Cables Unlimited USB1510 USB Acc, USB To Irda Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this USB to IrDA for communication between my Polar RS800sd and my Windows XP SP2 computer. It works great and I have had no problems transfering data. This product is an excellent alternative to Polar's expensive USB to IrDA. Note that IrDA was super seeded by bluetooth etc, so these adapters for IrDA have become hard to find. That is why Polar can charge such a high price.
The official website of Cables Unlimited can be found by searching "Cables Unlimited". You can then search "USB IrDA" on their site to see all the technical information. Note the driver is also available on the web, so if you lose the disk you are still in business. Summary of the main features:
- Supports IrDA data rates to 4Mbps
- No power adapter. Runs off USB bus
- Compatible with IrDA 1.3, USB 1.1
- Plug and Play compatible
- Transmit distances to 1 meter
- 30 degree max transmit angle
- Comes with an additional short USB cable
I would recommend this product. I am not sure if the cheaper options on Amazon are any good, as some people have said they are a bit temperamental. Do these cheaper models work with Polars? Maybe someone could post a comment on this review if they have a cheaper option that works with Polar products.
This one has worked fine so far. It is true that the manual has poor English, but Windows can walk you through the installation with the usual Plug and Play installation. There is no need to worry about that aspect. Also, you should always plug the adapter into the _same_ USB port every time you use the adapter, this will prevent you having to falsely "reinstall" the driver. This is a Windows idiosyncrasy and has nothing to do with the IrDA adapter.
Another reviewer said he was having trouble getting the Polar to be found by the IrDA. You need to position the Polar very close, a few centimeters, to the IrDA to get a good signal. IrDA is not like using a normal wireless Internet signal or a wireless mouse etc, you MUST BE VERY CLOSE and have a CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT to transmit properly. IrDA is unreliable even at the best of times. You may also have to sheild the sensors from objects that emit infrared light like bulbs etc. So put your Polar watch a few centimeters from the IrDA and make sure the transmitters on the polar watch (the small holes or whatever you have) face the IrDA plugged into the USB port. You may have to hold it there or get something to put the watch on that is the same height as the IrDA.
Also for people having troubleshooting issues here are my settings: In your Polar software (I have Polar Protrainer 5) verify the following settings:
Options -> Preferences -> Hardware -> IR Communication port -> This should be set to "IrDA"
Options -> Preferences -> Hardware -> Mobile Connection -> Make sure this is unchecked
Then from the same window:
IR Communication port -> Options -> Make sure the first four boxes are checked.
Let me also supply you with the USB-IrDA driver settings that work for me. In short everything is set to DEFAULT. I am using Driver Version 1.3.0.0 from the CD that was supplied. To see the settings follow:
Start->Control Panel->Wireless Link->Hardware->Properties->Advanced
-------------------------------
DebugLevel: None [Default]
Extended Mode: On [Default]
Extra BOFs: 00 [Default]
Infrared Transceiver Type: Vishay TFD [Default]
Min. Turn-Around Time: 1.0mS [Default]
PowerDown: Disable [Default]
ReadDepth: 20 [Default]
ReadThreshold: 05 [Default]
Receive Sensitivity: Enable[ Default]
Receive Window Size: 04 [Default]
ReceiveMode: Fast [Default]
Send Window Size: 01 [Default]
SIR Turbo: Off [Default]
SIRTweak: Enable [Default]
Speed Enable: 4000000 [Default]
Time to Wait: 700 [Default]
Turbo Mode: On [Default]
Write Depth: 20 [Default]
------------------------------
I hope these posts are of assistance to anyone having problems connecting to their Polar.
I'll just add, if I had more money to spare I would have gone with a more expensive version, but I decided to buy the best HRM possible and make do with a less expensive IrDA adapter for the time being. If money is no object, you might want to consider an adapter with better support.

