Sharp VLWD450U MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/2.5'' Viewfinder & Built-in Digital Still Mode

Average customer rating:

Good For A While...

Tape disaster- Sharp has worst customer service

good video and audio quality

disappointing

AWESOME!! GREAT QUALITY, BATTERY LIFE, CONNECTIVITY

Sharp VLWD450U MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/2.5'' Viewfinder & Built-in Digital Still Mode

Manufacturer: Sharp
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Pinnacle Systems Studio DV

Viking 32 MB SmartMedia Card (SSFDC3/32)

Viking 64 MB SmartMedia Card (SSFDC3/64)

Viking 256 MB Secure Digital Flash Card (SD256M)

Viking 128 MB SmartMedia Card (SSFDC3/128)

Product Features:

Digital camcorder--uses Mini DV tapes

26x optical (30x digital) zoom with digital image stabilization

2.5-inch color LCD monitor and viewfinder

Still-shot capability on both Mini DV cassette and SmartMedia flash memory card

Uses Sharp BT-L221 lithium-ion battery providing approximately 100 minutes of active recording/playback time (using LCD monitor); includes PixLab image-editing software, remote control, and zoom microphone

ASIN: B00005BABT

Product Description

Imagine recording with no control buttons - instead, all you do is touch the world's most advanced LCD View Screen; to Zoom, Rewind, Review and more - all at your fingertips. Imagine, life's precious moments captured at near broadcast picture quality. Or a 780x Digital Zoom that brings distance scenes in so close you can almost touch them.The VL-WD450U is a digital camcorder that features a 2.5" Color LCD View Screen, 26x optical zoom, 780x digital zoom, and an 8MB SmartMedia card. In addition, the VL-WD450U is equipped with Super Cat's Eye Lux Recording, which allows users to record in dark situations and outdoors at night, and a Zoom Microphone that automatically adjusts from wide to narrow with the zoom lens to capture audio at a distance.

Amazon.com Review

The Sharp VL-WD450U is a compact, relatively easy-to-use DV camcorder. Right out of the box, anyone who's used a camcorder before can put the camera to use. Primary functions are easily controlled by the right hand while gripping the camera. Recording is as simple as pressing the button located at your thumb, and the zoom is operated by means of a rocker switch under your forefinger. The zoom is variable, so the farther you press the rocker in a particular direction, the faster the zoom operates. In subjective tests, there seemed to be three different zoom speed levels. The surprisingly large 26x optical zoom lens (made by Canon) is paired with a digital image stabilization system. The image stabilization is relatively effective with slight hand-shake, but don't expect to walk around and have the stabilizer make up for your body movement. This system works by cropping the picture on the CCD and using the excess information as a buffer. Digital stabilization isn't as good a solution as an optically based system, but it's more compact and significantly less expensive. The digital image stabilization can be turned off through the menu system.

The menu system is a bit confusing the first time you access it. If you haven't taken the time to read the manual, you'll probably have difficulty with the navigation. You move through the various menus using the VCR controls (rewind, fast-forward, play, etc.) located on the same side of the camera as the LCD monitor. This location is a little bizarre, as your hand partially blocks the LCD screen from view--don't expect to use the camcorder while moving around in the menus. After you get over the initial difficulty, the menus aren't too bad. A selection of icons along the left side represent the main categories. Each selection has various submenus that may or may not unfold into more menus.

While the camcorder comes with the ability to shoot stills onto an included 8-MB SmartMedia card, you can't shoot video and stills at the same time. To capture stills onto the memory card, you first have to flip a "media" switch that chooses between tape and card. While set to tape, you can shoot video and capture either six seconds of still footage, or a continuous still image onto the MiniDV cassette. Transfer of the still images from the SmartMedia card to a computer is troublesome. You'll need a PC with a serial port, and Macs aren't compatible with either the hardware or software. Sharp should have used a USB connection instead--it's speedier and more universal.

In addition to the built-in mic, Sharp includes a unique zoom microphone that can be set to sync automatically with the lens. The mic adds to the overall size of the camera, but dramatically improves the quality of the sound on your recordings, greatly reducing background noise and making it easier to hear the subjects in your recordings. For added portability, the microphone can be removed, automatically activating the built-in microphone in the camera.

