Reviewed.com Weekly Roundup: May 17, 2013
This week, we looked at a great side-by-side fridge, rounded up our favorite grills just in time for summer, a great entry-level system camera, a high-end camcorder with a projector, and how IR blasters make your home theater even more convenient.
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The Roundup
For nearly 15 years, Reviewed.com has put thousands of products to the test, all to help consumers buy, use, and understand electronics and appliances. Here’s what we’ve been up to this week.
Frigidaire Gallery FGHS2655PF Refrigerator Review
Frigidaire seems to have hit the nail on its proverbial head with their new Gallery side-by-side flagship. The FGHS2655PF (MSRP $1,599) is one of the better side-by-sides we’ve encountered in terms of actual performance. It’s far from perfect—there are definitely some cheapish design elements that made us wince a little, and side-by-sides have fallen behind more fashionable French door fridges when it comes to popularity—but it’s better than we’d expect for such a reasonable price. This is a very affordable and consistent piece that we’re comfortable recommending, and we’ve awarded it an editor’s choice badge.
Reviewed.com 2013 Grill Roundup
It’s May, and a smoky scent is starting to fill the air as the grillmasters return to the open flame. If you’re looking for a new grill, we’ve rounded up five of our favorites. From the simple, straightforward, charcoal-burning Weber One Touch Gold (MSRP $159) to the Vermont Castings VCS423SSP (MSRP $1,699), fit for the finest patios, you’ll find a grill to fit your needs and budget.
Sony NEX-3N Digital Camera Review
There’s never been a better time to buy an interchangeable-lens camera. With the NEX-3N (MSRP $499.99), Sony’s put together a winning package, hitting the sweet spot in price and features. Although this camera isn’t perfect (as we found with its video features), many first-time camera buyers will probably love it anyway. It’s a DSLR-sized sensor in a small body with interchangeable lenses for just under $500, something that was a pipe dream even a few years ago.
What’s an IR Blaster and Why Does My Smart TV Have One?
Back in the good ol’ days, all you needed to enjoy your television was its bundled remote… and the remote for your cable… oh, and the remote for your surround system. But thanks to the mighty infrared (IR) blaster, we can control everything with one device. We take a look at how it works, and how it makes your home theater even more convenient than before.
Sony HDR-PJ650V Camcorder Review
We’ve tested the top camcorders from the big players left in the category—Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. They’re all basically on a level playing field. If it’s a built-in projector that you want, the Sony PJ650V (MSRP $1,099) is the best game in town. It also shoots excellent 1080/60p video. It’s tough for us to recommend one of these models over another—the Sony is one of several good options.