LG RC797T DVD recorder/VCR combo with built-in digital TV tuner and DVD video upconversion
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • Better get an extended warranty!
  • Warning about ATSC digital tuner limitations
  • LG DVD drive quality issues
  • Features are cool, but mine failed almost immediately
  • The best so far
LG RC797T DVD recorder/VCR combo with built-in digital TV tuner and DVD video upconversion

Manufacturer: LG
ProductGroup: CE

All All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
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Product Features:
  • combination DVD recorder/VCR
  • upconverts and displays video at 720p or 1080i via HDMI digital interface
  • USB input for playing digital photos and music files from a portable USB memory drive
  • front-panel digital camcorder input (IEEE 1394)
  • 2 sets audio/video inputs (composite), including 1 front-panel

ASIN: B000QS7SJW
LG RC797T DVD recorder/VCR combo with built-in digital TV tuner and DVD video upconversion

Product Description

combination DVD recorder/VCR * upconverts and displays video at 720p or 1080i via HDMI digital interface * USB input for playing digital photos and music files from a portable USB memory drive * front-panel digital camcorder input (IEEE 1394) * 2 sets audio/video inputs (composite), including 1 front-panel *

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Better get an extended warranty!.......2007-12-17

Our unit worked fine at first. But after only a few months we began having tracking problems with the VHS recorder/player. I always double checked the suspect video tapes in another VCR and they played fine there. If I made a VHS tape in the LG unit, the tracking problems would show up in other players, as well. It was definitely a problem with the LG unit. Since we didn't use the VHS component very much we just relied on the DVD player/recorder. After a little over 1 year of use, we started having problems with the DVD unit, also. Commercially produced movie DVDs would suddenly freeze in the player and I could not get it to respond to any controls but a complete power-off. I checked the same movie DVDs in another brand of DVD player and they always played perfectly. This problem became more frequent until the unit just locked up so badly after simply turning it on that I had to pull the power plug to get it to stop. It would not respond to ANY commands from either the remote or from the buttons on the front panel. I can only say that I'm glad we got an extended warranty on this one. I have a feeling I'll be using it a lot. I don't think I'll be buying another LG product any time soon.

3 out of 5 stars Warning about ATSC digital tuner limitations.......2007-11-29

If you plan to use this unit's built-in ATSC tuner with an external antenna to watch over-the-air HDTV, note that it does not pass HD signals through unmolested. Instead it "downconverts" 720p/1080i to 480i (in preparation for DVD recording); then "upconverts" back to HD resolution for output. This can be a serious deal-breaker for certain prospective buyers (including myself) who do not have one of the newer HDTVs with built-in digital tuner, and are not on HD cable. All current 2007 high-end DVD recorders with ATSC tuners have the same problem (Panasonic / Sony). Hopefully new 2008 models will correct this.

2 out of 5 stars LG DVD drive quality issues.......2007-08-23

I don't have this unit, but I had the LG LST-3510 which is a DVD player and HDTV tuner. I exchanged the unit twice because of spotty DVD playback issues: discs errors, skipping, etc, even on pristine media. The third unit worked okay for a couple years, but now it refuses to recognize DVDs. It still plays CDs just fine. A lot of people have had similar problems with their high-end LG DVD players. It should be pointed out that my LG provided the best picture I have ever seen from standard DVDs, which makes the sub-par DVD drive quality even more sad. It's especially frustrating considering I paid over $400.00 for the player. I'll steer clear of LG until I'm completely satisfied the quality issues have been resolved.

3 out of 5 stars Features are cool, but mine failed almost immediately.......2007-08-14

As soon as I set up the LG 797T, and checked the VHS tape player: works fine; then the TV Tuner (I use an RF modulator, so it only has to work on channel 84, 86, 88, 90) and it does. Peachy.

Then I tried to load a NEW commercial DVD: it was ejected with the "unknown disc" message. I reinserted it and after quite a while (more than 30 seconds), it started the FBI warning, etc. It stuttered a couple of times. Then I got the DVD menu, and just picked "Play."

