SIRIUS Sportster 5 Satellite Radio Receiver with Vehicle Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OK.
So after all of the hype surrounding satellite radio I decided to "pimp out" my Sebring by adding SIRIUS to it. In order not to look ghetto as well as match my existing deck I decided to pick one of these up and subscribe.
First, I'll review the device. Then, I'll review the service. Basically, good news then bad news.
The device itself has a very small form factor which I found very appealing. It comes with a mini dock which essentially powers the device and routes its audio and antenna signal. Know that you'll be doing quite a bit of wiring if you do this yourself - I would recommend professional installation unless you're comfortable doing your own car installation stuff. There are 3, possibly 4, wires that you'll be dealing with:
- The CLA (cigarette lighter adapter)
- The satellite antenna
- The FM antenna extender (only needed if you choose that option)
- The line out (only needed if you choose that option)
Now, if all of these ports were in the back of the dock next to each other this wouldn't be so bad, but instead they're on either side. That's a lot of cables to have hanging out, which is why I recommend professional install if you're not comfortable. I decided to do it myself and, to get set up with the "basic" quality which is wireless FM (it's decent, but nothing to write home about) with neat wiring took me about 45 minutes, give or take. That's including mounting (which I'll get to in a moment).
SIRIUS recommends using line out/line in if at all possible. Newer decks have this jack, but some older pre-2004 likely do not, or if they do, it's a proprietary connector that might not work with the Sportster 5. I have the Kenwood MP735U and it works just fine. I found the cable at Circuit City ($24!!!) and it worked like a charm. Took some doing and even more neat wiring, but I did get it to work. I will admit, using the line out spanks the smoke out of the wireless FM or FM modulation options; it's near CD quality, especially on the Jazz and Classical stations. Again, you can use wireless FM and it will sound "okay", but line out will give you the absolute best quality possible; you just have to do another cable.
Mounting the unit has a number of options as well - one of which is not available depending on what state you're in. California, for example, has Draconian laws about vehicles; you can't have anything stuck to the front windshield. Ironically this is the easiest way to mount the device, as the suction cup works extremely well, and you just attach the device to the metal arm and adjust. If you have this option and don't mind the device up in the window, I recommend doing this. I have an old Chrysler CD changer indash not being used; a trip to Home Depot for a $.49 angle bracket did the trick - attached it to the dock with a single screw, then slipped the other end into the CD slot and like magic, it's solid and looks great right underneath the deck. I suppose I could have hard installed it with another screw or two, but I'd rather not.
All said and done the initial hardware investment came to roughly $200. Keep in mind that SIRIUS has cheaper devices that don't look nearly as good. The downside to the devices is the cigarette lighter adapter. In fact the documentation explicitly forbids a direct power tap. This is so disheartening I can't even describe it. I have to keep unplugging it when I turn the car off so it doesn't suck the battery dry. Why can't you have the option of tapping it into the player's alternate power line so it turns on with the player? I'm absolutely mystified at this oversight.
Now, the service. Oh, this will be fun.
The quality of the audio? Stellar. Never heard anything like it except on digital TV's music channels.
The quality of everything else? Horrid. Where do I begin...
- The activation/customer service phone # has extremely long wait times. it took me a total of 5 hours across 10 different phone calls to reach someone who could help me. Do the math.
- Activation/CS reps are clearly stressed over something. I talked to two who were just blatantly rude; one who had no idea what she was talking about, the other a guy who claimed he'd been "...working at SIRIUS for over 3 years and" knew what he was talking about. Funny - since he had no idea that you can't activate with invoice billing on the website (more on that later).
- SIRIUS and Circuit City have some type of conglomeration going on to force you to call to activate. CC offers a "prepaid subscription card" which is supposed to offset the initial charges (more on that later) to get service. Well that's all good and everything except the card cannot be used on the website even though the website acknowledges the card and its value. It says "cannot be redeemed". An Asst. Manager at CC informed me that calling was the only way to redeem the card. Had I known that, I wouldn't have bought that particular card, but a regular gift card that I could use on the web. Because of the aforementioned long hold times, it was a nightmare to do this simple task. The girl even told me "you should be able to use it on the web" - the other idiot claimed "you're just doing something wrong".
- Too much personal information required to sign up. Why do you care what type of car I have? All that should be needed is a credit card (if you choose that payment method) and my address/name. If it's for purposes of theft recovery, that's up to me, the buyer, to deal with that. Which I do - in my auto insurance plan.
- Website will authorize your credit card without activating an account for you. That's money you can't touch until they feel like releasing it - which could be 2 weeks.
- Inability to just sign up for an account without giving billing information and/or buying a device. Why can't I just establish the account and then pay for it? Why force me to buy the deck in order to get service established? If I wanted DirecTV and didn't have it, I call them and activate, and then the hardware comes...not the other way around.
- Website forces you to put in a credit card. You can't do invoice billing as an option. Why not? Because they know every customer would just do that and then they would be getting free service for that month grace.
- Website does not allow you to select month-to-month billing as an option, and by default it hides the quarterly and 6-month options (which would obviously be the more popular for newbies like myself).
- Telephone IVR can't hear properly. I tried to activate through the automated system and it just couldn't understand the letters "D", "I", "O", "N". That's it, and I don't know how many times the chick said "sorry?"
- No trial offered (I'm talking about in-car installation). Why can't I just buy a unit from a store that offers returns, activate a 14-day trial period with a credit card, and then return and cancel if I hate it? Because then they'd have high turnover due to buyers remorse (which I had at one point due to the above issues)
- $15 activation fee which is not disclosed on the hardware documentation. You don't find out about this until you go to the website or you talk to an agent. It should be clearly disclosed on the packaging of the device since you'd be forced to pay that fee by activating the device - not at the very last minute when you're putting in your credit card. On top of that, it's blatantly mob-ish of them to charge: an activation fee, a monthly fee, fee for the hardware, etc etc etc. They already get money from the subscription - remove the activation fee already or annualize it across the subscription.So class, in summary: The customer service is screwed up, and in order to activate properly and get the best billing options, you need to call customer service (which did I mention is screwed up?). DO NOT activate over the web if you're using a gift card. I guarantee you, you will get frustrated.
The quality of the product is top notch. The ability to see who's playing before you select the station is excellent, and the high resolution of this screen makes navigating stations quick and easy. The audio sounds upper class if you're using the line out jack, and setup is not that difficult if you know what you're doing. Once you get past activations you should be smooth. It's just that phase that causes headaches.