Apparently, Sharp doesn't expect most moviemakers to use the camera for more than its most basic functions, and includes only a simple RCA cord in the package. The camera has an IEEE1394 connection for lossless digital transfer of your movies to your computer or another camcorder, and also has s-video output for connection to many newer televisions, especially higher-end models. If you want to use these features, however, you'll have to run to the store for another cable.

All in all, the Sharp VL-WD450U is pretty good at what it does--shoot digital video onto MiniDV tapes. The Canon video lens is a great piece of glass, and probably one of the most--if not the most--important piece of equipment in the camcorder. Our only qualms come with the limited connectivity options for transferring still images, and the lack of video cables. Although it's common practice in the industry to skimp on the bundle, it's still kind of annoying. --Michael Lewis

Pros:

Canon made 26x optical zoom
Zoom microphone included
Still shot capability--records onto SmartMedia or tape

Cons:

The bundle lacks both IEEE1394 and s-video cables
Still image download is serial-based and the driver software is Windows only

Customer Reviews:

Good For A While..........2004-11-01

I was extremely pleased with this camera when I first got it. It was a great bargain and I got a rebate, too! The features on it were amazing for the price and the video was quality was every bit as good as I expected, if not better. Then, after about a year of being exceedingly pleased with my purchase, my favorite toy started eating tapes. I get the famous EJECT CASSETTE message nearly every time I attempt to rewind now. About half of those times, the machine ends up messing up a part of the tape by getting it stuck in the mechanism. Then I have to carefully extract it myself and rewind manually. Even doing this causes some wear and tear on the tapes now because they just weren't made for winding and unwinding by hand and they sometimes end up getting stretched out a little too far in the process. If you've got the expendable cash and just need a full-featured camera to last you a little while, go for a Sharp. If you need something durable and want some actual bang for your buck, pay more for another brand. I'm waiting for the days when camcorders record onto hard drives... In the meantime, my next camcorder purchase for personal use will likely be a DVD-RAM model. Forget about tapes. But most of all, forget about Sharp.

Tape disaster- Sharp has worst customer service.......2004-04-19

All of the negative reviews of this product are true. It eats tapes, or makes them unusable at a certain point. I, too, was under warranty when this started to happen (after the first tape!). I had to send to to NY, and had to pay for the labor, which was half the price of the camera. When it finally came back, it did the same thing. I don't even know where to go with the lemon laws for this one.

good video and audio quality.......2004-03-27

although this camcorder is a bit larger than most minidv camcorders now, it is not bulky and the recording quality is really nice. the zoom mic is really a bonus. I've been using it for almost three years without any problems. the only problem I had was "eject the tape" messages, after the dv tape gets stuck. Some shaking of the tape helps but not always. I assume this might be because of the tape rather than the camcorder.

disappointing.......2003-11-07

too low quality

From the beginning, the quality of the record is too low. I can't watch most of the time after recorded.

AWESOME!! GREAT QUALITY, BATTERY LIFE, CONNECTIVITY.......2003-09-14

People don't realize but this camera is one the best products in terms of value. It's nice size, light, and it let's you both input and out put composite and DV, so you can convert analog video to DV extremely easily. I even sometimes transfer DVD's to tapes so i can watch them on the road either on the large LCD screen or connecting it to the hotel TV.

Product Description

For "live-concert" sound, the STR-DE535 A/V Receiver from Sony is a perfect choice. Its stereo mode power output (both channels driven) is 20 Hz to 20, 000 Hz, 0.09% THD and its surround mode power output (all channels driven) is 1, 000 Hz, 0.80% THD. High-quality, realistic sound is a direct result of several features including discrete output transistors to minimize distortion, equal division of power between all five channels and Dolby Pro Logic Decoding to decode and amplify encoded surround channels found in some videocassettes and TV sports and dramatic broadcasts. The STR-DE535 also features 30 AM/FM random presets (allows you to store AM/FM stations in any combination), pre-programmed remote, DVD and digital satellite system receiver control and Virtual Dolby Surround for a surround-sound effect even when rear speakers can't be connected.

Amazon.com Product Description

Equal power to all five channels gives this receiver the theater-quality sound you're looking for.

Customer Reviews:

Great receiver.......2000-01-12

I like this receiver.. Sound quality is superb... but DO NOT GET fooled with the "cool" remote. It is hard to use and takes a few weeks of "getting used too". But once you're through that, its a great buy. I use it with the Acoustimass 6 and its absolute great.