The movie started but after about 15 seconds I got some stuttering, then the picture froze. I waited for 5 minutes, and the only way to do anything was to press the Power button for 5 or more seconds which powered it down. I thought, maybe I had a bad DVD, though it looked pristine. So I tried another: same deal; initial "unknown," starting playing OK, this time for more than 1/2 hour, then bang, stuttering and a hard freeze.

Both of these DVDs play well in my Denon 2900, my PS2, and on my Mac; heck, even in the car (Lexus).

LG phone service was OK (press power for 10 seconds to reset the machine; still failed; unplug for 15 seconds, etc., still failed). So they gave me a case number and pointed me to a local service center. When I got there, they said, Case Number? LG doesn't recognize those; and they also said that the unit was not field serviceable (I believe that; the cheapest thing for LG would be simply to send another one). But they took the unit in to do the rest of the work with LG. The Warranty is parts + labor, and shipping both ways. (for a change: that's why they get three stars). But we'll see what happens next.

The features are fine, but QA is not good if a unit fails this obviously. I will update the review with maybe another star if I get a working unit within 14 days.

4 out of 5 stars The best so far.......2007-05-15

I have tried three new ATSC DVD/VCR units. Overall, this is by far the nicest, with one (now small) flaw. The newest units should be shipping with the new firmware; the old ones will require a small easy firmware download and upgrade.

Pros:

Nice picture and sound quality

Good build quality

Decent tuner -
It's fast and looks good, with one flaw - see below.

Records aspects correctly -
If the screen is full, the recording will be also - no resolution wasted recording black bars. Flag setting is unimportant to me. Many recordings are just throwaways - catching a show while I'm out. If it's a keeper it goes to the pc for re-authoring anyway.

If the signal is widescreen, but contains a 4:3 picture and bars (pillarboxed), you can trick the recorder. If you "lie" and say you have a 4:3 tv (set the display to "4:3 pan & scan") it will record only the picture to the 720x480 frame, throwing the bars away and not wasting resolution.

Surprisingly good VCR -
I didn't expect any VCR of today to stand up with a quality unit back from when tape was all there was. I was sincerely surprised and impressed.

Surprisingly good dubbing -
Similarly, dubs of tapes looked better than expected. Also, the procedure is nice. You can pause the tape, find the exact starting frame desired and begin dubbing. Not every combo machine can do this.

Complete channel list plus a favorites list -
This means you don't have to wipe a channel to not have to surf through it - nice.

Cons:

ATSC tuner needs a firmware update -
[Edit: A firmware update is now available at the LG website. You have to look for it by going to the service center, then device drivers, then select "DVD Video & Settop", then type in the model #. It's a pain, but it is there and it works.]

LG customer support -
Their online support is non-existant. If all you get is pat troubleshooting answers or no answer and directions to call phone support, there is no point. After a lengthy time on the phone I felt I finally adequately conveyed the trouble with the tuner. I never did receive a response. They did not email or call about the firmware update; I found it myself.

I returned the unit to try others. I have re-bought it since the firmware update.

In summary, if all your stations conform, I think you will be completely happy with this machine. If you have any trouble with some stations, a small easy firmware fix should now take care of it.

IP TELEPHONY SYS PBX 2PT FXS
Average customer rating: Not rated
    IP TELEPHONY SYS PBX 2PT FXS

    Manufacturer: CISCO-LINKSYS, LLC
    ProductGroup: CE

    PBX Phones & Systems PBX Phones & Systems | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
    Product Features:
    • Automated Attendant
    • shared line appearances

    ASIN: B000F1WHOG
    IP TELEPHONY SYS PBX 2PT FXS

    Product Description

    SPA9000NA The Linksys SPA9000 marries the rich feature set of legacy PBX telephone systems with the convenience and cost advantages of Internet telephony. It has common key system features such as an auto attendant, shared line appearances, three way call conferencing, music on hold, "follow me" calling, and many more. The SPA9000 opens up access to the benefits of Voice Over IP, including low cost long distance service, phone number portability, and one network for both voice and data.