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With a stylish new gun-metal grey finish, the Sportster 5 satellite radio receiver sports a new slim profile while still maintaining the same great features for which the Sportster series is known. Highlights include a large, multicolor, easy-to-read 6-line display, plus a rotary tuning knob for added convenience. The Sportster 5, conveniently transportable between home and car, is easy to use and features Sirius' universal dock for simple installation. Optional universal accessory docking kits and audio systems conveniently allow for use in the home, boat, office, and multiple vehicles.
An easy-to-read, six-line, 2.7-inch multi-color display helps keep tabs on the channel name and number, category, artist name, song title, and time simultaneously. The receiver also lets you program up to 30 presets of your favorite streams, as well as search by stream, artist name, song title, or category. And with a quick press of the one-touch jump button, you can instantly switch between traffic and weather reports for your city and any of your preset music, news, or entertainment channels. Other programming details include an S-Seek function that stores your favorite artists and songs and alerts you when one is playing on any of the music channels, direct station tuning via the numeric buttons, and a channel lock option. Time functions include an onscreen clock, alarm, and sleep timer, as well as a program alert that allows the unit to switch to a preprogrammed stream at a selected time.
The Sportster 5 really earns its stripes, however, with its variety of enhanced features designed specifically for sports lovers. The Game Alert feature prompts you when your favorite NFL or other sports teams are playing on Sirius. The Game Zone lists all of your favorite teams in one virtual category and lets you select a different team from each of the various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports. And what sports fan could do without the Sportster's instant replay function, which lets you pause, rewind, and replay 60 minutes of live radio? As soon as you tune to a channel, the receiver automatically begins storing the audio for later playback.
The Sportster 5 also includes a built-in FM transmitter that sends Sirius radio programming to your vehicle's FM tuner, so you don't have to make a direct connection to enjoy the full array of channels. Simply set an empty FM frequency on your radio and tune the Sportster 5 to the same frequency. This function also works with other FM tuners, such as the one on your home stereo, but is easily paired with the car thanks to the bundled vehicle kit, which includes everything you need for listening to Sirius while driving. Parents also have control over channels and channel lockout. Measuring just 9.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches, the Sportster 5 weighs a mere 3.7 ounces.
About Sirius Sirius Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of music and programming via crystal clear direct satellite feed. In addition to 69 channels of commercial free music listening, Sirius also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather forecasts. Sirius--the official satellite radio partner of the NFL, NASCAR, and NBA--broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, as well as live NASCAR races. All Sirius programming is available for a monthly subscription fee.
What's in the Box Sportster 5 satellite radio receiver, remote control, vehicle docking cradle, vehicle power adapter, vehicle antenna, suction cup and vent mounts, FM extender antenna, getting started guide, installation/user's guide, accessory brochure, and programming guide.

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Blueant S1 Sun Visor Bluetooth Handsfree Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start with the basics - this car kit is not bad. It isn't great, but I've seen worse. The S1 is about $20 cheaper than the Supertooth 3 (the flagship carkit from Blueant). Sadly, the S1 loses the cool features found on the Supertooth 3 - voice dialing is one of them (the S1 does support a simple "answer" command for picking up calls.
The S1 does all the basics, plus it adds Bluetooth audio. This works, but don't expect it to replace your car stereo any time soon. The A2DP Bluetooth stereo lacks one minor little thing - AVCRP or Bluetooth audio remote. So, even though you can listen to music, you can't control it.
Now on to the big one - when you open the box, you see the S1, its visor clip and an AC charger. That is correct - the brainiacs at Blueant obviously felt that nobody would need a car charger for the car kit in their car.
This means you'll need to spend an additional $10 on a MiniUSB car charger cord. To me, this is an inexcusable flaw, and one that makes it seem like the product was poorly thought through.


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The Blueant S1 sun visor Bluetooth car kit speaker is equipped with multipoint technology which enables pairing with 2 phones.It also introduces A2DP music streaming, allowing you to play music through the S1's high performance speaker from any mobile phone that supports the A2DP Bluetooth profile.

