then yes. The arc is nice. The sony has slightly better ratings but the sonos is much easier install as it is way lighter. and with the sub it is very similar sound to me.
Electronics Thread (Television and Sound Recommendations)
- Thread starter JayH
- Start date
This might be a longshot...
Can anyone recommend a good service to convert old MiniDV tapes to computer-ready files? There are a ton, with prices ranging from about $12 to $24 per tape. I have 15-20 MiniDV tapes I need transferred. I have a working Canon MiniDV Camcorder with a battery and power cord, but I don't have the IEEE1394 Firewire cable to connect it to a computer, and I don't have a computer with a Firewire port. And I'm not sure if the camera port is standard or proprietary. There is surprisingly little info out there about hardware to DIY, and nobody seems to sell MiniDV tape player/converters at all for any price.
So I'm leaning towards just paying someone. I don't want to overspend, but I also don't know if I can trust the low end price places and will pay what I need to get it done right so recommendations appreciated.
Can anyone recommend a good service to convert old MiniDV tapes to computer-ready files? There are a ton, with prices ranging from about $12 to $24 per tape. I have 15-20 MiniDV tapes I need transferred. I have a working Canon MiniDV Camcorder with a battery and power cord, but I don't have the IEEE1394 Firewire cable to connect it to a computer, and I don't have a computer with a Firewire port. And I'm not sure if the camera port is standard or proprietary. There is surprisingly little info out there about hardware to DIY, and nobody seems to sell MiniDV tape player/converters at all for any price.
So I'm leaning towards just paying someone. I don't want to overspend, but I also don't know if I can trust the low end price places and will pay what I need to get it done right so recommendations appreciated.
M
moogoo and Seth
I ended up going with a Synology. 5 bays. It just arrived. I've been reading instructions and advice for setting it up. Will do some more before turning it on because I want to get it right. Will use either SHRS or SHRS-2, the synology proprietary system analogous to Raid 5 and 6 respectively. I also will give the Synology media center software Video Station a try too. Might even run both for a while. The Synology product has better reviews and features than I expected and it seems like the preference among users is maybe slightly towards Plex, but not by much.
I ended up going with a Synology. 5 bays. It just arrived. I've been reading instructions and advice for setting it up. Will do some more before turning it on because I want to get it right. Will use either SHRS or SHRS-2, the synology proprietary system analogous to Raid 5 and 6 respectively. I also will give the Synology media center software Video Station a try too. Might even run both for a while. The Synology product has better reviews and features than I expected and it seems like the preference among users is maybe slightly towards Plex, but not by much.
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Congrats on your NAS! 5 bays are nice as you can use one as a hot swappable spare and still be able to enjoy the benefits of raid 5/6.
re: converting miniDV tapes
there should be some capture devices that will allow you to send your tapes from camcorder to PC/MAC via RCA -> USB. This would of course be lower quality than a firewire transfer. The firewire cable should be fairly cheap to buy as it's probably standard 400 size (has a notch on one side) or 800 (rectangular). The harder part is getting a computer with a port and then finding software to capture it. A bit of work of course, but buying an expansion card with firewire ports isn't too expensive (cheaper than a service for that many tapes), but not sure what your setup is. They also have firewire to USB adapters for ~$10, but this may not support the full video capture you want.
I couldn't wait and jumped in last night. I made one mistake but caught it early and just wiped and started over. I inadvertently included all 5 drives in the Volume instead of setting one up as the hot swap. It was the only area where Synology's setup process was a bit lacking, I think. I assumed that after I chose SHRS-2 it would prompt me to select 1 or 2 Hot Swappable drives but it didn't, and then when I got to the create volume part of the setup I used all 5 without really realizing it. But then I played around with the control panel and file station, realized my mistake, figured out where I went wrong and fixed it pretty easily. So I'm all configured and have about 10 films and 5 home movies in my library as a start, running both the Plex software and the Synology video station. I even rendered a home movie direct from iMovie on my Mac to the Home Movies folder on the NAS.
And I think I'm going to enjoy figuring out other ways to use the server for other purposes.
Have to replace a television and figured I would take advantage of today's Prime Day deals. There are so many new options with these OLED, QLED, NEO, PRISM, etc. - have no idea what would be best. Any thoughts on a good option (60 or 55 inch range)? Thanks!
LG C1 is the best TV for today's market. LG G1 is for tomorrow's market (audio wise)
65" Sony OLED for ~$1600 right now. lightning deal. reviews are very positive and very little wrong with it. sony TVs generally have very good built in sound too so not much need for a sound bar/system if you're not looking for true theater experience
what is "reasonably priced" for you? what is your use case? there are short throw projectors that only need to be 15 inches or so from the wall and then other traditional projectors. some with speakers built in. 4K vs FHD.
also, even the best projectors will only have decent performance without a proper screen and those can get expensive too. if you're just looking for something to throw on the wall now and then at night (or in a dark room) without too much concern over the sharpest details and brightness, then that will def widen your selection.
Definitely throw on the wall now and then. Something that can entertain company for a bit.
I'm looking at 2-300 max. No bells and whistles.
for 200-300 max, no bells and whistles, i'd just get a highly rated chinese brand off amazon. There are a few that are super budget friendly with good features. probably not super bright but will do the job in a dark room or night time. for example, this would probably serve your needs and is currently less than $90 with the coupon:
Amazon.com: YABER V2 WiFi Mini Projector 7000L [Projector Screen Included] Full HD 1080P and 300" Supported, Portable Wireless Mirroring Projector for iOS/Android/TV Stick/PS4/PC Home & Outdoor (White) : Electronics
Buy YABER V2 WiFi Mini Projector 7000L [Projector Screen Included] Full HD 1080P and 300" Supported, Portable Wireless Mirroring Projector for iOS/Android/TV Stick/PS4/PC Home & Outdoor (White): Video Projectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Thought about getting it, but it was sold out in black everywhere I looked. Ended up not getting anything and will likely stick with that choice.LionNYC did you end up getting the Sonos Arc? Something else? Decide yo don't need it?
My nine year old TV is dying. Picture is fine, but it is having some kind of issue with on/off/power. Sometimes it spontaneously turns off, other times it won't turn on unless I unplug it and reconnect the power.
Anyway, it is/was a 55" 1080P Vizio LED. I want to keep the same size, presumably upgrade to 4k. I have no idea what else. I see acronyms like OLED, QLED, UHD, FHD - I don't even know what they are. Please respond ASAP as the malfunctions are accelerating and Walmart is having some crazy sale this weekend. Also keep in mind I'll probably take what's in stock given the current state of - waves hand at all that.
Recommend a display type, or brand , or model, whatever. Thanks.
Anyway, it is/was a 55" 1080P Vizio LED. I want to keep the same size, presumably upgrade to 4k. I have no idea what else. I see acronyms like OLED, QLED, UHD, FHD - I don't even know what they are. Please respond ASAP as the malfunctions are accelerating and Walmart is having some crazy sale this weekend. Also keep in mind I'll probably take what's in stock given the current state of - waves hand at all that.
Recommend a display type, or brand , or model, whatever. Thanks.