The LEGO Technic Idea Book: Simple Machines Review

The LEGO Technic Idea Book: Simple Machines
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If you are a LEGO builder like me, you have gotten pretty proficient at building what is called the System type of models. These are buildings and vehicles that are the scale of the minifigure and are the majority of the things that are built with LEGO elements.
However, there are other scales and other parts that are not the typical brick and plate. Once called Expert Models, these became the Technic theme, which are models that have working features, like working steering and gear systems. These are sets that are more complex, and as a result, are tough to explore building possibilities. With The LEGO Technic Idea Book: Simple Machines, using Technic parts becomes a much easier exercise.
As the first book in the LEGO Technic Idea book trilogy,Simple Machines explains the parts and their uses in a clear, easy-to-understand format. There are no words used in the diagrams: all ideas are explained with graphics and colorful photos of example models. This makes it really easy and fun to pick up on building. The simplicity of the photos and diagrams also allows the builder to adapt the model to his creations.
For the beginning builder this is a great guide to learning how to make working models. For the experienced builder, this is a good reference on building techniques. This book would also be useful for FIRST LEGO teams, as it explains how to use gears, which is useful for MINDSTORMS robot builders.


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Each project uses color-coded pieces and is photographed from multiple angles, making it easy to see how the models are assembled without the need for step-by-step instructions. Every model illustrates a different principle, concept, or mechanism that will inspire your own original creations. You're encouraged to use these elements as building blocks to create your own masterpieces.

The Technic models in Simple Machines demonstrate basic configurations of gears, shafts, pulleys, turntables, connectors, and the like. You'll learn how to create small, elegant machines like cranes, operable doors, motorized cars, a rubber band-powered rocket launcher, a hand-cranked drag racer, and even musical instruments.

This visual guide, the first in the three-volume LEGO Technic Idea Book series, is the brainchild of master builder Yoshihito Isogawa of Tokyo, Japan. Each title is filled with photos of Isogawa's unique models, all of which are designed to fire the imaginations of LEGO builders young and old.

Imagine. Create. Invent. Now, what will you build?

NOTE: The LEGO Technic Idea Book series uses parts from various Technic sets. If you don't have some of the pieces shown in a particular model, experiment by substituting your own parts or visit the No Starch Press website (nostarch.com) for a list of the special parts used in the book.


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Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic: Level 1 Review

Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic: Level 1
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I used to play the clarinet in middle school. Now I'm 18 and it's been quite some time since I've read sheet music. Playing guitar for six years literally ruined my ability to read the stuff, because I would always use tabs instead. But eventually I grew jaded with the guitar, and I decided to choose a new and fresh direction -- the piano!
This book is very well-written, and leaves no gaps. Within just a few days I found myself relearning all that I had forgotten from band class years before, and I've now reached the point where I know more than I did! And I haven't even finished the book yet!
Plus, it tests you on theory and technique. You get to fill in parts of the book, which really helps you get involved with what your learning.
One reviewer downrated this book because of the song choices, and its accompanying CD. I feel that this is in err. I believe the song choices are just as good as any. If the tunes were familiar, then they wouldn't be as challenging to learn. And as for the CD...I did notice that the piano parts are rather quiet, but I always thought this was because it was a play-along CD (which is what I use it as). It's as good as it needs to be.
Besides, the pieces get more interesting as you progress, some of the final pieces being "Greensleeves", "Scarborough Fair", "The Entertainer" and "Amazing Grace" (and written in a way so that each hand will be dually occupied). And by the end of the third book in the series, you'll be playing some of Beethoven's most popular pieces, like "Fur Elise" and "Moonlight Sonata"!
Also -- something that concerned me when I bought this book: do you need a full-fledged piano? The answer is...no!! A sizable keyboard will do you just fine. But, you just might find yourself looking to buy a real piano once you delve deeper into these lessons...because this series really does inspire and nurture a great love for this amazing instrument.
If you're looking to learn the piano and can't afford a teacher, don't have time for one, or you just learn better on your own -- this is a must-have aid to your learning.
Good luck, and I wish you well in your learning!! :)