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Delphi XM Roady XT Satellite Radio Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The Roady XT has made some major improvements over the Roady2. First and foremost, artist names and song titles will now scroll if they are longer than 16 characters. Each will scroll twice at the beginning of a song. If you need the complete name/title further into the piece, the best way to trigger the scroll again is to to hit the "display" button five times. This takes you back to the same display mode you were using, and it will begin to scroll again within a few seconds.
The sports ticker is great also. I was able to set it up for every NFL team, so there doesn't appear to be any limit on its size. It's not instantaneous, however; it takes about 2-3 minutes for an actual change in the score to be reflected in the ticker.
There is also a "Jump" button which allows you to flip to the previous channel.
The "Tuneselect" feature now allows you to search for songs not only by the song title, but by the artist name as well. This is accessed through the menu screen. You do, however, have to pick one or the other.
Another big plus: The Roady XT now gives you access to virtually the entire FM spectrum (88.1-107.9) if you want to listen via the FM modulator. The "Jump" button also comes into play here as well. If you hold it in for a few seconds, it will bring up a screen showing the last 6 FM frequencies you used. You can then use the arrow buttons to go to the one you want, then hit "Select." And by setting your in-dash radio's presets to the corresponding FM frequencies, it makes it much easier to adjust the modulator if you start running into interference as you drive.
Tip: The XM antenna also serves as the FM transmitter. If possible, place it close to your regular car antenna.

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The smallest and lightest XM satellite radio on the market, the Delphi XM Roady XT comes with everything you need to enjoy more than 150 commercial-free satellite channels in your car while you're driving across town or across the country. The plug-and-play Roady XT is easy to install, with no wires or cables required. Simply dock it on your dash, whereit uses its built-in FM transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal to an empty frequency on your FM dial. The device supports more than 100 frequencies, so even users in the busiest radio markets should be able to find several static-free channels.Once installed, listeners will have access to the full XM menu of music, sports, talk, news, children's, and entertainment programming, all without having to listen to a single commercial. The Roady XT also offers 21 advanced traffic and weather channels--yet another reason XM was named best radio service at the 2004 Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards.
To make the listening experience more informative, the Roady XT displays the channel name, artist name, and song title for each XM channel on the bright, high-contrast screen, which boasts seven vivid backlighting colors. Complementing the track info is the TuneSelect feature, which alerts listeners when their favorite songs and artists are playing on a specific channel. Meanwhile, sports and finance fans will delight in the customizable sports and stock tickers; the former runs through the latest scores and schedules for both college and the pros, while the latter keeps track of up to 20 stocks at once.
All the features come bundled in a sleek, innovative housing that's designed to ensure high sound quality while taking up a minimum of space. The diminutive size (it measures a mere 3.7 by 2.2 by 0.61 inches) fits easily in most jacket pockets or purses. This not only helps protect against theft, but also makes it convenient to bring the Roady XT inside for home use (requires the Roady XT home kit).
So don't waste another moment listening to cliché-ridden commercial radio--join the XM revolution today with the Roady XT.
What's in the Box Roady XT satellite receiver, car dock, user's manual.

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PYLE PLDSV71GR 7-Inch TFT Right Sun visor with Build-in DVD/USB-SD Card Slot (Grey) Review

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(More customer reviews)The volume when played through the internal speaker is 'barely' audible and in no way sufficent to hear.
There is NO audio out jack to plug-in wired head phones.
There is NO provision to use wireless head phones.
The ONLY workable option is to play through the vehicle's car stereo or have a jack wired in to allow the use of wired head - phones.
----------------------------------------------------
There are excellent products in this area available. Don't get stuck with this over-priced,technology backward unit.
OH.....gets two stars instead of one due to excellent picture quality.

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7-Inch TFT LCD Monitor Universal Mount Visor 16:9 Wide Screen High Resolution 480 x RGB x 234 Built- In Speaker Built- In FM Transmitter DVD/ VCD/ CD-R/ CD-RW/ MP3 USB/ SD Card Slot Wireless Remote Control One Audio Input & Output One Video Input & Output High ightness PAL/ NTSC DC 12Volt Dimensions: 14.8-InchW x 5.82-InchH x 1-InchD

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Kensington Universal FM Transmitter for MP3 Players (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had this Kensington FM transmitter for about 2 months and in my hands it has very acceptable sound and not alot of static.
Unfortunately it has one fatal design flaw that makes listening to classical, jazz and any other type of music with any quiet passages VERY FRUSTRATING. During the quiet parts the unit will shut itself off causing my car audio to emit a ear piercing screech when it loses the signal. I haven't measured it but it seems like as little a 10-15 seconds of quiet causes this behavior.
This makes this unit useless for classical music and quite a bit of jazz and other similar styles. If you listen to quiet music, avoid at all costs. If you don't it is the best transmitter I have tried.
Sirandar

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Plays portable MP3 player through any available FM radio frequency3 station presets for instant tuningPowered by car power outlet-no batteries requiredClearFMtechnology delivers superior soundCompatible with all MP3 players including all models of iPod

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Harman Kardon DP 1US Drive and Play In-Vehicle Interface and Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)Don't know what the person below is talking about --- this unit is meant to be wired directly into your factory or aftermarket head unit via RCA plugs --- NOT FM modulation! That being said, the unit can also be wired via the CD changer port located on the back of most head units, or via FM modulation (wired or wireless). However, the best sound quality comes from either the RCA or CD changer interfaces. FM modulation (wired) will give reasonable sound quality if you live in suburbia or rural areas --- if you're an urban dweller, however, you may be subject to a little or lots of static. So, if you're willing to shell out the money for this unit, then be willing to fork over a bit more to ensure you have the BEST connection interface.
Aside from all that, installation of this is a breeze. Even if you've never installed anything in your car before -- or have no xp with car stereos, you WILL be able to handle this yourself. Of course, be prepared to spend a day investigating the nether regions of your car's dash/console if you want all the cords/wires to be hidden.
Overall, this is the best ipod integration solution on the market if you want to have full functionality. Those other solutions -- like icelink, iCruze, etc. limit how you can browse your songs, albums, artists, etc. Most even force you to make playlists for browsing. The only real alternatives to the Harmon Kardon, in my opinion, are some of the new CD decks w/ ipod adapters that offer nearly full functionality (Alpine, Pioneer make some good ones....though this route will cost you over $200)
One last thing, if you do opt to have this professionally installed, make sure whoever is doing it has some xp with ipod/car integration. Some "pros" at both Circuit City and Best Buy had absolutely no clue that this could use the CD changer port on my Scion tC factory head unit and tried to tell me that my only option was either a new CD deck that was compatible or to use FM modulation --- which really would have decreased the sound quality.