    Garmin Geko 101 Handheld GPS (Yellow)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Good GPS Unit
    • Good for the Price
    • Horrible
    • Sweet navigator!
    • REX gets my rave review
    Garmin Geko 101 Handheld GPS (Yellow)

    Manufacturer: Garmin
    ProductGroup: CE
    Binding: Electronics

    Sports Sports | Auctions | Clothing & Footwear | Exercise Equipment | General Sports | Other | Outdoor Sports | Racket Sports | Sports Memorabilia | Team Sports | Water Sports | Winter Sports
    GPS Units GPS Units | Garmin | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
    By Garmin Model By Garmin Model | Garmin | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics | Edge | Forerunner | GPSMap | Quest | StreetPilot | eTrex
    GPS & Navigation GPS & Navigation | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
    All GPS All GPS | GPS & Navigation | Categories | Electronics
    Sports & Fitness GPS Sports & Fitness GPS | Handheld GPS | GPS & Navigation | Categories | Electronics
    Similar Items:
    1. Garmin Stretch Holster for Geko 101, Geko 201 and Geko 301 (010-10424-00) Garmin Stretch Holster for Geko 101, Geko 201 and Geko 301 (010-10424-00)

    Accessories:
    1. Memorex High Performance AAA Alkaline Batteries, 12 Pack Memorex High Performance AAA Alkaline Batteries, 12 Pack
    2. Memorex High Performance AAA Alkaline Battery 8 Pack Memorex High Performance AAA Alkaline Battery 8 Pack
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    Product Features:
    • Compact 12-channel GPS receiver with high-contrast display (100 x 64 pixels)
    • Stores 250 waypoints
    • Waterproof: submersible for 30 minutes in one meter of water (IEC 529 IPX7 standards)
    • Easy operation: five buttons for one-hand use
    • 12-hour operation on 2 AAA batteries

    ASIN: B00007MIKM
    Garmin Geko 101 Handheld GPS (Yellow)

    Product Description

    Gekos are the smallest and lightest waterproof GPS units on the market - inexpensive, with sleek designs and simple operating systems. With its sun-yellow case, the economical Geko 101 is perfect for navigational novices. Features such as one-touch waypoint marking make it a snap to use. Easily maneuver from one waypoint to the next using its 250-waypoint storage capacity with symbols, and pan along your track with PanTrack.

    Amazon.com Product Description

    The lightest, most affordable Garmin GPS receiver, the Geko 101 offers basic GPS navigation functionality that's accurate and easy to use. With its sun-yellow case, the economical Geko 101 is perfect for navigational novices. Features such as one-touch waypoint marking make it a snap to use. Easily maneuver from one waypoint to the next using the Geko 101's 250-waypoint storage capacity with symbols, retrace your path with TracBack, and pan along your track with PanTrack.


    Map page. View larger.

    Mark waypoint. View larger.


    The Garmin Geko 101 packs easy-to-use GPS navigation into an affordable handheld device. View larger.
    The Garmin Geko 101 has five keys located on the front of the unit for easy one-hand use that allow the user to quickly access all of the unit's functions. The Geko 101 has a 64 x 100 pixel, high-contrast display for easy viewing, and it can run for up to 12 hours on only two AA batteries (not included).

    Designed with the user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 3.1 ounces with batteries and measures a pocket-size 1.9 by 0.96 by 3.9 inches (W by D by H). The Geko 101 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. And the Geko 101 provides that most critical of benefits--peace of mind. With the Geko 201 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do--explore the outdoors.

    What is TracBack?
    Garmin's exclusive TracBack feature allows you to return along a traveled path or route without marking any waypoints. The GPS unit will store a tracklog or "electronic breadcrumb trail" as you travel. When you are ready to return to where you started, the GPS unit will look at the hundreds or thousands of tracklog points, take the 30 most significant, and turn them into a route to lead you back to your starting point.

    What is PanTrack?
    Using the PanTrack feature, you can move the pointer and pan a track in either direction, then select a location along the track to start a TracBack or GoTo or to mark a waypoint.