Average customer rating:
POLK AUDIO RTi70 Three-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Black

Manufacturer: Polk Audio
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Floorstanding | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

2 - 6-1/2 Inch Diameter Dynamic Balance Mid/Woofer

1 Inch Diameter Dynamic Balance Tweeter

Recommended Amplifier Power 20-250 W/ Channel

Overall Frequency Response 28Hz-27kHz

ASIN: B00007BGSW

Product Description

Polk Audio is one of the world's most successful brands of high quality home, car and multimedia loudspeakers. By concentrating solely on the speaker business, Polk Audio has built a reputation of "The Speaker Specialist."The RTi70 floor-standing loudspeakers are ideal for use as main/front speakers in both home theater and stereo music-only systems. Their excellent midrange clarity provides clear, accurate reproduction of all types and styles of music, while their bass response and extended dynamic range deliver high-impact movie effects with ease.

Product Description

The Spike Stick Surge Suppressor from Tripp Lite has 6 outlets and a 6-ft. cord with a space-saving right-angle plug. The unit has 360 joules of surge energy absorption to handle the strongest surges.

Average customer rating:
Viking DL3272M 256MB ECC PC133 DIMM Memory

Manufacturer: Viking Components
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

$5 Off Viking Memory | Promotions | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Product Features:

Specifically designed and engineered for Dell products

Enables you to run multiple programs simultaneously

Enables you to open files and programs faster

Premiere components guarantee flawless operation, even under the harshest conditions

Installation is easy with Viking's comprehensive install guide or toll free tech support

ASIN: B0000665U9

Product Description

Viking's mission is to create products that enhance the speed, power and performance of IT systems, thereby increasing their value to the user. Viking's current offering includes over 2000 different memory, modem and flash memory products that present the fastest, most cost-effective means of expanding the capabilities of a computer or a digital device.This memory is designed for Dell OptiPlex GX240.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Product Description

Never lose you?re a/V cables again \. We combined Toslink, S-VHS, Composite video (RCA), Audio (RCA L&R) cables together in one. Cables are color coded with Gold plated connectors. Use with avs-3-rem remote control A/V selector.

Product Description

Prosonic offers a complete array of Home Entertainment products.PRODUCT FEATURES:10.2" Digital 16: 9 True Color display panel;16: 9 and 4: 3 reverse display mode;Built-in AV In/Out function;Built-in stereo mini-speakers;DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW disc playback compatible;Slim-Type Slot-In DVD player;Supports DVD/VCD/SVCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/JPEG formats.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2007-07-12

I like this DVD Player this is the best ever! It has all in one, DVD Player, TV and FM. The video quality it's very good. I can use my MP3 dics, DVD's, CD's. It's great! I love it.

Average customer rating:
Toshiba SATELLITE M35X-S3291 CEL-1.6GHZ ( PSA72U-00V00Y )

Manufacturer: Toshiba America Info Systems
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
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Accessories:

IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC

ASIN: B00065XL7S

Product Description

Whether sitting on your couch or in your office, the Satellite M35 Series with Intel Centrino mobile technology incorporates convenient productivity features ready for any business or home. Combined with an enhanced battery life and increased performance packaged in an eye-catching silver design, the Satellite M35 Series is the notebook you want for both work and play.

Product Description

This ultra-comfortable pen features an enlarged cushioned grip-area that reduces grip effort by up to 40%. It is the professional freehand tool and the standard pen for the Intuos2 tablet system. The new Intuos2 Grip Pen is equipped with a revolutionary rubberized cushion grip that reduces gripping power significantly.It enables you to work even more ergonomically. Its optimum weight and balance relieves stress and alleviates fatigue. It is the must have for professional freehand Intuos2 Users.

Customer Reviews:

Exactly the same as the regular Intuos2 Pen.......2007-04-15

but 20 dollars more and hideous. I have a platinum Intuos2 tablet (a high school graduation present from 2004), and when I broke the pen, I ordered the regular intuos2 pen due to it's being slightly cheaper on Wacom's site. Here, the platinum is 20 dollars more (and in my opinion, much uglier). I recommend buying the classic intuos2 pen.

Great Service.......2007-04-05

The product was received in perfect condition and is what I was looking for.

