JVC KT-HDP1 Transportable HD Radio Tuner (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Unit connectors have intermittent connection. Unit gets very hot and then the display becomes impossible to read in daylight. Remote has very poor range and doesn't respond off axis. The HD Jump I have is bigger than the JVC, but the quality is so much better, both in quality and performance.
This unit gets so hot, that I can't believe the electronics and display will last very long.
I am returning the unit.

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The world's smallest HD radio tuner! The KT-HDP1 adapts to most vehicles and features a thin and slim design with Built-In HD (With Multi-Cast), FM, and AM Tuners. Using the optional accessory kits, the KT-HDP1 allows you to listen to your favorite High Definition Radio programming while driving, or, you can take it into the home or office too. Accessory options include: KV-K1017 Professional Car Installation Kit, KV-K1018 Do-It-Yourself Car Installation Kit, and KV-K1019 Home Kit

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XAct XTR1UK Sirius Satellite Receiver with Universal Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)Sirius Satellite Radio is an excellent service, with extraordinarily rich and varied content, and therefore worthy of much more than XACT Communications offers in this "universal" kit. This review is ONLY related to XACT's equipment, and NOT to the Sirius service.
I've owned the receiver and kit for three months and I am now in the market for a replacement. Here's why:
1. The keypad interface is the least intuitive of any I've ever encountered. Although I pride myself on being something of a technophile, I must contstantly refer to the user's guide to figure how how to accomplish things with this keypad. You can't even enter a station by number directly! (You must select each of the 3 digits from a displayed list of digits using arrow keys and the enter button). Although the receiver boasts storing 18 "favorites," you can not get to any directly via the keypad; in all cases you must scroll through groupings (A through F) or lists first.
2. The user's guide has a few significant errors, such as how to store favorites channels.
3. The "universal" mount for vehicles comes with one small plastic disk with two-sided tape that adheres to the dashboard. The base unit easily detaches from this disk for use in the home. However, if you want to use it in a second VEHICLE, you need another of these little disks. XACT absolutely refuses to sell the disk alone, and insists that you spend another $50 (!) for another complete kit if you want to move the unit from car to car.
4. The display is too small, and often gets "stuck" with info from prior selections, requiring a reset.
5. Mobile reception is spotty, even in clear, unobstructed areas. I'm in the NYC suburban area, and lose the signal every ten minutes or so when on the road. A friend with an in-dash receiver for Sirius experiences no such problems.
6. In order to power this unit by batteries (for use like a walkman), you must purchase a huge, clunky wrap-around battery kit for $100 (!).
I recommend you definitely consider the Sirius service, but look for an alternative to any XACT hardware.
P.S. Since first writing this review, my XACT unit failed completely due to overheating, which I discovered is a very common problem with XACT equipment. Although the store where I purchased it provided a replacement, I fear the problem recurring after the warrantee has expired.

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Enjoy all 120 channels of Sirius satellite radio while driving in your car or sitting in your living room with XAct's XTR1UK plug-and-play universal kit. Equipped with an XTR1 satellite radio receiver, a universal docking cradle, satellite antennas for both your home and car, and accompanying power sources, the kit includes everything you need to enjoy satellite radio in virtually any location.
The XTR1 conveniently displays all artist, song, and channel information on its six-line readout, which also includes a satellite-updated real-time clock. Meanwhile, selecting channels and menu options is a snap thanks to the large, easy-to-access illuminated buttons. And drivers will delight in such bonuses as the 18 station presets, which let you quickly access your favorite stations, and the S-Seek feature, which lets you know when one of your 10 stored song titles is playing on a given Sirius station. You can even search the up-to-the-minute Sirius playlists by category, channel, artist, or song title.
The XTR1 sends its signal to your stereo receiver through its built-in wireless FM transmitter, which "broadcasts" the satellite signal over an unused FM frequency--no hardwiring required. As an alternative, you can also connect the XTR1 tuner directly to you stereo's input jack (if it has one) with the included patch cable for the best possible sound quality. And the docking cradle is versatile enough to work almost anywhere. There's no need to buy separate kits for listening in the car or at home, as this kit offers everything you need.
Additional features include a wireless remote for controlling the tuner from a distance; a sleep timer and traditional alarm; a lock function that lets you restrict access (via password) to Sirius' more off-color content, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening. The XTR1 tuner, which measures 2.75 by 4.62 by 1.38 inches (W x H x D), is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Note: You must subscribe to Sirius satellite radio to receive the satellite radio signal.
What's in the Box XTR1 satellite radio tuner, universal docking cradle, vehicle antenna, home antenna bracket, audio cables, AC adapter, 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, wireless remote control, user's manual.

