Denon AVR-789 630-Watt 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've done tons of research on a receiver in this price range. I can tell you that this unit is the best for the money. I've research the yammy 663, onkyo 606, and the 789/1909. The 789 and the 1909 are the same unit just made for different retailers. The four digit receivers from denon are for local retailers and the 789 is manufactured for higher volume retailers like BB or CC. I tried two 606s before spending the extra $150 on this model. The first 606 i had suffered from the humm/buzz problem that's all over the avsforum. The second unit i had dropped the video signal after a couple minutes of switching sources or powering the unit on and off. So i went with the 789 and couldn't be happier. My new 7.1 sounds amazing and the Audessey features are the best. i wouldn't attempt to set up a 7.1 with out it. The remote kinda sucks, but i got a Harmony 890, so all remotes go into storage anyway. I have it hooked up to a ps3, 360, comcast cable box, denon dvd, vcr, and ipod. All the SD signals get pushed to 1080p. The upscaling is so much better than the 606 it's not even funny. i would recommend anyone looking for a hdmi receiver that upscales to get this model.

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Equipped with the latest video and audio processing functions, the AVR-789 brings high performance surround sound and extensive video flexibility at a truly affordable price. For the ultimate audio experience, the AVR-789 features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding to handle the explosive soundtracks found on many of today\'s advanced Blu-ray high definition discs, along with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS ES 6.1 surround decoding functions. The video section includes Faroudja\'s renowned DCDi processing and upconversion to provide near-HD picture quality from conventional sources such as cable, satellite and DVD, while at the same time providing a single video output connection to your HDTV. In addition, the video section features the latest specification HDMI v1.3a signal handling, with three inputs capable of handling Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks as well as uncompressed LPCM multi-channel sources. Setup and operation are a snap, aided by Denon\'s enhanced icon-based on screen display that also features a screen saver. To eliminate jarring shifts in volume between TV shows and commercials, the AVR-789 features Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatic volume-leveling system, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. Audyssey MultEQ in-room acoustic optimization and enhanced multimedia connectivity are just a few of the many additional advanced features that the AVR-789 offers.

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MSI EX300-024US 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Centrino 2 P7350 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, 256 MB ATI HD3450 Graphics, Vista Premium) Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I received the laptop, and as soon as I opened the box I realized that it wasn't a plain blue laptop like shown on MSI and Amazon but rather a sparkly blue which, being male, I did not like at all. Then I tried to turn it on and get it to run. The msi logo appears and then nothing else happened, and I never got to get windows running, as it only comes with some blank DVDs so that the user creates the recovery discs. Would have created them if windows had runned. Had to return it, and now I see the number of available items is 4 (3 when I bought mine) so I guess someone else had to return it as well.

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The EX300 stays true to MSI¿s unique fashionable styling by incorporating athleticism into our notebook computers. The simple and yet fluid body design adapted the idealism of -InchAthletic DNA¿ and -InchMobile Technology¿, making the EX300 the leader of fashionable styling. The Dazzling Blue/Brilliant Red gives it the most definable character of sportsmanship, expressing true individualism. Added with the exquisite MSI logo demonstrating the very best in gracefulness, the EX300 is your ideal companion in life. The EX300 features the latest Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology , which uses Intel Core2 Duo processor and Intel PM45 Express Chipset, to deliver innovative mobile solutions with unrivaled processor performance, stunning new HD capabilities, great wireless connectivity ( Integrated WiFi+ optional WiMAX, up to 450mbps 802.11 b/g/n), and long battery life for full blu-ray movie playback.The EX300¿s 13.3¿ display is perfect for reading text large or small. It surpasses text viewing on a 12¿ notebook display and is more portable than a 14¿ notebook, giving you a more balanced notebook. Measuring in at 303mm in length, 231mm in width, and 24-30mm in height, along with a weight of 1.9kg (including battery), EX300 is very portable for mobility users. The most advanced ATI Mobility Radeon HD3450 graphic card with DDR3 256MB VRAM, for a more fluid, more detailed, more realistic 3D high-definition viewing experience. Never a moment of delay to occur, feel the excitement. The EX300 is equipped with the second generation of Dolby Surround Sound for richness in bass and the enjoyment of a home theater, offering the most realistic experience while watching movies, TV, or listening to music.

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Denon DBP-1611UD Universal Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Player, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Without a doubt, Denon rasied the bar with this product, but it is readily apparent they rushed production without proper Quality Assurance. The player suffers from a persistent bug that is quite enfuriating - it simply will not turn on once powered off. Multiple owners have reported this issue on AVSForums. Long story short, the player can be revived with a hard reset (via disconnecting the power for five minutes), which is a bit absurd considering the price and its the third generation of blu ray player released by Denon.
Additionally, as of January 2011, the player does not have 3D playback capability despite its promised release via a firmware update in the fall of 2010. This is a big disappointment considering it is actually well-advertised on denon's website as a key feature.
Lastly, the power-up or initial ready times have nearly doubled from its predecessor (the 1610) from 14 seconds to 26 seconds. In layman's terms, the player now takes nearly half a minute to open the disc drive when powered off. This is the longest time I can remember in a modern blu ray player.
Outside of these two complaints, Denon has made strides in more compotent DVD playback; the 1611 excels with deinterlacing and cadence recognition, although most cadences require a momentarily lock-on. Video deinterlacing is still mediocre and aliasing does occur, but it's head and shoulders over the 1610. The player's source direct function is ideal for mating with an AVR with a proper video processing chipset (like the Denon AVR-2311ci and above models).
That said, after a week of ownership with this player it is clear Denon rushed production and did not "work all the bugs out." Bit disappointing considering many lower-priced players offer 3D playback, more streaming options, wifi connectivity, and do not require unplugging for five minutes when you want to turn it on.

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The DBP-1611UD's 'Universal' disc playback technology provides playback of virtually all popular disc formats. This includes high definition Blu-ray discs, DVD-Audio and SACD high resolution stereo and multi-channel music format discs, DVD-Video and music CD's. Audio and Videophiles with large disc libraries will appreciate this comprehensive disc playback capability combined with premium audio and video performance. Engineered with the latest technology, the DBP-1611UD is BD Profile 2.0, BD-Live enabled and 3D ready via Ethernet connectivity. The 3D Blu-ray disc playback will be activated via a simple firmware upgrade planned for Fall 2010. Additionally, via the Ethernet port or front USB input, the DBP-1611UD connects to your multimedia home PC and lets you watch your favorite videos, listen to your favorite audio tracks and even view your favorite photos. The DBP-1611UD is fully DNLA certified to support video and movie streaming from the internet, with YouTube and Netflix capability (subscription required for Netflix). For optimum audio quality, the DBP-1611UD is equipped with the latest specification HDMI output, along with coaxial digital output, and an audiophile stereo output that features premium Burr-Brown PCM-1781 24 bit/192 kHz D/A converters. For multi-channel SACD compatibility, the DBP-1611UD provides stereo mix down along with bass management via the analog stereo outputs.

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