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The product is used in a vehicle to hook up an Ipod to a vehicles audio system. Once installed it has a five button navigation controller which controls the Ipod. The screen is like what Ipod userssee on their Ipod. There is a backlit LCD screen which mounts on the dash so the driver never takes there eyes off the raod to control the Ipod. The product can be hooked using an audio aux in, an FM wireless transmitter, or an optional FM transmitter.

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Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM Transmitter for Zune Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the second Belkin transmitter I've used. My older car had a tape player, so I was able to use the cassette adaptor with my mp3 player and that sounded wonderful. My new car only had a cd player and no easy way to listen to all my music.
These transmitters are absolutely horrible. You can get sound, but it's definitely not crispy clear sound and it sounds like your old analog tapes or your old transistor radio that lost its antenna.
So, here's my advice: after wasting a bunch of money on two transmitters in addition to portable speakers that also sounded terrible, I finally went to Circuit City and bought a new stereo for only $79 (including installation) that had an auxiliary jack. Now, I can use a cable and plug my mp3 player right into the auxiliary jack and have clear, static-free music!
I highly suggest you don't waste your money on this transmitter or any other one. If your speakers are already good, you just need a new stereo with an auxiliary jack. It will make listening to your player an absolute pleasure. With the transmitter, I even hated to start the player, since I knew I'd have to play around with the transmitter to even hear just a little bit. The new stereo has made everything so much easier!

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The Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM Transmitter for Zune offers you an elegant way to power, mount, and play your Zune while you are on the road. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM for Zune offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution while you ride or drive.
The Belkin F8M026 TuneBase features improved FM transmission that delivers crisp, clean, best-in-class audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your vehicle. The built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo on the full range of FM channels, from 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz, letting you choose the best available frequency so you are sure to find a channel without interference.
This unit uses a bright, backlit LCD display for quick and easy tuning between channels, and features three, single-touch programmable preset buttons that let you set the clearest frequencies, and toggle among them for optimal performance. The TuneBase's holder secures your Zune in place in either portrait or landscape modes making it great for viewing video, holding your Zune at virtually any angle and featuring an innovative, flexible-steel neck construction that allows for easy repositioning inside the car.
Form-fit specifically for your new music and video player, the TuneBase charges your Zune while it plays, and has a built-in 3.5-millimeter audio line-out jack for use in vehicles with MP3 audio line-in ports or cassette adapters. Simple to set up and easy to use, the Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM transmitter comes in a sleek black finish, and is backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM transmitter system, user's manual and warranty information.

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Advanced Car Mount System for Blackberry - FM Transmitter & Charger - Hands-Free Calling - Car Stereo MP3 Playback - for BOLD 9000 / 9700 - Curve 8520 GEMINI - World Edition 8800 / 8820 / 8830 Review

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(More customer reviews)I think I may have found the first hands free device for the BlackBerry... (I'm sure it's not the first, but I sure as heck cound't find one anywhere else). NY's finest love giving new "hands free" tickets for talking on your cell phone. I can finally remove this silly bluetooth headset and talks hands free with my BB!
Sound quality is pretty good compared to what I've heard on other FM transmitters. It's not as good as the quality I've heard with friends who have line-in plugs for their Iphones, but accptable nonetheless. No static, yet.
Setup is easy. Plug it in to the 12v outlet and tune the radio station to match what you set on the connector dock. My buddy had to give me a hand with the programming, but it wasn't really that hard. It would be nice if somehow there were less cables floating around the device! but I'm content with the fact it allows me to talk hands free and it even charges too! Maybe now I can try Pandora again? I tried it earlier, but it ate too much battery. I can follow up with the results soon.

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AUTHENTIC INNOVATIVE FLEX-BERRY TECHNOLOGYSOLD ONLY BY ACCESSORY GENIEThe Accessory Power Go Groove FLEX-BERRYPlay, Charge, and Mount your BlackBerry CellphonePlay Music Through Your Car Speakers!Sound quality is SUPERIOR to most any FM Transmitter on the market. A Well-Designed Display and Easy To Use Frequency Finder, makes tuning into your Music simple!Flexible Neck and Rotating Head Provides a Perfect Fit in Nearly ANY Car!The FLEX-BERRY plugs into your DC Car Outlet (Cigarette Lighter Socket). With its Flexible Neck and Rotating Head, you can adjust it in seconds to fit nearly ANY vehicle!Holds Your BlackBerry Cellphone SecurelyAdjustable Locking Arms with Cushioned Rubber Grips, and a Non-Slip Rest make this FM Transmitter the best at securely and conveniently holding your device. Innovative USB Charging PortLeading the Industry with new innovations, Accessory Power has included a USB Charging Port. Not only can you charge your BlackBerry, but ALSO Charge a Cell Phone, PDA, MP3 Player, Bluetooth Headset, and MANY OTHER USB ENABLED DEVICES! Compatible withBlackBerry Bold 9000 & 9700Blackberry Curve GEMINI 8520Blackberry WORLD EDITION 8800, 8820, 8830 The Go Groove FLEX-BERRY is the PERFECT Accessory for an ON-THE-GO Lifestyle!BACKED BY AN INDUSTRY LEADING 3 YEAR WARRANTY!