Average customer rating:

Intuos2 Grip Pen

Manufacturer: Wacom Tech Corp.
ProductGroup: CE

Product Description

Intuos2 Grip Pen for Intuos2 Tablets platinum color

Product Description

MODEL- TIAC9920 DESC.-TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FEATURES- * AC Adapter for use with the new CBL2 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:andnbsp;andnbsp;1 YEAR

Average customer rating:

TI AC Adapter for CBL2

Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
ProductGroup: CE

Product Description

MODEL- TIAC9920 DESC.-TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FEATURES- * AC Adapter for use with the new CBL2 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:  1 YEAR

Average customer rating:

TI AC Adapter for CBL2

Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
ProductGroup: CE

Texas Instruments

ASIN: B000JMDZ88

Product Description

TI AC ADAPTER FOR CBL2 AND TI-PRESENTER

Average customer rating:

TI AC Adapter for CBL2

Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
ProductGroup: CE

Product Description

MODEL- TIAC9920 DESC.-TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FEATURES- * AC Adapter for use with the new CBL2 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: 1 YEAR MODEL- TIAC9920 DESC.-TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FEATURES- * AC Adapter for use with the new CBL2 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: 1 YEAR

Average customer rating:

Perfect.....

THE BEST!!

Father's day gift got rave reviews

Great little radio.

Perfect

Tivoli Audio M1WHT Henry Kloss Model One AM/FM Table Radio, Silver/White

Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
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Tivoli Audio M1CLA Henry Kloss Model One AM / FM Table Radio, Classic / Walnut

Tivoli Audio M1BLU Henry Kloss Model One AM/FM Table Radio, Cherry/Cobalt Blue

Tivoli Audio M1BBS Henry Kloss Model One AM / FM Table Radio, Black / Silver

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Accessories:

Sony MDR-G57G S2 Sports Street Style Headphones with Reflective Ear Piece

Sony MDR-A35G S2 Sports Headphones with Sweat Guard Mechanism

Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (White)

Open-air Stereo Headphones

Sony MDR-EX81LP Bud-Style Stereo Earphones (Black)

Product Features:

High-performance table radio with simple design and superior sound reproduction

Attractive, furniture-grade, handmade wood cabinet doubles as acoustically inert housing

3-inch long-throw driver ensures accurate tonal balance and bass response

State-of-the-art discrete component FM tuner improves reception and increases clarity

Measures 8.375 x 4.5 x 5.25 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

ASIN: B0000WM2LI

Product Description

Tivoli Audio presents the Kloss Model One Radio for your desk or any location in home or office. Designed by Henry-Kloss, the Model One has become a legend among radios and an example of late 20th century engineering and design. Like other priceless instruments from past centuries, this radio remains a totally unique audio gem. This is THE table radio and we have it just for you. Auxiliary input for CD or MP3 use Headphone output Record output 12 volt DC input for use with optional cigarette lighter adapter in cars, boats, RVs & campgrounds Is this art, is this science, perhaps just the innovative genius of one rare individual. The Henry-Kloss Model One Table Radio may be prized for centuries to come. You can own it now. Classic Silver-White Finish

Amazon.com Review

The Tivoli Model One has been praised far and wide for its high-quality sound, small size, and cool, retro styling. We got our hands on a sample unit and came away impressed, just as many others have. Anyone who wants a compact, stylish radio with surprisingly good sound should give the Model One a look.

Design
In many ways, the Model One is the culminating achievement of famed audio engineer Henry Kloss's long career. Designed from the ground up by Kloss, who passed away in 2002, the radio exudes understated class and elegant simplicity. We received the Platinum Series Model One, which features a hand-lacquered, high gloss dark walnut cabinet that is simply gorgeous. According to Tivoli, the genuine wood casing isn't just for looks as it provides "an acoustically inert housing" that maximizes the speaker's sound quality. At just over 8 inches wide, 4.5 inches high, and 5.25 inches deep, the Model One is about the size of a toaster turned on its side-- plenty small to fit on a desk, dresser, or nightstand.

The Model One's single rotary dial handles tuning for both AM and FM stations. It feels sturdy and smooth in the hand. The dial is designed to move between stations at a speed that is a bit slower than the speed at which the user turns the knob-- a 5 to 1 ratio, to be exact. This "ratio" dialing technique makes it far easier to tune stations accurately and quickly. It's a nice touch that sets the unit apart from other desktop radios.