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Cables Unlimited Unlimited USB to IRDA Adapter USB1510 Cable Adapters

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Unisar TV Listener Stereo Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this product in January 2008 after reading the online reviews and I absolutely love it!! My husband is thrilled that I'm now watching TV with him again instead of retreating to the study to read, catch up on email, etc. I recently had my 84 yr old mother stay with us for a few weeks. She wears two hi-tech hearing aids that can't be very effective as she continues to blast the TV. When I placed the headphones on her head, her eyes lit up and she said, "Where did you get these? They're wonderful!" I'm now ordering her a set so that she too can enjoy TV.

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No more arguments about watching TV in bed. And no more waking up your wife or baby because the TV is too loud. Now you can save your marriage - and enjoy those late-night sports events, movies, news and comedy shows you love - with the amazing TV Listener. It works just like your remote control, sending an infra-red signal from your TV right to the deluxe cushioned stereo headphones you wear.
TV sound too low or too loud? Simply adjust the volume control right on the headphones. And there's no interference from cordless telephones, garage door openers, microwaves or other electronic devices. Now you can watch TV in absolute comfort and privacy while others sleep, study or read in the same room.
Not just for your TV! It also works great for with stereo and home theater systems, desktop and laptop computers, portable playback devices(DVD, etc.), video games and other audio sources.
Features:
Transmits signals up to 33 feet
Works in stereo or mono mode
State-of-the-art infra-red system
No cords to tangle or trip over
No radio or electronics interference
Hear crisp, clean stereo sound
Works independently of TV speakers
Ultimate personal listening device

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Able Planet Sound Clarity Infrared Headphone with Single Source Transmitter Review

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(More customer reviews)The headphones have excellent quality and short of having a 5.1 sound system in the room they are really great. I have a hearing challenge in both ears, one worse than the other, and this headset is designed for people like me. I use them routinely for movies and other TV broadcasting that I want to hear better with the distractions in the room or just reflected sound causing a problem. I would recommend them to anyone needing hearing assistance or to have a better hearing experience.

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Sound Clarity wireless infrared headphones provide unsurpassed sound quality and clarity for people with normal hearing to those with moderate loss.These headphones bring your TV and stereo to life with full rich base sounds and clear high tones.

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5-in-1 Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones for HDTV, TV, VCD, PC, MP3, MP4, CD, DVD w/FM Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought these to watch tv at night while my wife sleeps. Connection is easy, right, but the headphones keep losing signal (8 feet away). The buttons for tunning are noisy (clicking type). They headphones are also bulky.

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Wireless Headphones with Built - in FM Radio. SAVE BIG! Easy listening without wires! Catch music, news, the big game with amazing clarity up to 25' in distance. All with the privacy of these dynamic Headphones. The transmitter quickly connects to any receiver, MP3 player, DVD player, gaming system, computer and more, with the included RCA and mini plug adapters. Volume control; FM auto-scan radio; Padded for comfort; Each requires 4 AAA batteries (not included). Listen, get yours now! Wireless Headphones

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TV Ears 10341 2.3 System Wireless Headset System (Blue) Review

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(More customer reviews)This product is great while it works. The problem is that it did not work very long for me - less than 5 months. The little red LED's now fail to illuminate with the transmitter plugged in. Then, when I read the fine print, it says: 90-Day Warranty. I can't recall ever seeing any other consumer electronics product with less than a 1-year warranty. I then find that a local (hearing aid) dealer handles them. But, he says they don't handle the 2.3 Mhz version because there have been lots of problems with them. The 95 Mhz unit is problem free - and it carries a 1-Year warranty.

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Doctor recommended TV Ears has helped thousands of people with hearing loss hear the television clearly without turning up the volume! With TV Ears technology, you set your own TV Ears headset volume and tone, while others set the volume of the television to a pleasant level or mute the volume altogether. Imagine watching television with your family again and hearing every word clearly\'as thousands of our customers have said, \'TV Ears has changed our lives!" The 2.3 system covers 600 sq.ft of space and works with all TV\'s, including Plasma and LCD flat screen TVs, and in the presence of fluorescent lights. The patented self molding TV Ears Tips create an acoustically sealed chamber with the ear that reduces room noise and provides unparalleled comfort, cleanliness, and clarity. TV Ears Tips and TV Ears Voice Clarifying Circuitry work together for outstanding word discrimination so that television dialog is clear and understandable. The TV Ears 2.3 system will help you hear TV better and eliminate loud TVs. You will enjoy excellent speech clarity and sound quality with the ergonomic under the chin lightweight headset. Weighing only 1.6oz, the TV Ears headset is the most powerful headset on the market. Customer Support: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Pacific time zone: 888-883-3277.