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Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is designed for use with a piano instructor for the beginning student looking for a truly complete piano course. It is a greatly expanded version of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course that will include lesson, theory, technic and additional repertoire in a convenient, "all-in-one" format. This comprehensive course adds such features as isometric hand exercises, finger strengthening drills, and written assignments that reinforce each lesson's concepts. There is a smooth, logical progression between each lesson, a thorough explanation of chord theory and playing styles, and outstanding extra songs, including folk, classical, and contemporary selections. At the completion of this course, the student will have learned to play some of the most popular music ever written and will have gained a good understanding of basic musical concepts and styles. Titles: Alouette * Alpine Melody * Amazing Grace * Au Claire de la Lune * Aunt Rhody * Auld Lang Syne * Aura Lee * The Bandleader * Beautiful Brown Eyes * Blow the Man Down! * Blues for Wynton Marsalis * Brother John * CafÚ Vienna * The Can-Can * Chasing the Blues Away * Chiapanecas * Cockles and Mussels * The Cuckoo * Day is Done * Dueling Harmonics * The Entertainer * A Friend Like You * Go Down, Moses * Good King Wenceslas * Good Morning to You! * Good People * Got Those Blues * Greensleeves * Happy Birthday to You! * Harmonica Rock * Harp Song * Here's a Happy Song! * He's Got the Whole World in His Hands * I'm Gonna Lay My Burden Down * Jericho * Jingle Bells * Joy to the World! * Kum-ba-yah! * Largo (Dvorak) * Lavender's Blue * Lightly Row * Little Brown Jug * Liza Jane * London Bridge * Lone Star Waltz * Love Somebody * Lullaby * The Marine's Hymn * Mary Ann * Merrily We Roll Along * Mexican Hat Dance * Michael, Row the Boat Ashore * Money Can't Buy Everything * My Fifth * Ode to Joy * On Top of Old Smoky * O Sole Mio * Raisins and Almonds * Rock Along * Rockets * Rockin' Intervals

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Technics and Civilization Review

Technics and Civilization
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Lewis Mumford is widely regarded as a critic of architecture, but his true importance in intellectual history is as a critic of technology and the myth of progress that accompanies technology, making it seem as if every technological advance is a step forward in civilization. That the events from 1945 onward dispute this claim would seem evident, but themselves are brushed over in favor of the prevailing paradigm.
Mumford was the first to take a critical look at technology and its accompanying mythos, and even though this book was later surpassed by his masterpiece, The Myth of the Machine, it is still worth reading for its approach to the tenor of its time (written during the Depression).
You can safely ignore the last chapters when Mumford attempts to offer an alternative to the technological society. Like most critics, he is mercifully short on alternatives. (Considering what alternatives were given humanity over the centuries, you can understand why I said that.) Until we truly understand technology and the role it has taken in our lives, we will be no closer to a solution than Mumford was in the Thirties.
For anyone who wishes to study the intellectual history of the West, this is an indispensible volume.

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Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 | Air Dynamic Headphones (Japan Import) Review

Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 | Air Dynamic Headphones (Japan Import)
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The ATH AD2000 occupies a unique position in the world of mid-priced stereophile headphones: it has a sound that effectively merges the best of what most people look for in a well-balanced phone. It's easier said than done.
The AD2000 has fine detail - easily capturing everything that the touted AKG K701 does - but with a richness of tone that's surprising. Instead of a "bass-boost" sound, these headphones offer a bass that's fully integrated into the music. Usually this kind of phone will require the use of a headphone amplifier, but through some kind of audio voodoo, these offer a full gain that can be heard easily with any portable gear. The velour earpieces make listening easy, though one may wish to "stretch" the wires backwards to make them even more comfortable.
These are open headpones, allowing the open flow of sound. If privacy is important, you may prefer closed headphones.
These headphones can handle a wide variety of music with ease, though they work best with pop/rock - mnusic that allows their power to come through. But it's striking how nice their presentation of classical instruments can be. One bonus is the AD2000's handling of Japanese music; it almost seems as if the headphones were especially tuned to capture these instruments and production. The AD2000 has earned respect as a fine all-around phone which can handle hard rocking pieces with ease.
Taking the earpads on and off can be an ordeal, so keep some patience stored up in case you decide to do any experimentation. Like so many Japanese headphones, they're held on tight, flexible material. Also, you may want to take care not to damage the "flying wings" that rest on top of your head; they flex for comfort, but may not survive a serious fall. Otherwise, these are extremely solid and well-made. The metal grilles are of the sturdy Sennheiser variety.
Balanced, detailed, full-sounding, and with a solid gain, these headphones offer sonic pleasures missing from products that cost considerably more. Right now, these imports are a bit overpriced, but they'd be quite competitive for around $420 - 450.

