out the best sound mix for your music.
Easy to use menus Easy to use menus Easy to use menus with short cut icons like your mobile phone.
‘Sony’, ‘WALKMAN’ and their logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation, Japan. All other trademarks acknowledged. iTunes® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Box Contents

  • Headphones (MDR-EX082)
  • Ear Piece for headphone (S/M/L)
  • Windows Media® Player 11 (CD)
  • Media Manager for WALKMAN® (CD)
  • Content Transfer (CD)
  • Operation Guide (CD)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • WM-PORT
  • USB cable
  • Rechargeable battery

  • Customer Reviews

    This is a brilliant product5
    I read all the reviews on different MP3 players as well as IPODs and I am glad that I took notice of what everyone was saying as I purchased the Sony 16GB player as a Christmas present for myself and it really is brilliant. It is easy to use and I didn't really need to read the instructions to use it. The sound quality is great and it is easy to find the songs, videos, pictures you want. If you buy this product, you will not be disappointed.

    Amazing Item, Great Price5
    This is simply one of the best players on the market at the moment, it is so light and small, and it simply does not weigh anything.

    The quality of the headphones are amazing, and the screen is as bright and colourful and clear to read.

    It does take a bit of getting used to if you are used to an apple scroll wheel, but after a few plays with this sony player you forget why you ever need an ipod.

    You can use it with WM11 and it comes with a free 3 month trial for Napster, so you can really test out the player with all of the great music available.

    I would say this is worthy of 6 stars but amazon doesnt account for that!!

    Bugs Bunny5
    I can't seem to find in any of the reviews or on the techincal description as to Battery. I would like to know how how many hours play for music and how many hours for video. Also how long does it take to charge the battery once it is flat?

    Sony NWZ-S639FB 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM Tuner, BlackSony NWZ-E436FB 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in BlackSony NWZ-E436FR 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in Red
    Sony NWZ-S639FB 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vi...
    £94.99
    Sony NWZ-E436FB 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vid...
    £46.30
    Sony NWZ-E436FR 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vid...
    £49.99
    Sony NWZA828K 8GB Video Walkman with wireless headphonesSony NWZ-S639FR 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in RedSony NWZ-S639FS 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in Silver
    Sony NWZA828K 8GB Video Walkman with wirele...
    £99.99
    Sony NWZ-S639FR 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vi...
    £87.99
    Sony NWZ-S639FS 16GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vi...
    £108.99
    Sony NWZ-E436FP 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in PinkSony NWZ-S638FB 8GB Drag & Drop MP4 Video Player with FM tuner in BlackSony NWZA829B 16GB Video Walkman
    Sony NWZ-E436FP 4GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vid...
    £49.99
    Sony NWZ-S638FB 8GB Drag & Drop MP4 Vid...
    £74.99
    Sony NWZA829B 16GB Video Walkman
    £164.99


    Review more at site : Sony Shop