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Accessory Power Advanced Car Mount System FM Transmitter and Charger for Microsoft Zune and Zune HD MP3 Players Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an avid Zune user, and I have to say that I'm envious over the breath of accessories that is offered by companies supporting the iPod family of products.
This product, when I read the description, was exactly what I was looking for, FM transmitter, holds my player, done! So, when I got the dock and opened the package, I was very disappointed to so that this wasn't a Zune specific product. It just comes with a shorter Zune USB connection. I guess this is good news if you want to use, say a Samsung player....but I don't.
1) The facts, the arm is too long to support the weight of a Zune120. I just flops over like you shot and killed the thing.
2) The FM transmitter, is ok...but it still is the worst possible connection you can use with a digital device. I was traveling, and had to constantly play with the radio settings. Hint, not something that should be done at 65 miles and hour.
3) Very disappointed that the Zune connection wasn't built into the base of the holder. Instead you have to hook-up the USN connection to keep charged (only way screen will stay lit) and you have to connect a ear phone plug to the player that goes to the FM transmitter. Wires everywhere!
The bottom line, I got this unit to give me a clean solution for my beloved Zune120. What I got was a pole of wires banging all over my dash.
I would love to say that this is the Zune accessory to own, but it is clearly not. Can someone please get Belkin and Griffen back in the Zune accessory business! I'm going to hope, and pray, that the ZuneHD bring some of the manufactures back.


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AUTHENTIC INNOVATIVE FLEXTUNE TECHNOLOGY
SOLD ONLY BY ACCESSORY GENIEThe Accessory Power Go Groove FLEX-SMART
Play, Charge, and Mount your Microsoft Zune or Zune HD
Play Music Through Your Car Speakers!Sound quality is SUPERIOR to most any FM Transmitter on the market. A Well-Designed Display and Easy To Use Frequency Finder, makes tuning into your Music simple!
Flexible Neck and Rotating Head Provides a Perfect Fit in Nearly ANY Car!The FLEX-SMART plugs into your DC Car Outlet (Cigarette Lighter Socket). With its Flexible Neck and Rotating Head, you can adjust it in seconds to fit nearly ANY vehicle!
Holds Your Zune SecurelyAdjustable Locking Arms with Cushioned Rubber Grips, and a Non-Slip Rest make this FM Transmitter the best at securely and conveniently holding your device.
Innovative USB Charging PortLeading the Industry with new innovations, Accessory Power has included a USB Charging Port. Not only can you charge your Microsoft Zune or Zune HD, but ALSO Charge a Cell Phone, PDA, MP3 Player, Bluetooth Headset, and MANY OTHER USB ENABLED DEVICES!
Compatible with:Microsoft Zune and Zune HD : 4GB / 8GB / 16GB / 30GB / 80GB / 120GBThe Go Groove Flex-SMART is the PERFECT Accessory for an ON-THE-GO Lifestyle!BACKED BY AN INDUSTRY LEADING 3 YEAR WARRANTY!

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Alpine eX-10 - Bluetooth hands-free car kit / iPod interface adapter w/built-in FM modulator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this unit a few months ago and just found the time to install it in my truck. I had it up and running my iPhone in no time at all. It was real plug and play. As far as the one reviewer using the FM modulator feature, if you have an AUX in jack on your stereo, you can connect directly. That is what I did, and like I said, it sounds great!
I placed mine right on the dash, just a little off center. The wires and control box are buried in my dash. There is a supplied remote control wire with a sensor on it for use with the remote. I spliced into my cigarette lighter and put a 12 volt outlet on it that I picked up at a truck stop, it too is buried in the dash. Very clean looking install.
As far as the bluetooth? I don't use it on the Alpine. I have a Jawbone bluetooth ear piece that works much better than an external mike. Need that noise cancellation feature in my cab.
And the navigation seems to work fine. I just pick an artist and go from there. And it is nice not having to screw around with the iPhone while driving. The little Alpine monitor looks small, but is very readable and easy to navigate.

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Connect your iPod or iPhone to your car audio system with this advanced iPod control system. Stream music data from your phone and enjoy your music through your car audio system. Compatible with most Bluetooth phones. Talk hands-free with your iPhone or most Bluetooth phones. The EX-10 features a built-in speaker and microphone as well as a caller ID display and call log. The automatic answer function keeps your eyes on the road - not your phone.

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XTR8 Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver and Car Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had this product since December 22, 2005. My use typically involves keeping it in my car, and then moving it into my office, and so on. In about March of this year, the radio began to intermittently shut off when I hit bumps or stopped suddenly. I would have to jiggle the power cord (which fits into jack on the side of the radio) in order to make it work. This power outage began to occur more and more often, and then began to become problematic even while the radio was just sitting on the shelf in my office. Calls to Sirius and then to Xact proved frustrating. Xact had unreasonable demands in order to provide warranty service, and didn't offer much help. They were reluctant and, in fact refused to give me the address of the main office of Xact, as I had wished to inform Xact's president of their shoddy service. In any event, as of yesterday, the radio died completely...no power cord jiggling miracle! I can either buy a new radio or send it to them and wait for them to take their time to return it. I am choosing to buy another radio.
While this radio functioned quite nicely at first, it is not reliable, as you can tell from this and the other reviews...terrible customer service from the company exacorbates the situation. Stay away from Xact...