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Audio-Technica AT-PEQ3 - Phono preamplifier Review

Audio-Technica AT-PEQ3 - Phono preamplifier
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I bought this based on a recommendation from Stereophile Magazine. I saw the previous review about the loud hum and assumed that there was some sort of ground loop problem in their setup. When I got the unit and set it up, I was dismayed to hear a loud hum in my setup as well. After some experimenting I was able to eliminate the hum. Now the unit is dead quiet and sounds great.
At first I set up the turntable using the grounding post on the pre-amp. After hearing the hum, I grounded the turntable directly to the amplifier, but had the signal running through the pre-amp, and now everything is fine. I suspect more modern turntables (and more modern amps) won't have this problem.
I highly recommend this unit. It sounds noticeably better than the phono pre-amp in my ancient Sansui 1000a.


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Acoustic Research HD510 Surround Sound Home Theater System Review

Acoustic Research HD510 Surround Sound Home Theater System
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I was very nervous about ordering speakers that I had never heard before, and also there were no other reviews that I could find. And, I ordered all the decor speaker covers so I was hoping everything would sound okay.
Well, to my relief, the speakers sound fantastic!! As a matter of fact, they sound MUCH clearer, cleaner, and warmer than the Klipsch bookshelf speakers they replaced! They also are much louder from the same amp, so I guess they are more efficient. By the way my amp is not that great so I was so glad these sound so good from even an average amp.
The subwoofer is plenty powerful, I live in a condo so I have not cranked it all the way up, but I have it at about 1/4 volume and it fills out the low end completely and booms when needed. It has a frequency control and also a volume control which is nice.
The satellites seem to be very high quality. They are made of metal and pretty heavy. I almost knew when I took the first one out of the box that it would sound good because it felt so solid. And luckily, it did. I really like how they are very clean in the high end, so I can now hear the dialogue in movies without having to turn up the stereo so high.
I have only watched movies so far, but anything from Star Wars to Drama to Music Videos sound awesome. I especially like the concerts on my satellite TV, they sound great in the 5.1 surround.
Very satisfied with this purchase, and my friends, especially women are really amazed at the decor covers and how they hide the surround system. Plus if I ever get robbed I don't think they'll even realize I have a stereo..


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Technical Pro RX-B503 - Receiver Review

Technical Pro RX-B503 - Receiver
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This amp is a solid piece of equipment and works wonderfully for my 4x400 watt speakers. It's currently being used in a frat house and has survived frat life beautifully for as long as we've had it, which is more than I can say for our previous amps. It's well built overall. All the contacts are solid and the sound quality is good, but not mind-blowing. If you need lots of power, don't want to spend lots of money, and don't need any fancy features, this is the amp for you.

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Onkyo TX-SR506 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Onkyo TX-SR506 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)
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This receiver is pretty impressive on paper and visually by oogling at all the ports on the back. The biggest thing to note, I believe, is that the 3 HDMI inputs are "pass-through" and do not extract audio and play it through the speakers connected to the receiver! (the audio will only go to the TV!)
You NEED a secondary cable for audio (for each HDMI input!) and then you must configure the receiver to pair the corresponding HDMI input with the audio source. For example, if I have my Xbox 360 connected via HDMI, it is total FAIL because the optical audio connector for Xbox only exists on the component out... so I must use the component output for the Xbox instead, and pair it with a TOSLINK optical cable setup on the receiver.
While being an excellent receiver for the price, this single ridiculous gotcha makes the technology of HDMI near totally moot and could lead to some annoying workarounds as I have done for my home theater.

