Multimedia Player Review: Brite View Cinema Tube Mini (BV-5005HD Mini CT)

So after buying an LCD TV (see previous entry), we felt that we needed a multimedia player to watch High Definition movies.  We were offered a Brite View Cinema Tube Mini (BV-5005HD Mini CT) at a really affordable price of 4,000 php. It is a full 1080p HD media player/streamer/torrent downloader.

We were so excited that we examined it as soon as we went home.

It had only a few components so it was easy to install and use.

Everything looked sturdy enough.  The side is compact with dimensions of 4 X 1.4 X 5.5 inches which makes it very portable .

Features:

• It supports multiple Video formats and multiple Audio formats. 
• It can play media files off USB and eSATA storage devices (up to 2TB in NTFS, EXT-3, FAT and HFS+) or on computers connected to the same network.
• It has built in UPnP support!
• It supports ISO files, so you can navigate the DVD menu and watch your videos like a regular DVD.
• With built-in bit torrent support, you can share/download media files on the Internet and enjoy them on your TV, PC free.
• Built-in Flickr support lets you keyword search for pictures allowing you to show off your online albums on the TV.
• It can decode 1080p video formats in MPEG1, VCD 1.0/2.0,SVCD, MPEG1 (DAT/MPG/MPEG), MPEG2(MPG/MPEG/VOB/ISO/IFO/TS/TP)/M2TS, MPEG4 (MP4/AVI/MOV), DivX 3/4/5/6,Xvid (AVI/MKV),H.264/AVC(TS/AVI/MKV/MOV)/M2TS, VC-1 (TS/AVI/MKV/WMV)/M2TS,WMV9 (WMV), Real Video 8/9/10(RM/RMVB) up to 720p, FLV (M-JPEG:640x480x30,FLV(H.263): 352x288). 
• Subtitle support includes Unicode (UTF8), Simplified Chinese (GBK), Traditional Chinese (BIG5), Western, Turkish, Central European, Greek, Cyrillic, Hebrew, SE European; "Subtitle Menu" to support "Subtitle Encoding", "Time Sync", "Color", "Size", "Offset" functions.

It had all the feautres we need.  But, when we tried to play a movie, it took a long time before it loads.  It also hangs and lags from time to time.  If we forward or playback, it freezes.  We were so frustrated that we brought it back to the store the next day.

A Quick Stop at Paradis Natural Ice Cream

My mom was craving for a new brand of Ice Cream called "Paradis".  She she saw it being featured and TV.  So we went over there to try it out.  It was a normal hot Sunday, a perfect time to have cold treats.

When we came in, we observed that people hang out there while using their FREE wifi.  It seems to be a comfty place.  It is better than the crowded coffee shops, don't you think?  They also had a cozy second floor with window view.

Paradis Ice Cream Selection for the Day

Top 3 best sellers

Toppings 

There were a lot of choices.  Some of their flavors were unique like Red Beet and Oranges and Coco Vanilla.  We had some taste testing and finally decided on three flavors.  We choose the Wasabi, Chili Chocolate with Saffron and Strawberry Soybet.

All the flavors we tried were delicious.  Except for the Strawberry Soybet, I found the other two to be rich and flavorful that it is best suited for sharing.  I could normally finish a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting but somehow, I had a hard time finishing their small cup.

Strawberry Soybet

I liked the Strawberry Soybet the most because it was light and refreshing.  It had a hint of fresh strawberry sourness which I look for when eating anything strawberry-flavored.  I couldn't distinguish the soy in it.  It was really good.

Chili Chocolate with Saffron 

The Chili Chocolate with Saffron was rich and thick.  The blending is pretty good.  Although the chocolate tasted sweet, it was contrasted by the spiciness of the chili and the fragrant taste of saffron.  My mom loved it so much she ate to her heart's content.

Wasabi

The Wasabi was cremier than the others I've tasted before.  It was good.  What I like about it is that its not too spicy but enough to make you appreciate the presence of spiciness.  But the spiciness of the Wasabi has this nostalgic effect so you really can't eat too much.  