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Farenheit HP-11S Swivel Ear Pad Single Channel Infrared Wireless Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)These headphones are really nice. They offer a lot of cushion on the ears. They are adjustable to fit multiple ages. The carrying cases are a very nice feature. The best thing about these though, is the auto off feature. I was going through tons and tons of batteries with my old head sets. I have had these for 6 months and have not had to change the batteries at all!! These headphones synced right up with our van's DVD system. Very good product at a good price. Highly recommend!

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Swivel earphone wireless headphones.

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Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System Review

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(More customer reviews)This review is on the Sony MDR-IF240R not MDR-IF240RK, not sure if there's any difference. I needed a wireless headphone for the bedroom because I watch TV over 2 hours every night while my wife sleeps and about 2 hours early in the morning. I've also owned a wireless Sennheiser HDR60 and a wired Panasonic RP-HT970 Vibration Series Headphone. The Sennheiser worked fine, but their rechargeable battery (two included) would only last me about two days. I always had one recharging so I could swap it out, but it was still annoying to have it cut out in the middle of a program. After a year one of the batteries wouldn't hold a charge any more and when I saw how much a replacement battery cost, I decided to buy the Panasonic. Because it was wired, the Panasonic RP-HT970 sounded great, especially the bass effects with DVD's. It was very comfortable and I would still be using it, if I hadn't tripped on the cable and broke it. It had also been an obstacle for my wife when she had to walk across the room.
I decided to go wireless again and bought the Sony MDR-IF240R after reading reviews. I wanted a headphone that used standard batteries and wouldn't need constant replacing. I have cordless phones and a wireless PC network, so I decided having no interference using infrared was better than having the ability to go room to room using other technology. Since I only used it for TV viewing, I was willing to accept decent, if not great, sound quality. This headphone met all my requirements. I put in one standard AAA battery instead of the rechargeable battery that came with it and I haven't had to change it in over two weeks of constant use (4 hours/day).
The headphones are mostly plastic and look a bit cheap. They are fairly comfortable, but if I tilt my head, they will fall off because the foam cushions are flat rather than cupped like the Sennheiser and the headband is rather flimsy. That would be my biggest complaint. Sony should also have provided a longer cable for the transmitter to allow more flexibility in placement. Sound quality is fine for TV viewing, but it can't compare to the quality of a wired headphone like the Panasonic which makes you feel like you're actually in a movie when played on DVD.
I have perfect reception using it at 12 feet and I've walked 45 degrees to the left and right without any loss. If something comes between the headphone and the transmitter, it will cut out, so positioning is very important. You can eliminate the hiss that others have mentioned, if you turn up the volume on the sound source (e.g. TV or Receiver) rather than turning up the volume control on the headphone. On the Sennheiser there was a tuning control, which I had to fiddle with in order to receive a signal, but the Sony doesn't have or need one.
In conclusion, this headphone met all my expectations, the price was reasonable and I would recommend it to others until someone comes out without something that has better sound quality and excellent battery life.
Sound quality - 4 stars (compared to other wireless)
Battery life - 5 stars
Range - 4 stars
Comfort - 4 stars
Fit and finish - 3 stars
Price - 4 stars

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Go wireless with your music. The MDR-IF240RK wireless stereo headphone system features 30mm drive units for deep bass, up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, and a transmission range up to 24 feet. Permitting an easy connection to your home audio system, TV or VCR, these headphones provide a personal entertainment experience you can really move to.
Go wireless with your music. Click here for a larger image

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Sony MDR-IF3000 Additional Infrared Wireless Dolby Digital Headphones for MDR-DS3000 Transmitter Review