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Franklin Electronics SA-206 Spelling Ace with Thesaurus Review

Franklin Electronics SA-206 Spelling Ace with Thesaurus
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Urging other customers to buy another product insteadI bought this Franklin SA 206 Spelling Ace for my 10-year-old son hoping that it would be a less expensive version of the Franklin MWD-1440 Dictionary and Thesaurus that I use and enjoy.
Unfortunately, the Franklin SA 206 Spelling Ace only has a single line display (albeit with very large characters) which requires him to scroll constantly to read the entire dictionary or thesaurus entry. Because of this, he's always borrowing my Franklin MWD-1440 -- which has a five line display -- and is consequently much easier to use.
If you need a dictionary and thesaurus, get the Franklin MWD-1440 for the five-line display.
If you don't need the thesaurus, get the Franklin HW 216 Homework Wiz Plus (which I bought for my eight-year-old daughter, who loves it) which -- is a dictionary only -- and has a two-line display.
The Franklin MWD-1440 Dictionary and Thesaurus, and the Franklin HW 216 Homework Wiz Plus are used constantly. The Frankly SA 206 Spelling Ace just sits in the drawer.

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Spell it right the first time with the Franklin Spelling Ace withthesaurus. The Spelling Ace gives you access to 100,000 words and 500,000synonyms and antonyms. Dictionary features include phonetic spell correction, auser list, and crossword solver.
The Spelling Ace comes with eight word games, including anagrams, flash cards,and spelling bee. It also features context-sensitive help text, and a scrollingLCD screen with contrast control.
The Spelling Ace is powered by four AAA batteries (not included). It comes withautomatic shutoff, volume control, and a one-year warranty.

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CDJ1000 MK2 Review

CDJ1000 MK2
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Despite of all magazine reviews, the Pioneer CDJ-1000Mk2 is the new 1200 of the industry (if you know what i am talking). It has 4 types of pich 6% 10% 16% and Wide (a.k.a 100%) the large very large Dial, that has very touch sensitve feeling so if you are scrach DJ, or any type this is the most versatile dial you can buy... forget denon.. forget techics (the new one.. not the mk2)... this is the baby every one has on raves and big shows. the screen is brighter than the Mk1 version (even do, i havent seen mk1 in action).
it has revers funtions, that allows to back spin the cd even if scraching... also its quick!! loading and un-loading, it has 3 cue points, so if you are undecide , set them up and change your mind with out setting up again the cue points
the only bad thing about this cd player its that its expensive so if you are one of those bedroom DJ, you might wana wait till you get 2k so you can buy a pair.


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The CDJ1000MK2 is a powerful tool for live performance and studio use.It is equipped with professional options such as looping, digital I/O, 16 second shock-proof memory for normal CD play and much more.With all its options, it can be seamlessly integrated into a DJs set up.With vinyl scratch functions and turntable feel, it opens up creativity to all that music that may easier to find on CD.

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JVC GZ-HD500 80 GB High Definition HDD Camcorder Review

JVC GZ-HD500 80 GB High Definition HDD Camcorder
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This camcorder is a replacement to a Sony DVD camcorder I had a few years ago. The quality difference is amazing. The quality inside is good in a well lit room and only average in a poorly lit room but that is typical with any camcorder under 1000. The outside quality is amazing, it really blows me away on DVD I made using the XP recording format. UXP is the best quality but XP is the best you can burn to a DVD. It looks almost blu ray disk quality, it will really blow you away. This is my 4th camcorder and the software included is actually not bad, if all you want to do create simple dvd's with it. It user friendly and has a few nice options, more advanced users will need to pick up better software but it is better than the basic software I have ever recived with any of my previous sony camcorders. You can even record in UXP format and have it converted just for burning to dvd purposes to xp format, that way you still have it in the best quality incase you ever get a Blu Ray burner which is also supported by this software by the way. I got this from Amazon for only $369, that is a amazing deal.

