Zalman ZM-RSSC External USB 5.1 Sound Card Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this card to use in my home theater. I use a laptop as my primary media device so I can play discs, media files, Netflix, YouTube, etc., all from the same piece of equipment. However, this laptop is older and doesn't have anything more than a basic stereo sound card. I needed something that would process in true 5.1 surround.
Two things to note: the optical/coaxial port on this device is 3.5mm, which is NOT a standard size for audio outputs. You'll need an adapter or specialty cable to interface this card with an audio processor. It's not expensive (I found one on amazon for about $3), but it was frustrating having to wait an extra few days to be able to use the card. The mini-size is just not normally found at everyday retail outlets like Best Buy. The other thing is that if you want pure 5.1 sound from a DVD or 5.1 sound source, you'll need to tell the software to output to S/PDIF. Otherwise, it will process a 2-channel sound into "fake" 5.1 rather than the separation that is intended on the disc. I am having trouble with using this card with VLC, but it works fine with WinDVD.
Otherwise, good card. Clean sound with solid separation.

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The Zalman ZM-RSSC External USB 5.1 Sound Card is small and compact, and connects to your computer via a USB interface. Installation is plug-and-play, making it a cinch to use. It supports both optical and coaxial digital outputs along with analog 5.1 channel outputs. Front, rear, and center/subwoofer output channels all have independent level adjustments. (For digital output, volume can be controlled by a volume control on the speaker.) A built-in amplifier provides full sound and ease of use, outputting at 0.6W per channel. The card features the Sonix 5.1 Sound chipset and offers a 16-bit sampling rate at up to 48kHz.
What's in the Box Sound Card Main Board, USB cable, utility installation, user's manual (including a Warranty).

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LG M2762D 27-Inch Widescreen 1080p LCD TV Monitor (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)After reading some of the reviews, I thought that this has got to be the most mediocre product in the world. So I almost talked myself out of this purchase. Yet the price point was so compelling that I figured, what the heck? Amazon has a great electronics return policy.
Some reviewers have commented on problems connecting their PC and having the image be truncated at the borders. After experiencing this problem myself, I did the unthinkable and read the manual, which is included on a CD accompanying the monitor. It makes it clear that the HDMI is for devices that produce video output only. Now you might say, this is a dealbreaker, and you'd be wrong, especially considering the nominal use to connect a PC and perhaps 1-2 other HDMI devices. There is a DVI input, specifically aimed at handling output from a PC. A simple HDMI to DVI cable (available on here or cheaply at a, which has an HDMI port, place like MonoPrice) will do the trick. I already had the HDMI to DVI adapter sitting here at home.
So I am now able to connect both my Zotac MAG barebone system (it has an HDMI port) and my MacBook Pro (it has an included mini-DVI to DVI adapter) to this display. I'm particularly impressed with the video quality, not to mention the ability to switch easily between the PC and Satellite TV or DVD player.
There's no doubt that this might not be the absolute best HDTV monitor available in terms of picture quality. But it's certainly one of the best in its class. I basically was looking for a sub-$400 monitor to replace my computer monitor upstairs and actually constrained my search to this price range ($300-$400).
So this might be one of those times where it pays to read the manual. I know that notion is falling a bit out of fashion these days. My review is probably closer to 4 stars but there are some particularly negative reviews here that need to be averaged out.

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W62D Series supports Full HD 1080p resolution and features a built-in TV tuner that employs MPEG4 technolgy for rendition of movies, games, drama, and sports-just as vivid and realistic as an HDTV. Also, SRS TruSurrond HD with rich bass and realistic sound maximizes the impact of movie and games, whiletwo HDMI connectors and various connecting terminals support convenient viewing of HD movies, high definition graphic games, and video clips.

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Olympus WS-110 WMA Digital Voice Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this recorder to record music. I am a cello major at college, and needed something at least to record lessons. I sorted through many recorders before buying this one, here's my advice:
~Look at the specifications; if you are buying an olympus recorder go to their website to look up the sampling frequency and other specs. For instance you'll find out that the sampling frequency is 44.1khz (cd quality) on hq mode
~Think about how much space you will need. For me, I will not be saving anything on that recorder; it will be moved quickly to the computer or my ipod so there was no point in buying more space on it.
My thoughts on the recorder so far:
~Good quality recording, almost cd quality. Works best of course with an external mic.
~I love the ease of use. The best thing, is that it works just like a usb device; you take the batter compartment off to reveal that in essence, this is a fancy usb stick. No additional software ... just drop it in the folder you want :)
Recording is easy too; click the big red button and you shall recordUpdate: I've had this recorder for WELL over a year, and I love it. With the external mic and good placement of the device, I get high quality recordings. I use it most for my lessons, and it's both discreet and efficient. Would recommend highly to anyone.

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Olympus ws-110 digital audio rec.

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