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With Xact's XTR8CK Sirius Plug & Play Radio Receiver and Vehicle Kit, you've got a world of options for exploring a new kind of radio. Enjoy 120 channel of innovative, commercial-free radio at home or in your car.Wireless IR remote Illuminated keypad and control buttonsVehicle Kit Features -Docking cradle with suction mount, Stereo Line Level audio outputs, vehicle antenna, 12v power adapter

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Boyo VTB88 Rear View Mirror with Bluetooth, Earpiece, FM Transmitter, Built-in Battery Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works superbly. Great hands free functionality, super clear, eliminates background noise, easy to use. Excellent value.

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Boyo VTB88 Rear View Mirror Bluetooth Hands Free Kit features digital noise cancellation system, 12 digit caller ID (phone with hands-free profile required), voice announcing for incoming call number, automatic re-connection, simple operation. 'Digital noise cancellation system12 digit caller ID (phone with hands-free profile required)Voice announcing for incoming call numberAutomatic re-connectionSimple operationSuperior sound qualityLoudspeaker mute buttonFull two ways (Duplex) conversationEasy set upIntegrated buttons for answering/ending calls and adjusting volumeFM frequency selection key (FM - 88.1, 88.5, 88.7 and 89.4)Voice recording and playback functions Input power: 10~16V DC (Free Voltage)Normal current: >50mAMaximum current: >500mAFuse: 250V/2AIndicator: 1 Led (2 Tone Color Light)Speaker: Max 2W (8 Ohm)Noise cancellation: up to 12dBEcho cancellation: up to 40dBOperating temp range: -30C ~ +85CFull duplexBluetooth spec: V1.2 compliantSupported profiles: hands-free profile, headset profilePower class: 2dBm Max (Class 2)Carrier frequency: 2,400MHz ~ 2,483.5MHzBuilt-in flash mem: 8Mb

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Belkin TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod with Dock Connector (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Strengths: All-in-one solution for docking, charging, and FM transmission; adaptable to all iPods and vehicles; versatile FM tuning options
Weaknesses: Sound quality issues typical of FM transmitters; no auxiliary audio input or output
Let's face it: using your iPod in your vehicle just isn't as simple as it should be. Unless you're driving a 2006 model year or later vehicle, chances are that your vehicle's stereo head unit doesn't provide any easy way for you to connect your iPod (or any other digital music player, for that matter). That means that you only have three options for listening to your iPod through your vehicle's stereo: direct connection to your head unit via an auxiliary input, a cassette tape adapter, or an FM transmitter. Most automobiles don't offer an auxiliary input jack on the front of their receivers, and connecting your iPod to a rear aux input--if your unit even has one, that is--is a complicated process that involves removing your receiver and (sometimes) part of your dashboard as well. So even though this setup offers the best sound quality, installation can prove difficult...or impossible. On the other hand, cassette tape adapters provide a far simpler and good-sounding method to connect your player, but they only work if your vehicle has a cassette player. So if neither of the above solutions are an option for you, then you have to begin considering either (1) purchasing an aftermarket, iPod-friendly head unit or (2) looking for an FM transmitter, and that's where the Belkin TuneBase FM for iPod comes into the picture.
If you decide to go the FM transmission route, you really can't lose with the TuneBase FM. Not only does it transmit the audio output from your iPod to an FM frequency you select, but it also provides a convenient dock for your iPod that even charges your iPod while it's in use. Many all-in-one solutions such as this are poor performers all around, but the TuneBase FM fulfills all of its duties superbly.
It goes without saying that the most important element of the TuneBase FM's performance is sound quality. After all, it doesn't do much good to dock and charge your iPod in the car if you can't listen to your music. As FM transmitters go, the TuneBase FM does an admirably good job getting audio output from your iPod to your vehicle's stereo, but it is plagued by the same sound quality issues that affect all FM transmitters. I live in an area that has a pretty crowd frequency spectrum; there are only a few frequencies that are relatively free of other transmissions. Despite this, however, the TuneBase FM still manages to transmit a clear audio signal to my receiver most of the time, although static can be a problem from time to time. I commute almost forty miles one way to work everyday, and I rarely have to switch frequencies, which is pretty impressive. Your results may vary depending on how crowded the airwaves are in your region. Compared to my last FM transmitter, a highly-rated iRock! BeamIt model, the TuneBase FM transmits a slightly clearer and more powerful signal. You won't get a much better FM signal from any other FM transmitter.
The TuneBase FM's other features are what really make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. Its docking solution, utilizing a flexible steel "neck" to support the cradle, is much more elegant, flexible, and pleasing to the eye than other solutions that use a series of thick, jointed plastic connectors. This allows you to position your iPod just about any way you please, and it also virtually guarantees that this dock is adjustable to fit just about any vehicle on the road. The dock is secured by inserting the base into a free power or cigarette lighter outlet, which is also how the device receives power for charging the iPod. Included in the box are plastic and rubber outlet adapters to ensure a snug fit in just about any outlet, and this seems to work quite well; even over bumpy roads or terrain, my iPod remains firmly upright in its cradle. It would be nice if the adjustable neck were just a couple inches longer (this unit includes a four-inch neck, the TuneBase FM for iPod nano includes a seven-inch neck), but a longer neck would likely be too flimsy to support heavier iPods such as the 60GB and new 80GB 5G video iPods.
The TuneBase FM automatically pauses and powers down a docked iPod when it the power supply to the device is interrupted, and it powers up the iPod and resumes playback when power is restored. One note about this: there is no on/off switch on the device, so it remains powered as long as the vehicle's power outlet is powered. If your vehicle's power outlets deactivate when you remove the key from the ignition, then this is not an issue. However, if your vehicle (like mine) powers your outlet(s) continually (even when the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition), you need to remember to manually turn off your iPod when exiting your car or risk draining your car's battery.
Tuning to different radio frequencies with the TuneBase is a simple exercise. The device interfaces with the iPod through its dock connector, so it is able to display frequency and present information on the iPod's own display, which is much easier to read than a separate LCD readout. Tuning options are very flexible. In addition to four presets (which, if you sync with the presents on your vehicle's receiver, makes channel-hopping a breeze), the TuneBase FM allows you to to any frequency from 87.9 to 107.9, including broadcast-free even-numbered frequencies such as 88.8, 96.2, etc.
I only have a few minor complaints about the TuneBase FM for iPod. As I mentioned earlier, there is no on/off switch to accommodate vehicles with continually-powered outlets and cigarette lighters. I haven't experienced any difficulties with leaving my TuneBase plugged in for extended periods of time as long as I manually power down or remove my iPod, but it's an unnecessary extra step that I shouldn't have to take. It's also unfortunate that Belkin does not include auxiliary input and output jacks for direct connection to supported receivers or the ability to use the TuneBase for other digital media players and not just iPods. There's even a spot on the cradle specifically for an auxiliary jack; Belkin just decided not to include it with this model. That's really too bad, as I would have been more than willing to pay an extra five dollars or so for the added functionality of an auxiliary jack.
Overall, however, the TuneBase FM for iPod is an excellent product. If you have decided that FM transmission is your only option for in-car iPod connectivity, then this product is definitely worth considering and will perform admirably.