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JVC Everio GZ-HD500 Digital Camcorder GZHD500BUS Camcorders

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Sony LMP-H400 Replacement Lamp for VPL-VW100/P, 400W Review

Sony LMP-H400 Replacement Lamp for VPL-VW100/P, 400W
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This is an excellent lamp, but is very expensive, and not easy for the average person to install. It also requires an extra-long Phillips screwdriver to install/remove.

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Stanton ST-150 Turntable with Cartridge (S-shaped tone arm) Review

Stanton ST-150 Turntable with Cartridge (S-shaped tone arm)
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These turns are awesome, and better than any other turns out there; yeah they're even better than the latest Technics, which are not much of an improvement over their previous versions. The reason these are better is because Stanton put a lot of research into these bad boys, whereas Technics have taken for granted their status. Now they're paying for it.
The high torque adds a real quality feel as you manipulate your records, and I do guess that these will last for a while, unlike many old Technics which you have to push in order to not get that lagging sound. There are also knobs on these turns to adjust the brake and start speeds, just in case you want that lag sound. The platter is very stable, and the entire unit is heavy, which is a positive thing when talking about quality turns (stability). If you like to scratch, these bad boys will not let you skip note, assuming the hole for the spindle is not too large (just put some tape in there to get a tight fit). I would say that these are top notch, but don't pay $499. I paid like $400 or $420, so look around and buy from a reputable company. A+ all the way.

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Grado Prestige Silver Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge Review

Grado Prestige Silver Standard Mount Turntable Cartridge
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I bought this cartridge for my Technics 1200 turntable, having already owned the budget Black model. The Silver does everything the Black does but better. It is fuller sounding with deeper bass and a more articulate midrange. More importantly, the soundstage is wider and deeper.
In my review of the Black, I felt it was like a low cost moving coil with excellent presentation of small details and a very neutral balance.The Grado sound is natural, warm yet detailed. There is no brightness. And while the Black can sound a bit small and lean the Silver serves up a bigger fuller sound while retaining all of the positive virtues of its less expensive stable mate. My listening includes jazz, classical and rock. I think the Grados are good with all kinds of music but I am most impressed with their natural presentation for classical and opera records.
At the price of the Silver, only the Denon DL110 offers actual high output moving coil performance. Ortofon has one for slightly more money. The Silver is actually a special moving iron design which Grado has used and refined for decades. The Grados are made in the USA.
Visually the Silver is identical to the Black except there are two silver dots on either side of the stylus holder indicating which model it is.
One thing I must warn about however is that this cartridge can hum on certain turntables that use unshielded motors. There are no hum issues on my Technics or Pioneer direct drives or my old Thorens 166 but it is a slight issue on my Rega. The Grado sounds fine at normal levels on the Rega (so not an issue for me)but hums when the cartridge gets close to the end of the side and near the motor (when played at very high volumes). It also hums noticeably on my older 1979 vintage Toshiba Direct Drive. This cartridge is also only an average tracker and certainly no match for the likes of a Shure or Nagaoka. However, I prefer the sound of the Grado Black and Silver to either of those cartridges.
So a strong recommendation for those with a compatible turntable. Grado also makes these in Pmount (T4P) so good for those sleek tables from the 1980s as well. I intend on trying a Grado Blue P mount for my other Technics table which uses that style of cartridge.

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Stanton DJ PRO 3000 DJ Pro 3000 Headphones Review

Stanton DJ PRO 3000 DJ Pro 3000 Headphones
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these are delicate headphones I have a pair that broke a couple of weeks after i bought them.
the extending adjustment band at each side are easily broken.
The drivers are awsome quality however the overall construction is poor not to mention the weight of these headphones is heavy.
If you do decide on buying these phones be careful as the adjust band is easyily broken and after one side breaks and you glue it together the extra pressure on the opposite side takes its tole and now you have a broken useless set of expensive headphones.