Overall, I like the simple yet comfortable ambiance.  Its definitely a good choice of hang out if you want to chill out with friends or surf the net with solitude.  The ice cream is delicious but I'll opt for lighter flavors next time so I could eat to my hearts content or maybe they should allow two flavors in a cup?  There are so many flavors which I want to try out especially their "Yolive".  I found its picture posted on their wall and it looked inviting.    Which one do you think I should have next?  The price was a bit pricey for an ice cream.  But it does serve as a good wifi spot alternative.  Sometimes, when you feel like having ice cream instead of coffee, then this place is your best choice.  They also serve food.

Paradis Natural Ice Cream

• 1st Floor Unit B, Kojack Bldg., 
• No. 184 Tomas Morato Ave.
• Quezon City, Philippines

CBTL's Espresso & Cream Ice Blended ~ My Kind of Coffee!

A few days ago, I wrote about CBTL's Espresso & Cream Ice Blended Open House (see separate entry).  The promo was from 10 a.m to 12 n.n.  We arrived at CBTL Robinsons Place at around 11:50 a.m.  There is a poster of the CBTL's Espresso & Cream Ice Blended Open House outside and beside the counter.  

There were no lines when we came in.  (Unlike the last month's blockbuster line during the 50% Starbucks promo which we gave up on=p) The cashier asked us for our order and then I told her we were for the open house.  She asked how many and if we'd like it with whip cream or coffee jelly (add 30 php).  I said with whip cream only.  With all smiles, she asked for my name and issued our receipt.  I actually thought that there is a charge for the whip cream but it turns out its free too.=)

We sat while waiting for our order.  We noticed that despite having an open house and FREE coffee, there were many vacant tables.  I browsed the crowd and only found a few availing it.  There were empty ones left at vacant tables.

After around 5 minutes, my name was called and we got our order and left.  I noticed that people may differ in the way they enjoy their ice coffee with whipped cream.  For me, I sip the coffee first before mixing it with whip cream to appreciate its full flavor.  

While sipping, I had a random thought.  Cold drinks are more difficult to formulate than hot drinks because if its hot, the drinker can just add more cream or sugar as much as he pleases.  But with cold drink, you can't adjust it once it has been served.  With each person, having their own taste preferences, it may not please everybody.

This coffee with or without whipped cream is my type of coffee!  This is what I expect from an espresso.  The coffee is aromatic, thick and strong.  One sip will bring you bitter sweet goodness that lingers for a few minutes.   My family and Kurt loved it too!  Do you love this coffee too?

Drank till the last drop

I love CBTL's hot drinks especially their teas.  They have a wide variety of them.  Now I have something to order cold too.  They also offer good incentives for CBTL Swirl Rewards Card Holders.  Aside from the points you earn which can be used for purchase you can also use their WiFi for FREE.  It's also an ideal hang out because seats are often available.  How about you have you tried CBTL?  Share us your experience.=)



Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
2/F Midtown Wing, Robinson's Place Manila
Pedro Gil cor. Adriatico St. Ermita
Manila, Metro Manila
(02) 567-2004

Comparison Between the New Alcatel OT-807D and OT-806D

We have been happy users of Alcatels OT-806D.  It was affordable (only 4,999 php) with both active dual sim capacity, touchscreen and QWERTY keypads and WiFi Capabilities.

Alcatel OT-807D

Alcatel OT-806D

Recently, Alcatel has launched its next model OT-807D (5,099 php).  Of course, it caught my attention and quickly research if it was worth the upgrade.  The price difference should be less than a thousand.  We feel relieved that there is not much difference.  Everything is the same even the design and weight except the:

1. Color/s (OT-807D: Chrome vs. OT-806D: Black, Indigo Grey and Bronze)
2. Memory (OT-807D: 70MB vs.  OT-806D: 80MB)
3. SMS Capacity (OT-807D: up to 1,000 vs. OT-806D: up to 700).  

In conclusion, we think that this model based on the price and functionality will just replace the old model not intended for upgrades.  If you intend to buy a new phone, get the OT-807D but if you already have the OT-806D just stick with it for awhile.