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The versatile Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod plays your tunes through your car stereo as it powers and charges your compatible iPod. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution on the road.
The Belkin F8Z049-BLK features improved FM transmission that delivers crisp, clean, best-in-class audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your car. The built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo on the full range of FM channels, from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz, letting you choose the best available frequency so you are sure to find a channel without interference.
This unit lets you use the iPod display for quick and easy tuning, and features four single-touch, programmable preset buttons that let you find the clearest frequencies and toggle among them for optimal performance. The TuneBase's holder provides a secure and stable connection to your iPod with a custom-designed swivel cradle, and features an innovative, flexible steel-neck construction that allows for easy repositioning inside the car.
With tray adapters allowing compatibility with most iPods with a dock connector--including the iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 4G (click wheel), iPod color, and iPod 5G/5.5G video--the F8Z049-BLK comes in black and is backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase; interchangeable trays for iPod video, 4G, color, nano, and mini; user's manual; and warranty information.

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Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Car Charger for iPod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After I realized that I was gonna have to go the route of the FM transmitter to play my ipod in my car, I did tons of research. I must say that this unit sounds really well, if you configure it right. The first thing you need to to is set your ipod EQ to "treble reducer" or "small speakers". (I have yet to figure out why the EQ affects the sound through the dock/line out, but the volume control doesn't) The high end sounds will break up and annoy the crap out of you if you dont! Then you have to have multiple stations to work with. I find myself switching presets once every couple of car rides depending on where I go in town. I live in Louisville, KY and there are plenty of free stations which work well. While you can scroll down to 87.9 by holding down the right two preset buttons and scrolling, I have found this to be useless where I live. Stations higher in the band are overridden much easier than this one for some reason. Also, as with all fm transmitters, there will be some sound of static hiss as you crank up the volume. I find that this scares lots of people, but it really isn't that bad in the end. Ingeniously, if you turn on the air in your car to the lowest setting, it seems to match the static well and canel it out:) All in all this is a great solution for those with CD player only car stereos. The ipod is charged as you drive and you save hundreds on getting an ipod compatible stereo installed or hardwiring a connection from the back of your car stereo, which you can't even do (that I have seen) with my 2001 honda civic.

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This Kensington digital FM transmitter/auto charger transmits your iPod tunesthrough your car stereo while simultaneously charging its battery, making it a versatiletwo-in-one bargain. The unit includes such features as an easy-to-read digital display,simple up/down pushbutton operation that makes it a breeze to select frequencies, threeprogrammable buttons to lock in station presets, and a safety fuse that protects againstpower spikes. And thanks to the ClearFM technology, you'll enjoy richer lows, crisperhighs, and superior stereo separation with a "concert hall" effect--all through yourdefault stereo speakers. The ClearFM circuitryalso boasts Kensington's patentedfiltering technology, which results in the lowest total harmonic distortion and signal-to- noise ratios of any FM transmitter on the market today--up to three times clearer thanKensington's competitors.
Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector--including the iPod nano1G, iPodnano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Click Wheel), iPod color,and iPod5G/5.5G Video--the Kensington FM transmitter/charger is backed by a two-yearwarranty and includes free technical support.
Accessorize with Kensington Get the most out of your consumer electronics products with a full line of Kensingtonaccessories. Whether you're playing it, controlling it, carrying it, securing it, connectingit, or powering it, Kensington offers a diverse selection of products for almost any homeoffice or entertainment need. See the chart for a sampling of products offered byKensington, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories.
What's in the BoxFM transmitter/car charger and user's manual.