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One For All URC 6131N 6-Device Universal Remote Control Review

One For All URC 6131N 6-Device Universal Remote Control
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Like many people, I have a motley assortment of audio/visual equipment of various brands and ages - fairly old RCA VCR, a relatively new Samsung DVD player, a brand new Toshiba TV and a Scientific Atlanta digital cable box, all with remotes. Although there was some overlap in function, each remote had one or two functions it alone could perform - VCR remote for programming timer recording; digital cable remote for the "info" and "guide" functions; DVD remote to search by chapter. I got the One for All (OfA) hoping to consolidate.
Set-up was quick; it took about 10 minutes to program all my devices, and that included some time spent browsing the manual. The unit is compact, which is a plus for me, though some users might not like the small, closely spaced buttons. The OfA uses two AA batteries, and I've noticed no unusual battery drain. (It is neither backlit nor equipped with an LCD display, so I expect the battery life will be comparable to my other remotes.) It has a few neat features - I particularly like "volume lock," which allows you to assign volume adjustment to just one device no matter what mode you're in. As my TV's volume is much more sensitive than any other device, I've "locked" the volume control in TV mode.
After a month of use, the only drawback I've found with the OfA is that it can't perform the functions of three specialized buttons on the digital cable remote (A, B and C.) This is very minor to me, since I don't use those buttons very much. It's possible the OfA models with learning capabilities would be able to handle those functions; some of them don't cost much more, so it's probably worth a look if that's important to you.
Overall I'm very pleased with the OfA. It's inexpensive, easy to use and works well with my variety of devices - I couldn't ask for more.

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Known as the DVR/PVR Specialist, One For All's URC 6131 remote control is an upgradeable universal remote capable of operating up to six devices at one time: TV, VCR, DVD, PVR, cable, satellite, and surround receiver or amplifier. A master-power key turns all devices on or off simultaneously. High-tech households will enjoy the remote's full DVR/PVR (digital video recorder) compatibility and support, as well as its handy picture-in-picture and surround sound selectors.The URC-6131 features intuitive, easy-to use buttons and color-coded keys for popular functions. The device requires two AA alkaline batteries (not included) and some simple programming. The remote is preprogrammed at the factory to operate an RCA TV, VCR, and satellite receiver, a Philips TiVo DVR, a Toshiba DVD player, and a Pioneer audio receiver/amplifier. To control devices other than the default brands, simply find the manufacturers in the provided code library and load them manually.Other features include direct code setup for easy device programming, step-and-set code setup and code verification (for an alternate way to program devices), and device key re-assignment to remotely control a second (duplicate) device.What's in the Box Remote control and a user's manual. Two AA batteries not included.

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Yamaha RX-397 100 Watt Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Receiver Review

Yamaha RX-397 100 Watt Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Receiver
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Despite the current fad for multi-channel audio/video receivers, the majority of people still listen to music with two speakers and only need a two-channel stereo receiver to drive them. As fanatic audiophiles with excellent stereo speakers, my wife and I recently purchased this receiver because of very good previous experience with Yamaha electronics products. This is a superb receiver in all respects. Some people may think that they need more than this receiver's rated power of 50 watts per channel, but Yamaha's power ratings are extremely conservative and this receiver will drive virtually any speakers to deafening levels (which I don't recommend doing). More important than it's ample power is its very low distortion. Yamaha specializes in low distortion products for very clean sound. In addition to robust power and ultra-low distortion the RX-397 has a full complement of controls, plus an easy to use remote. But as a fanatic audiophile another feature, typical of Yamaha, which I particularly appreciate is a button which sends the signal from our CD player (or any other non-phono cartridge input) directly to the amplifier -- bypassing the preamp circuitry, which is not needed except when playing LPs (which most people rarely do these days) -- for the lowest distortion and best signal to noise ratio. There are plenty of slighty less expensive -- and less good -- stereo receivers available, but if you want suberb performance at a moderate price I highly recommend this Yamaha.

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Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Receiver, 100W, Superior Sound Quality with Pure Direct Switch, Linear Damping, High Dynamic Power and Advanced Circuits

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