Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're looking for info on how well this works with headsets, I'm sorry to say that I don't own a BT headset (yet). This review focuses on the transmitter in conjunction with a Sony BT receiver that I use to connect my iPod to my home receiver, since that was the primary reason that I got one of these. But hopefully you'll still find something useful.
First off, Amazon's two sentence product description is a bit too brief, so here are some specs from the packaging:
Communication System:
- Bluetooth Specification version 2.0 + EDR
Output:
- Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2
Maximum communication range:
- Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)
Freqency band:
- 2.4 GHz band (2.4000 GHz - 2.4835 GHz)
Modulation method:
- FHSS
Compatible Bluetooth Profile:
- A2DP, AVRCP
Supported Codec:
- SBC
Supported Passcode:
- 0000, 1234, 8888
Terminal:
- iPod connector
Compatible iPod models (official):
- iPod nano 1st generation
- iPod nano 2nd generation (aluminum)
- iPod mini 1st generation
- iPod 4th generation
- iPod 4th generation (color display)
- iPod 5th generation (video)
Although the compatibility list does not mention it, this add-on definitely works with the iPod classic, because that's what I'm using. The terminal is the current standard 30-pin connector, so if your iPod is more recent than the above list, chances are that it will probably work... but I can only speak for the classic.CONTENTS:
The package comes with:
- iPod Bluetooth transmitter
- manual
One funny note regarding the packaging: I couldn't believe how HUGE the packaging was for such a small item!! The main photo on the package depicts an iPod with the transmitter cleverly placed in view right below the iPod photo, where it would plug in. It certainly catches the eye.USAGE:
It couldn't be simpler You just turn on your iPod and connect the transmitter to the port, and in order to activate it, you set your receiving device into pairing mode and then hold down the button on the transmitter for about 7 seconds until the two devices are paired. That's it.SOUND:
Overall, I find the sound quality on the receiving side to be excellent. I base my opinion on headphone comparisons between:
a) plugging directly into the iPod and
b) plugging into my Bluetooth receiver unit
As far as I can tell, the sound is pretty much identical, although a bit lower in volume, but that may due to my Bluetooth receiver.
For reference, I'm using the transmitter in conjunction with the Sony HWS-BTA2W Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter/receiver as my Bluetooth receiver. Both these two devices support Bluetooth 2.0 and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). For audio comparisons, I used a pair of Sony MDR-V700DJ Monitor Series Headphones.
One important thing to note is that you cannot control the volume of the transmitted sound. I'm not exactly sure why that is, but it appears to be by design. All your iPod controls behave as they normally do and you can even move the volume slider up or down, however it has no effect on the transmitted sound. Some functions, however, do still affect the sound, such as "Sound Check", "Volume Limit", and all the "EQ" settings. Since these features still work, I'm assuming that the lack of volume control is by design. The volume output is the max allowed by the Volume Limit setting.
My only guess is that the volume control is to be used in conjunction with AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), but I don't have such a device to confirm. I don't know if this happens on other iPod bluetooth adaptors, but I could see the inability to control the volume via the iPod becoming an issue if you want to use it with a BT headset (unless the headset has volume controls)RANGE:
The packaging states "Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)". I had thought that Bluetooth did not require line of sight, but Sony clearly states so and for the most part, it holds true for this unit. I have tested up to around 25 feet with clear line of sight and the sound remaind crisp and clear. Clothing also did not present any problems. I buried the iPod and transmitter under a pile of ski clothing with no effect.
But once you block the path with walls or other sources of interference, the signal will start to become choppy or completely cut off. Be warned that your body can also block the signal. Cupping my hands completely around the transmitter would pretty much turn the signal to crap beyond only a few feet from the BT receiver. In most cases, as long as I'm witin a one or two feet, the signal still comes through, but the more I block the signal and the further I go, the more the signal would degrade, as is to be expected.
As far as home use goes, as long as I'm in the same room and not actively trying to block the signal, I haven't had any problems.DESIGN:
The design is about as simple as you can get. It has a single big button in the center, which you can use for various functions (turning on/off, pairing) and a bright blue light which signals the unit's activities. It is completely powered by the iPod, so no extra power supply or battery is required.
I have seen similar Bluetooth attachments for the iPod which are little blocks the same width as the iPod. Personally, I prefer the small design of the Sony. One major factor that I like about it is that I can plug it into my iPod without removing it from its protective case. I use a leather casing by INCASE which only leaves me an opening for the 30-pin connector at the bottom.
My main pet peeve that I have about most block adaptors is that while they may blend better with the iPod in overall shape, there aren't any cases (that I know of) available that fit an iPod WITH attachments, so if you use a case and want to connect something, chances are you'll have to remove the iPod from its case before plugging in your accessory. The Sony might make for an odd shape, but for my purposes at least, it works better and I think that it still looks pretty slick.
One thing that Sony could have added, however, is a locking clip for the transmitter. The transmitter sits pretty snugly and doesn't feel like it'll fall out by accident, but it would have been nice to have that extra sense of security.CONCLUSION:
The unit is a bit pricey, but overall I'm quite satisfied with its functionality. The sound quality is good and for my purposes, I haven't had any problems with signal strength.
As an aside, my primary goal was to connect my iPod to my home speaker system. I was originally looking at the iPod Universal Dock, but found it to be completely worthless, since the remote control could only play/pause/skip prev/next and control the volume. For actually selecting music, I still had to go up to the dock in order to browse for my music. And who wants to get up to change music anyway? :)
Using this Bluetooth setup, I can now use my iPod as a fully functional "remote" (except for volume) and have my music come out of my main speaker system. I do wish I could have the option of charging my iPod while it's broadcasting (since the charging port is occupied by the transmitter), but the fact that I can keep my iPod in its protective case and the nice compact size and look of the transmitter makes for a decent tradeoff. Bottom line: If you have a nice home speaker setup, I totally recommend going this route!
**UPDATE 12/13/2007**
Just a few more quick notes and clarifications (as if this review wasn't long enough, eh?) since I've been using it for about a month now... and I still LOVE this device!
Usage:
I should clarify my above comment that it only requires pairing with your receiving device ONCE (like most BT devices). After the initial pairing you can unplug it and only plug it back into the iPod when you want to use it. If you're near your previously paired receiving device, all you have to do is plug the transmitter into your iPod and hit play, and the receiver should immediately pick up your audio signal. To preserve battery life, the iPod transmitter only transmits if you're actually playing music, which is pretty good.
Lack of volume control:
After having read other reviews for similar attachments, the fixed volume output appears to be normal. For my purposes, it would have been nice if I could have controlled volume directly from the iPod, but I'll live. At least I know that it wasn't necessarily a design-flaw in this particular device.

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Enjoy wireless music with iPod and BT receiver (Headset, speakers, Micro Component, Car Stereo, etc). Operate basic functions of iPod remotely from the BT headset which has AVRCP capability.

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