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(More customer reviews)I needed a replacement headphones for an older Sony XBR TV with an Infrared Wireless Receiver built in the TV. The headphones that came with the TV broke at the ear peice, I understand this is common with that style headphones. The MDR-IF30000 did the trick. They work great for what I need them for. To watch TV late at night with out disturbing the Family while they sleep. They are GREAT for a replacement in this application. The DOWN FALL is the odd size batteries for replacement down the road. If Sony would have use a AAA battery, you could get replacements anywhere, since the headphones come with NO CHARGER. It looks like Sony wants to be the only company to sell you your replcement batteries. I did not get a price on the BP-HP550/1.2V 550mAh, Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery by Sony, but they have that high dollar look about them, for what they are. You may want to get a price on the batteries first, before you buy a pair of headphones for this type application. Rick.

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Additional Infrared Headphone For Ymdrds3000Cordless Design, 23 Ft Transmission Range, 90deg Transmission AngleOpen Air DesignSelf Adjusting HeadbandVolume Control On Headphone Muting Function

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Dakota Alert Extra Wireless Transmitter Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought it was great when I bought it. Soon though I found people coming to the door without hearing the alarm going off beforehand. It only worked for 6 months. Stay away from this company and this product.

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- Dakota Alertextra wireless transmitter- For the Wireless Motion Alert 3000 (DK-WMA-3000)- The extra wireless transmitter can be used in other locations such as driveways, other buildings, or backyardDK-WMT-3000

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Sylvania SYL-WH930GB Wireless Headphones (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)When you can get these wireless headphones to actually connect, they work fairly well, although they can suddenly disconnect for no reason, and if I turn my head so that it faces my cordless phone base, they get a loud buzz. The sound quality is fine for TV programs. But the main problem is GETTING them to connect: EACH and EVERY time you turn them on you have to "synch" them with the transmitter that's connected to the TV. This involves pressing the "Scan" & "Reset" buttons repeatedly, often for several minutes, before you hear anything other than loud static. This means you need to turn them on & start pushing buttons 4 minutes ahead of time, or you will miss the beginning of things. And don't even think of turning them off during commercials to save battery life! The transmitter requires batteries as well as the headphones, so if you forget to turn IT off when you're done, you'll be out of luck next time. The transmitter DOES have a power jack, but YOU have to find & buy an appropriate power adapter, adding to their cost. Sometimes these allow me to walk into the next room & keep listening, but sometimes they lose the connection while I'm sitting still 4 ft. away. Definitely not worth the trouble!

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The Sylvania Wireless headphones are the best valued RF wireless headphones on the market. Listen to all your favorite shows without disturbing anyone or being disturbed. Say goodbye to all those messy tangled cords. Works with TV's, Stereos, Computers, MP3 and personal audio. Also great for doing chores around the house or light exercising. Comes with all the accessories you need to get started. RF, which means it works on a radio signal so that it can work from room to room, through walls

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Audio Unlimited SPK-9110 900MHz Wireless Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)Ive been using wireless phones for a great many years and have been disappointed more times than not. I tried these because Ive learned that price does not always match performance when it comes to wireless headsets. From the first time I walked around my house with these on I noticed that they have a much greater range than most costing allot more.
I also noticed they are secure and comfy. Anyone looking for a first set of wireless phones will not do better than these for the money. They sound better than my three times the price Sony phones and are interference free when adjusted properly. In fact they perform better than any others I have ever owned so far (about six different brands and price ranges). I can even walk outside and empty the garbage or do a little gardening around the house and still I hear no breaks in audio.
And one final hint for these things is get some higher amp hour rated batteries. They ship with 500mah so replacing them with some Lenmar or Ultralast 800-1000mah types greatly increases the run time. Just make sure they are the NiMh type.
Try them you will like them.

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Audio Unlimited's wireless headphones allow you to listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of cumbersome wires. The powerful transmitter uses 900 MHz technology to send music through walls and floors to the wireless headphones up to 150 feet away. These comfortable high-quality, lightweight, over the ear headphones provide the perfect solution for watching movies or listening to music without disturbing your family or roommates.

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