By Richard M. Sherwin

Several years ago we trashed Wal-Mart’s home spun self branded TVs, stereos and other consumer electronics. Some of these were manufactured so poorly and not even priced that much lower than the budget brands, that we opined that the world’s largest retailer was really trying to win out the uninformed and then screw them royally with some of the worst made products we had ever seen. Last year Best Buy started selling several TVs, an HD radio and a handful of other products to several “Eh” reviews from industry experts. However, after a closer look at these products, which were branded Insignia and Rocketfish, we thought they performed very took apart some of their TVs and photo-frames, digital cameras and CE accessories and realized that many of them came from and matched specs with such top brands as Samsung, LG and Visio. In fact without giving up some trade secrets, even the average consumer can and see and experience the similarities of the famous brands products and the now “house” brands at the world’s largest consumer electronics retailer. Here’s a rundown on the items, we think merit real attention from both budget conscious shoppers and consumers looking for reliability and quality that they may not get from Wal-mart and other stores attempting a house brand strategy.

INSIGNIA® 8” LCD Digital Photo Frame

Create an impressive display of your favorite photos to the back drop of music with the Insignia 8” LCD Digital Photo Frame. The face detection feature automatically pinpoints faces, zooms and pans during a photo slideshow. The frame also allows you to store photos and videos with 1GB of internal memory and is compatible with most memory cards. Automatic recognition of memory cards creates a slideshow with no PC required. Features 800×600 resolution, comes with 2 frames, red and black.

INSIGNIA™ 12-Megapixel Digital Camera

This digital combines ease-of-use with innovative features in a sophisticated, compact frame. With face detection technology and optical and digital zoom options, you’re sure to capture the best images possible. Twelve-megapixel photos appear clear and crisp in both print and digital quality. It features 12-megapixels for clear, crisp images a 4x optical/5x digital zoom and a 2.7” LCD screen for excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

INSIGNIA™ HD 1080p DIGITA L CAMCORDER

GITA L CAMCORDER
Model: NS-DV111080F | SKU: TBD | Price: $299.99
The Insignia HD 1080p Digital Camcorder records your memories in stunning high definition. It packs quality, versatility and affordability into a portable and lightweight design, making it easy to capture memories at home and while traveling. Posting
videos on your website or YouTube is a snap with the user-selectable file format. You can also use the built-in camera to take crisp 10-megapixel still photos .Very similar to a top branded camcorder a few aisles down in Best Buy, it features high quality full HD recording in 1920x1080p, a 12x optical/10x digital zoom for capturing sharp, high detail shots and a 3” touch screen LCD display with a screen that rotates up to 270° for multiple viewing angles.

INSIGNIA™ LITTLEBUDDY™ Child Tracker

One of the fastest selling products in Best Buy, the Littlebuddy gives your children the freedom to explore while still maintaining peace of mind with the Insignia Child Tracker system. The device enables you to access your child’s location 24/7 via your computer or smartphone. The Little Buddy transmitter uses GPS and cellular technology to provide real-time location updates. It fits effortlessly into any lunchbox or backpack, making it easy for your child to carry. Set parameters and check-ins while still building trust and granting additional privileges. A variety of service options, ranging from a flat monthly rate to a per-search fee, allow you to choose the plan that fits your family’s needs.

Insignia Dual-alarm Photo Display Clock Radio

Wake up to a beautiful view with an alarm clock with photo display. This radio alarm clock lets you display your favorite photos right next to your bed. Screen size: 3.5 inches, screen resolution: 320 x 240 pixels, aspect ratio: 4:3, allows you to display your favorite photos in JPEG format, USB 2.0 interface for connecting to your computer or digital camera, supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick and xD-picture card formats for easy storage and transfer of photos. Includes 20-station presets for finding your favorite stations at the touch of a button, wake up to either the radio or a buzzer.

Insignia USB Sound Bar

The USB Sound Bar is a 2.0 stereo speaker system designed to fit most laptops and netbooks, allowing you to amplify music or audio presentations from your notebook. Available in a black finish and connects to the computer via USB. Weighing 6.7oz and measuring 9” wide, the Sound Bar features a simple design that makes the speaker, when fitted to the top of the screen, integrate with the notebook chassis. A spring clip folds up easily for storage, resting on the back of the computer screen for support when the product is in use. Audio performance is loud and clear, with NXT’s SurfaceSound technology providing wide directivity and a smooth audio experience. Audio source is also streamed through the USB plug, resulting in a minimalist, ultra-portable speaker enhancement system ideal for most notebooks.
Rocketfish Digital wireless speakers

Listen to your favorite tunes with this digital wireless speaker that transmits high-quality audio for an audio source to your wireless speakers. It represents the state of the art in wireless speaker design, and is designed for reliable and trouble-free performance. Features a range of over 50 feet, auto tune, hidden antennas, 8 watt nominal output, 80-20000 Hz.

Rocketfish Universal Wireless Rear Speaker Kit

This wireless kit sends rich sound to your home entertainment system speakers while eliminating ugly and cumbersome wires. Just plug the sender into your home theater and your rear speakers into the receiver. The unit provides uncompressed CD-quality audio to rear speakers without the use of wires within a 100′ range. There are multiple mounting options, including horizontal, vertical in the included stand or wall-mounted