    What's in the Box
    Geko 101 GPS receiver and manual.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Good GPS Unit.......2007-09-15

    Have owned this for almost 2years. Used primarily for hiking, but we also take it on bike trips sometimes.

    Controls are a bit quirky - but if you read the manual and spend a little time using it it's not bad.

    What I like -
    > Accuracy. With a clear satellite signal this gives you great information. Trip distance, avg speed, and Altitude - which I really like.
    > Very small - fits in any pocket ( though be careful - it may block some signal.

    Areas for improvement:
    > Battery life - using 2 AAA only gives it about 4 hours max. I do not know why they not use AA batteries - which would have easily tripled battery life. I use NiMH rechargeables, and carry a spare set along long hikes. You can change batteries and not lose trip data.
    > Sensitivity - You must have a fairly clear view of the sky. In deep forest, or canyons you can lose signal. I do not think this unit is a sensitive as larger units. I know the wrist strap versions (model 205 / 305) added an extended antenna specifically to help address this problem.

    Note of interest - I have tried using this in an airplane. Held up next to the window it got signal and gave me continual data on plane speed and altitude - neat! Also works in a car for same purpose.

    3 out of 5 stars Good for the Price.......2007-07-21

    I have been using this for geocaching. My father has a more expensive GPS, but mine leads me to the cache just as well as his. Very good purchase for my intents and the price.

    1 out of 5 stars Horrible.......2007-06-17

    First let me say, I hope this doesn't go towards the seller, because the transaction was perfect, that being said, let me rate the product.

    The geko is a horrible GPS unit. It has a very hard time trying to find a signal, even in a clear sky. Hope for no clouds or trees.

    Once a signal is found, you can start your tracking. I used mine for geocaching. Not only would the unit take me to 18 feet, then as I was continuing in the direction that it told me, it would flip and say 45 feet the other way, and continue doing this until I gave up the search.

    Which brings me to my next point. It does not update AT ALL with distance and direction. It doesn't matter how slow or fast you are going, it will not change. When it finally does, it is too late and you are well past where you should be. So you start tracking back, it same thing.

    The unit is junk and it is reflected in its price. Do your research and stay away from this product.

    4 out of 5 stars Sweet navigator!.......2006-04-12

    I use this navigator often and love its convinience, and features. I enjoy using it, and think it would rank a 90 on the 1-100 scale.
    Of course, it's not the MOST perfectly accurate one around, but that's OK, especially for its price.
    I highly reccomend this unit to any adventurer, due to its size and how easy it is to use after only a few hours.

    5 out of 5 stars REX gets my rave review.......2005-09-27

    I just wanted to say that as a Mother who knows nothing about these units, and looking to buy a GPS for her trekking son, REX and his updates gave me excellent information that I would have never gotten from a dealer. His concise use & explanations were perfect, his updates were beyond helpful, and I appreciate users like him taking the time like he did to explain how the unit operates, his comparisons to more expensive units and his thoughts on how to spend your money in the right place.

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

    Mary

    PQI 512MB U172 Mr. Flash USB2.0 Flash Memory Pen Drive: BB55-B123-0221 (Silver, Retail)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      PQI 512MB U172 Mr. Flash USB2.0 Flash Memory Pen Drive: BB55-B123-0221 (Silver, Retail)

      Manufacturer: PQI
      ProductGroup: CE

      512 MB 512 MB | USB Flash Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
      Product Features:
      • Metallic Housing
      • Key chain dongle design or Can use strap
      • Shooting Low Cost Market
      • Paper Box Package (No accessories)
      • LED indicator with three model: Busy, waiting, and off

      ASIN: B000N3P5YA
      PQI 512MB U172 Mr. Flash USB2.0 Flash Memory Pen Drive: BB55-B123-0221 (Silver, Retail)

      Product Description

      PQI 512MB U172 Mr. Flash USB2.0 Flash Memory Pen Drive: BB55-B123-0221 (Silver, Retail)

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