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Car Charger for the Apple iPod Nano 3G, iPod Classic, iPod Touch 1G, iPhone 1G, iPod 3G 4G 5G Video, Mini, iPod Photo, and iPod Nano 1G 2G models Color White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was exactly what I expected it to be. It is long enough to view the ipod while it is charging. We use it all the time and it is a great product. The only thing I don't like is the bright blue light when it is charging. It is a little distracting at night. But other then that it is perfect.

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Designed specifically for iPod with dock connector only including iPod 3G, 4G, iPod Mini, iPod Photo, iPod nano, iPod (video).

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PYLE PLVWH5 Wireless IR Mobile Video Stereo Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These headphones are easy to use and require no set-up. The batteries have lasted a couple months so far with nearly daily use. The fit well for my 5 and 7 year-olds, but are a little big for my 3 year-old. They sound good and are plenty loud.

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This pair of Pyle View wireless IR headphones is great when you need peace and quiet in the car. They work seamlessly with our in-car DVD players and monitors that are equipped with wireless-headphone IR technology. These headphones are lightweight, durable, and have padded earpieces for long-term, comfortable listening. They\'re also adjustable to accommodate any size head – child or adult. The volume, power, and stereo/mono controls are conveniently located on the headphone. The headset requires 2 AAA batteries for 48 hours of battery life. With Pyle View headphones, you\'ll enjoy your favorites peacefully.

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Zune Car Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)*TAKE NOTE: Don't turn your radio on UNTIL you have found a clear FM station with the Zune Car Pack 2. Turning your radio on FIRST seems to prevent the device from finding any clear FM station.
*Some people have had luck tuning with the radio on. The important thing to remember is you are tuning a radio and just like a real radio it may take a little effort to tune it.
None of the harsh negative reviews are accurate IMHO and with respect to these people. It really makes me wonder of their validity in every single claim. The reviews greatly differ from the excellent and flawless product I just received and used. It could be that these well meaning people simply missing something on how to use this very simple and EXTREMELY effective device. My experience was a 100% POSITIVE with ZERO trouble! The Zune Car Pack 2 actually shocked the hell out of me because of the negative above reviews (I was already prepared to send it back). Like most everyone I read the user comments before I buy anything. I called Amazon to verify I could send this product back before I bought because of the horrid reviews above. Sometimes I will gamble anyway with a product purchase like this and this time and it paid off BIG. I got exactly what was advertised and what I wanted in my car.
1) I live in a VERY URBAN area. Nearly every single radio frequency is occupied. I plugged in the adapter hooked up the Zune used the auto-tune to find a clear station. Turned on the radio, tuned it to match the clear frequency and the sound was flawless. I honestly could not tell any significant difference from direct input. No kidding it works that well and that easy. There are also online resources that can locate some good clear FM frequencies by zip code if you should need extra help. The Zune Car Pack 2 finds the clearest stations for me everytime.
2) No static at all! Believe me I tried to get it. I shook my Zune like a nut, I shook the transmitter like an ape, I even placed metal objects on the cord and put the transmitter in every weird place I could think of. Perfect no static. I could not make static no matter how I tried (Man, I forgot to wrap everything in aluminum foil...now that may have a chance)! I tried my hardest to make this accessory sound bad and hear the static claims in the previous posted reviews. But the Zune Car Park v2 remained superb.
3) The Zune pad the is designed to hold the Zune on the dash or somewhere flat. Now I had my doubts about this set-up because I drive rather aggressively. I dusted off my dash and place the Zune on the pad. The thing is rock solid and I would trust it in almost all driving circumstances with confidence except for a hard hitting accident. A fender bender won't move that Zune a bit.
Try it out for yourself. You can always send it back to Amazon if you do not like the way it functions.
Plug in the adapter in the cigarette lighter, plug in the Zune, use auto-tune to find a clear station, turn on the radio, tune it to match the clear fequency and WOW!
The Zune Car Pack 2 is easy, static free, and movement DOES NOT effect the sound at all. As I said before I TRIED my hardest to get static but could not (with the exception of wrapping everything in aluminum foil).
The Zune Car Pack 2 is an excellent product in every respect.
That is what my real-world URBAN experience PROVED to me. I also learned you cannot always trust the reviews you read. Though I would not like to shop without them.
Give it a try as there is really nothing to loose----
I think that the problem is the device is so simple that people are not following the correct process for the device work properly (and the instructions could be better).
Remember to get the clear station tuned with the Zune Car Pack 1st and then turn on your radio and tune to the clear frequency.

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If you're taking a road trip, the Zune Car Pack gives you everything you need to be your own DJ, listening to your music through your car stereo while keeping your Zune charged. This device transmits music from your Zune into an FM frequency that can be picked up by your radio tuner. You can automatically select an optimal station for broadcast using the auto-tuning Zune FM Transmitter. It often takes more than one station to stay tuned in if you drive between different regions with different stations, that's why the Zune FM Transmitter has two presets so you can easily swap back and forth between your most commonly used broadcast stations. To keep up with a long road trip, you can charge your Zune while listening to music in the car. The magnetic storage clip allows you to keep wires out of your way, and the dashboard grip pad provides a great place to rest your device in the car. It is compatible with all Zunes.
What's in the Box: FM transmitter/charger, dashboard grip pad, product quick start guide, product manual.

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