Bu's Babblings

FujiFilm J38 Digital Camera

• 17 Mar 10

I have had the FujiFilm J38 for about 2 weeks now and I am loving it. I was always on the fence for getting a point and shoot digital camera, never knowing which one would be a good counter part to my FujiFilm S3 Pro that I use as my primary camera. I was getting to the point of not wanting to lug the S3 Pro around all the time because it is a big camera.

With the J38, I am able t slip it in my pocket and the way I go. No need to care extra lense or my camera bag for the S3 Pro. I will still be using my S3 Pro for my photo needs in the Spring / Summer / Fall when I am out and about in nature, but with the J38 when I do not have the S3 Pro with me, like going for a casual walk or drive around randomly.

The picture quality is great too. If I did not know any better, I would say that the J38 pictures are from my S3 Pro. Both cameras are 12 megapixel, with the J38 being slightly bigger at 12.2 megapixel. The J38 only have a 3x optical zoom, but that is average I think for a point and shoot camera in the price range that it is in.

Overall it is a very good camera that meets my needs of a point and shoot for the times that I can not bring or want to bring my S3 Pro with me.

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Polk Audio RM95

• 17 Mar 10

Just received my Polk Audio RM95 speaker set with Polk Audio OWM3 speakers from Crutchfield.

At first glaces, I saw the RM75 which are a low end version of the RM95s. They sounded great and were nice and small. The small form factor is what I as looking for, to get rid of my big bulky center and sat speakers. The OWM3s are nice addition to my audio setup. 7.1 audio is nice. Still need to test with a DvD or Blu-Ray movie, but with just normal TV the speakers sound great, a lot better then my previous speakers.

The speakers are small, so they can not make their own bass, but after my receiver was re-calibrated, my subwoofer stepped up and the sound is nice and full and roboust.

More to come later, once the speakers have been used a bit more.

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Sony Bravia

• 17 Mar 10

I have purchased a Sony Bravia 40in LCD 1080p TV last year with some of your wedding money and gift cards. The model that we got was the KDL40S4100.

With our current living quarters, the 40in is plenty big, hate to say it, but might even be a bit too big. But hopefully we will be moving in the near future.

The image is great. It is beautiful paired with my AppleTV and my LG Bluray player. Just a stunning image. Local cable is another story, but I will get get into that with this review. The tech overview is pretty standard across the board with the LCD TVs that fit into your price range.

• LCD Flat Panel Television with LCD Technology
• Displays Resolutions up to 1080p
• HD Display When Connected to an Optional HD Source
• ATSC/NTSC/QAM Built-In
• Audio Features: Dolby Digital Surround Sound
• 3D Comb Filter
• Inputs: 3 HDMI Inputs, Component, Connects Your PC to Your TV
• Outputs: Digital Audio, Audio Out
• 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
• 1920x1080 Resolution
• Contrast Ratio: 2500:1
• 2 Speakers Bottom Fixed Speakers
• Accessories Included: Remote Control
• 1 Year Warranty on Parts and Labor
• 39.4 x 27.1 x 11
• 49.7 lbs.

I am using only 2 connections on the TV, because all my entertainment equipment is running through my receiver. I am using an HDMI and component connections to the TV from the receiver. HDMI for the AppleTV and Bluray player. Component for the cable box and upconverting for the Nintendo Wii. I am very happy with the image display from all the devices that I have attached to the TV/Reciever. The Wii looks a little muddy, but when the max resolution is 480p on the Wii, it is understandable.

I had to take the TV back once already for a high pitch hum that was coming from the backlight. No matter where the backlight brightness was set it would hum over a "normal" audio level. So with the new one, the backlight only hums when the brightness is not at 100% (MAX). When the brightness is lower then the MAX setting, it does hum, but not as loud as the first one and it is not noticable over a "normal" audio level. I have also talked with a local TV repair center, and they said that it is normal for there to be a slight hum.

Other then the hum, the tv is great for the price.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 20:37.

LG BD-300 Blu-ray Player

• 17 Mar 10

This past week I purchased a LG BD-300 Blu-ray player. I was going to wait for the prices to come down, but could not wait anymore and one of the DVD players in my house was acting up. So instead of buying a new DVD player, we got the Blu-ray player and replace the DVD player that is on the fritz with the working DVD Player.

The LG BD-300 was my choice because it actually had a light up display unlike others that I have looked at. The boot time is also very fast. The player was also 2.0 Firmware, I have read other reviews of other players that when upgraded to the newest firmware fail on reading any/all DVDs or Blu-ray.

The player also comes with a network and usb connection. This is part of the standard for 2.0+BD. But the nice thing about this player is that you have the ability to stream NetFlix to it and watch them on your TV. Very similar to the iTunes Rental feature with the AppleTV. Right now the NetFlix was not a major selling point because I do have an AppleTV and very really rent movies, but when we do it is only about once or twice a month.

Over all I am very excited about this player. I purchased 2 blu-ray discs, Pixar Shorts and Planet Earth. We have watched the Pixar Shorts and it was incredably  clear and the colors were very vibrant. Next we will be watching Planet Earth. From what I have heard is that the footage is amazing and with Blu-ray it is just that much more.

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