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JVC KV-K1017 Professional Car Installation Kit for KT-HDP1 Transportable HD Radio Tuner Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the HD tuner in a package that included the DIY car kit (KV-K1018). Reception was poor and would fade in and out especially when travelling into a new area that had strong FM stations near the broadcast frquency I had the HD tuner set to. This then necessitated changing the frequency setting on the HD unit to reduce interference. Overall I was unhappy with the experience and didn't think the HD tuner was going to work out.
Then I got this kit, marketed as the Professional kit. If you can get to your car radio, you can do it yourself. I had to google to find out how to get to my radio. It was simple from there.
The difference with this kit and the DIY one is that this kit uses your car's existing antenna for a signal and uses your car radio's antenna input to feed that signal in. Of course if your lucky enough to have an aux-in jack on your car radio, better yet. Conversely, the DIY kit uses a separate antenna for reception and another antenna (if you don't have an aux-in jack) to broadcast the signal wirelessly to your radio. Both of those antennas must be adhered to your windshield or rear window. A windsheild antenna does not get as good reception as the external antenna installed on my car.
The biggest advantage with this setup, in addition to a stronger signal by using your car's antenna, is that by intercepting the antenna signal to your car radio, your car radio receives only the HD unit's signal thereby eliminating interference which in turn means never having to adjust the HD unit's broadcast frequency. And when you turn off the HD unit, your car radio will receive the same reception it always did.
As for the HD tuner, I wish it had an aux-in jack for an MP3 player like some other brands have.

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The KV-K1017 provides all wiring and mounting accessories for Car Installation of the KT-HDP1 Transportable HD Radio Tuner. Requires radio removal for the installation of a wired FM transmitter.

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XACT Visor Sirius Satellite Receiver and Remote with CAR and HOME kits - BXTR3CHK Review

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(More customer reviews)I put a Visor in my car as a replacement for my other Xact receiver, which was moved inside permanently after I got the boombox for it.
It's a cool little unit that has a bright, readable, flippable display and it takes about 4-5 minutes to set it up in your car. I went with the cassette adapter instead of using the built in FM transmitter, due to volume levels as well as the chance for interference from other vehicles. The transmitter worked well when I had it turned on, and gives you the bonus of being able to broadcast the signal to second car (as long as it stays close). It's perfect for road trips, and can be easily hidden or taken along if you're in an area that you don't want it showing. The only reason I took off one star is the display is pretty small, and, even though I can see why they did this, having only one knob to set everything up is a bit of a pain in the [..]. Otherwise, this is a great starter satellite radio if you want to get the feel of what all Sirius has to offer. Dropouts are few and far between, but you can't go crazy with it and park under a bridge for any length of time, but driving under one isn't a problem for me at all.
I absolutely LOVE Sirius and will not go back to terrestrial radio even if you paid me Howard Sterns' money.

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Visor means freedom of choice. Clipped on the visor, mounted on the dash, or placed on your desk, the view is always right for you. Straight ahead or overhead - one button rotates the display...your way! Package includes: Visor Radio Receiver and IR Remote Control, Vehicle Mount with Suction Cups, Vehicle Antenna, 12V Vehicle Power Adapter, Home Stand, Home Antenna, Audio Cable, AC Adapter.

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

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(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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Belkin TuneFM Transmitter for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)First I purchased & went through (3) Belkin TuneCast II that were DOA from Walmart (yea, I know). The transmitting range for the F8Z179 is roughly 1 & 1/2 feet, I attempted 50 non broadcasting stations with listening to static more than music. Five minutes after I plugged it in the display for the stations only displayed half of the digits. I will never buy a Belkin product again! Oh but It does work if you are holding the transmitter and not moving in a vehicle...Barely.

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TuneFM allows you to play your music on any FM stereo. Charge your iPod and never run out of power in the car with the included charger.

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Macally Docking, Charging, and FM Transmitter Station for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently bought this FM Transmitter-Charger-Docking Station for my iPod and I love it! The reasons:
1. The iPod signal is transmitted loud and clear to my RAV-4's radio;
2. It comes with adaptors for all iPods;
3. Works as an fm transmitter to portable cd players (or equivalent devices) by connecting the iCup to the headphone jack with the enclosed cable;
4. Charges the iPod;
5. Fits perfectly and securely to the back seat cupholder (adjustable cupholders won't fit securely), so your front seat cupholders and lighter are free. In RAV-4, the back seat cupholders are concealable;
6. Its black color makes it less conspicuous for the thieves.
The only minor drawback is that one has to remove the i-Skin from the iPod to make it fit inb the docking station. However, the sound quality and stability of the signal outweighs my minor complaint.

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MODEL- FMCUPBVENDOR- MACALLYFEATURES- Black iPod Docking Station With the Macally FMCup, you can dock and charge iPod devices securely in the automobile cup holder while enjoying your favoritemusic on the road through your car s FM radio stereo speakers.* Listen to your favorite iPod tunes through the FM stereo receiver in the car. * Dock and charge iPod devices simultaneously with 30-pin dock connector* Fits cup holder securely in most of cars* Powered through the car cigarette lighter adaptor* Works with MP3 players, CD players and other audio devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack (Docking and charging are not supported)* Full FM spectrum 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz for the clearest channel* Easy-to-reach power on/off switch, frequency up and down buttons, and quick channel switch button. * Automatic last used frequency memory* Tilt,backlit LCD display with easy-to-read characters* Designed to accept Apple dock insert shipped with iPod nano and new iPod * Three docking inserts included for different sized iPod (except iPod nano and new iPod shipped with Apple dock insert) macally.com

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