The tuner band selection and volume dials are easy to control. Plus, they're well designed for hands of all sizes. A small LED power indicator, as well as an LED that helps determine signal strength, are positioned between the dials. We liked the light-colored face and dark lettering printed on the Platinum Series model we reviewed; it made for easy operation in dimly-lit rooms. The Model One's single, 3" driver is protected by a handsome metal speaker cover. Tivoli adds that the speaker is enhanced by a "multi-stage frequency contouring circuit that adjusts the speaker's output over half-octave increments." The result, Tivoli claims, is "musically accurate tonal balance and bass response."

The back of the unit features a coaxial antenna jack for the included FM antenna wire. While the Model One also has an internal FM antenna, Tivoli recommends using the supplied external one for tricky tuning in locales with a lot of stations crammed together. There's a handy switch for switching between the internal and external antennae. A standard 3.5mm headphone jack is also provided, as is a 3.5mm auxiliary line in port for plugging in your iPod or other music device. If you want to use the Model One as a component tuner-- not a bad idea given the overall quality and accuracy of the tuning circuitry-- Tivoli has provided a 3.5mm output port. The back panel also sports separate ports for AC and DC power, making the unit a great choice for boating or RV use.

Listening Pleasure
As with the Tivoli iPal portable speaker system, we were initially skeptical about the performance of a small, one-speaker unit that only offers monaural sound. The reality is that most small two-speaker systems don't allow you to place the speakers very far apart anyway, and the Model One's rich, resonant sound more than made up for its lack of true stereo separation. Plus, the Model One is a single, elegant box with no annoying speaker cords.

While the Model One isn't designed to provide earth-shattering sound at high volume, it produces surprising clarity and fullness at normal listening levels. When turned all the way up, the unit's rich sound persists and we suspect that Tivoli engineered the Model One's volume level to max out before any distortion arises. If you don't need a lot of volume, the Model One delivers. As with the iPal, we were left scratching our heads and wondering how such great sound could come from such a little box.

The Model One's tuning accuracy is also impressive; we were able to dial in stations we didn't even know existed. Tivoli says this is due to the unit's discrete-component FM tuner technology, which was originally developed for cellular telephones. Whatever Tivoli has done here, they did it right; closely-spaced stations are a breeze to tune.

Pros

Compact form factor
Excellent sound
Supremely accurate tuning

Cons

Not engineered to produce extremely high volume levels

Customer Reviews:

Perfect............2007-08-06

Just purchased one of these bad boys off ebay and it is superb. Brilliant sound, great looking and superb construction. Very well engineering to produce such a big sound from such a small driver. Buy One.....NOW!

THE BEST!!.......2007-06-13

Great sound, well built, easy to use, compact...audio perfection for the price.

Father's day gift got rave reviews.......2007-04-25

Bought this as a father's day gift and it got rave reviews. He loves it.

Great little radio........2007-03-18

I needed a radio for the kitchen and checked reviews and bought this one. I'm very pleased. Sound is good and the sensitivity is great...it might be a little bassy but I can live with that.

Perfect.......2007-03-09

This radio is no frills way to get your favorite station with a crisp, solid sound. It has just enough bottom to it, bass-wise, to not give you the that tinny, Bose-like treble-some, Wave Radio sound, of which I have two. Although it doesn't take up much geography, it filled a very large space,360 sq. ft., without a strain on half volume.

Average customer rating:
Nortel Networks Model 57622-MM Single Port Atm Switching Host Module

Manufacturer: Nortel Networks
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Switches | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00004ZAPZ

Product Description

Bringing unparalled availability and scalability to campus LANs and enterprise networking environments, Centillion ATMSpeed modules also deliver high-performance metropolitan and wide area network access. The ATMSpeed modules enable the flexible interconnection of Centillion 50, Centillion 100, and System 5000BH LAN-ATM switches with the Centillion 1000 family of ATM multiservice switches via multiple high-speed, full-duplex ATM links. The multihomed, multigigabit backbone maximizes information availability, bandwidth, and scalability, while also providing high-speed connectivity to servers and ATM virtual network routers. ATMSpeed modules simplify switch interconnection by deploying standards-based Private Network-Network Interface (PNNI) ATM dynamic topology services. When used in conjunction with EtherSpeed and TokenSpeed switching modules as a high-speed extension of the Centillion LAN-ATM backplane, ATMSpeed modules scale Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring port density, and provide switching performance and system reliability that is unmatched in the industry. Centillion LAN-ATM switches will also support standards-based Layer 3 intranet application acceleration through distributed Multi-Protocol over ATM (MPOA) services.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics