Pyle PLTS77DU 7-Inch Single-DIN In-Dash Motorized TFT/LCD Touchscreen Monitor Receiver with DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/USB/SD/AM-FM/RDS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works great but the manual is poorly written(translated from another language presumably, and is lacking vital information.
Sound quality is impressive and is easy to install.

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If you're looking for a dependable DVD receiver, the single-DIN Pyle PLTS77DU is a great choice. With a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, SD/MMC card slot, playback of MPEG4/MP3/WMA/JPEG files, and room to grow, it's a perfect start that won't break the bank.

7-Inch Touchscreen The PLTS77DU features a motorized slide down front panel that reveals a 7-inch, color TFT touchscreen.
Control everything from the brilliant LCD, with complete on-screen controls of DVD and other media.
Your video will look great thanks to the 1440 x 234 pixel resolution.
DVDs and More Enjoy playback of your favorite DVDs, CDs, and VCDs in the slot-loading DVD player.
Or play back MP3/WMA audio files, MPEG4 video, or view JPEG images from disc, USB, or SD Card.
Dial in your sound with the standard treble, bass, balance and fade controls and DSP equalizer settings.
AM/FM Radio Listen to your favorite radio programming with the AM/FM Radio with PLL Synthesizer Tuner.
Instantly access your favorite stations with 18 FM and 12 AM presets.
Connectivity Use the A/V Input to connect external audio and video devices, and use the SD/MMC card slot and USB port to play back your MP3 or MPEG4 files if you don't feel like burning a disc.
Room to Grow The PLTS77DU packs 320 Watts (4 x 80 Watts), but if you want more you can expand your system thanks to four channels of RCA preamp output and a subwoofer output.
An A/V Output lets you connect an external monitor for the folks in back, and you can also add a rear view camera for safety and convenience.
Wireless Remote Included Control the action with a handy remote.
What's in the Box Pyle PLTS77DU Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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Audioengine AW1 Wireless Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before I share my thoughts, I want to emphasize that I'm not only commenting on the product itself, but also on the Amazon partner that sold it and the manufacturer of the product as well.
I placed the order with Amazon. OneCall was the Amazon partner to actually fill the order. The product arrived well in advance of the advertised date. Due to other conflicts in my schedule, it sat on my desk for about 2 weeks before I had a chance to even look at it. Regretfully, when I initially set it up, it did NOT work....I am relatively saavy with respect to computer trouble-shooting and was able to conclusively determine that the sending and receiving units were NOT able to see one another. All of the other aspects of set-up were fine...computer saw the USB sender device, patch cords allowed me to connect the USB receiver device to my 20-year old Sony stereo receiver (red/white RCA inputs).
I initially attempted to contact the manufacturer, AudioEngine, over the July 4th weekend. Duh.....stupid move, of course, on my part. Never-the-less, I also contacted OneCall after the July 4th weekend to explore their return options. For the record, they were more than eager and ready to accommodate my return for credit or a replacement unit. That being the case, I indicated I wanted to give AudioEngine a chance to reply to my contacts to them. The next day, I received an e-mail from AudioEngine support verifying my situation and affirming that I probably did have a defective sender or receiver in the package I received from OnceCall. (Oh well, as the expression goes, S%$# HAPPENS.) AudioEngine, ON THE SPOT, IN THE FIRST E-MAIL to me, indicated that they would be sending a replacement unit.....no questions asked. The replacement unit arrived via FedEx two days later....along with instructions and an RMA# for returning the defective unit directly to AudioEngine.
FOR ALL WHO READ THIS, PLEASE HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR, ONECALL AND AUDIO-ENGINE WERE POSITIVELY AWESOME IN THEIR RESPONSE (Just read some other product reviews here on Amazon to realize that this isn't always the case.)
I AM VERY PLEASED TO WRAP UP MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT BY STATING THAT THEAUDIOENGINE W1 PREMIUM WIRELESS AUDIO ADAPTER WORKS LIKE A CHARM.....EXACTLY AS ADVERTISED BY AMAZON, ONECALL, AND AUDIOENGINE. I might add that I live in a home that is about 80 years old and, that being the case, the walls and ceilings are all plaster and steel mesh (not chicken wire or wood) lathe.....all that steel lathe holding the plaster to my walls has given some wireless routers I've tried a run for their money. Not sure why....but absolutely NO ISSUES here with that this time.
Anyway, I must concur with and support the highest praise of the 9 other reviewers of this product. I know individual experiences and situations will always exist, but this unit worked "plug & play" and exceeded what I would have expected based upon my experiences with other "wireless audio" products.
A+++ to Amazon.....OneCall....and AudioEngine for service, support and product! Praise earned....Praise due.....Praise given!
(By the way, I am a professional musician, performer and educator....music is my life and listening to it almost 24/7 is a part of that life.)


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Pioneer AVIC-X920BT 6.1-Inch In-Dash Double-Din Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback, Built-In Bluetooth and Widescreen Display Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Had this installed for one day. So far, so good. Replaced an Avic 900BT. I like the new menu interface. Flicking & scrolling using the fingers. Mostly used in the Ipod, FM/AM, XM screens.
The navigation screen may take some getting used to. The maps don't look as sharp. Seems a wee bit fuzzy around the edges of objects on the map whether in 2D or 3D mood.
You will need the current Ipod (new) cable to get this unit to work with your Ipod. Also it's now using a micro SD card. The sound quality is an improvement. Imaging is sharper/cleaner. I do feel that the manufacturer skimped about 64MB on the RAM. With these newer units going back about 3-4 years they're beginning to behave more like a computer (what with boot-up times & being able to update firmware/wallpaper via SD card) so when they skimp on the RAM it really affects the overall minute to minute usability of the unit. Thankfully with this unit you don't notice it as much but a bit more memory would have helped.
The Ipod interface is really nice & has a 3D look to the menus. Same when in the XM/FM/AM radio menus. Touching names/items causes them to slide, flip & rotate to reveal additional choices. Very neat. I still like the way that Pioneer has been programing these units in the sense that if you're driving & you touch a menu feature it doesn't automatically time out & revert back to the original or home screen if you take too long to make a choice. Had a few Clarion units few years back that used to drive me crazy with this feature. Ohh, video off Ipod works as well.
Will be purchasing a micro SD card so I can change the boot up picture from the Pioneer logo to an image of my choosing. Kinda sucks having to purchase a micro SD card for basically a one time use, but. . . . . . On my 900BT I had installed my own start-up photo but that unit used SD card so I just borrowed the card from my digital camera.
Not too many comments on the GPS portion of the unit as yet. Going to have to figure out how to adjust the trip method on the fly (fastest route vs. shortest distance kind of thing).
Ohh man, the Blue tooth feature works the way it's supposed to. I'm using an Iphone & I was able to not only sync contacts onto the Pioneer but I was also able to stream music from the Iphone as well as other internet audio. Pandora & many other internet radio stations I play on my Iphone using various Apps. Can't believe it worked so flawlessly. Didn't even have to use the manual. My phone book synched in about 1 minute & I was able to stream audio via blue tooth in another 1 minute. On the unit's menu you just select blue tooth audio & within seconds whatever is playing on the phone comes through the car speakers. No fuss, No scuss.
So far I would say this was a great buy. I know that Pioneer will shortly be releasing more units using this menu interface but I decided not to wait & went ahead & jumped on the first one out the door. We'll see how well that decision fares in the next few months. I still say that compared to other manufactures, who offer blue tooth as an additional item (module) to purchase I've always appreciated the fact that for the past 3 plus years Pioneer has built their blue tooth connectivity directly into the unit. I looked at the current Alpine "top of the line" unit a few days ago & they're still asking you to buy a separate blue tooth module. While I'm willing to entertain arguments regarding unit stability & only paying for features you're going to use, I still say Boo to those manufactures that implement this approach, and Yeahhhh to Pioneer for their blue tooth approach.

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Pioneer's double-DIN AVIC-X920BT integrates sophisticated navigation capabilities with groundbreaking features, including a revolutionary 3D touch slide interface, Pioneer MusicSphere and ECO Graph. In addition, the AVIC-X920BT features 4 GB of Flash memory, a large 6.1-inch WVGA touchscreen display, a 3D graphics accelerator, DVD playback, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, USB and iPod/iPhone connectivity, a microSD card slot, back-up camera input, and more.

Enjoy All Kinds of Media The AVIC-X920BT offers audio and video playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're enjoying DivX files on DVD, MP3 audio on SD card, or iTunes AAC files on CD, there are dozens of playback options for your favorite media.
You can also access your favorite Pandora stations through your iPhone.
Ditch the Headset with Built-in Bluetooth Take incoming calls through the AVIC-X920BT and be heard clearly without a headset, courtesy of Bluetooth technology. Connecting your compatible phone is easy and gives you instant touchscreen access to your contacts. You can also dial a contact with the sound of your voice by simply saying, "Call Jack Smith."
Audio User Interface Revolution with 3D A new user interface features dynamic shortcuts for all built-in or connected media sources, more prominent album art display (when applicable), and improved display of audio track data. The intuitive touch slide control is utilized for audio/video source selection and for searching through new media, such as iPod/iPhone content, with a new and improved ABC Search and dual-speed scroll for List Searches. 3D animation makes the user interface a completely new, easy-to-use, and intuitive in-car experience. The AVIC-X920BT also features a customizable home menu, which allows users to drag and drop up to 15 function icons into the home page display for easy one-touch access.
MusicSphere Pioneer's new MusicSphere for the AVIC-X920BT allows you to easily create instant playlists from the music in your iTunes library. MusicSphere uses an advanced plug-in that works with iTunes to intelligently construct playlists from your massive music collection by analyzing attributes such as feeling (bright, energetic, gloomy, relaxing calm), rhythm pattern, beats per minute (BPM), and more. Playlists are stored on your iPod or iPhone and accessed through the AVIC-X920BT's MusicSphere interface.
Navigation at Its Best The AVIC-X920BT offers a comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas, covering the entire United States and Canada, enabling users to route to millions of destinations, including more than 12 million points of interest (POIs). Additionally, the unit features enhanced voice recognition, including the capability to input destination addresses by voice--you can simply input an address by voice or find a place to re-fuel by saying, "Find the nearest gas station" or "Find the nearest McDonalds," and so on.
ECO Features For eco-friendly consumers, the system also features the second generation ECO Driving function with new features that provide driving status reports and the driver's impact on the environment with visual images on-screen. Through Pioneer's proprietary AVIC FEEDS PC software, the unit can estimate the fuel cost of trip routes as well as the vehicle's CO2 emissions through detailed Drive Reports. Through a proprietary fuel consumption algorithm, AVIC FEEDS can also log and archive driving data and analyze driving habits to generate various reports with suggestions to improve fuel efficiency.
ECO Graph New to this generation of eco-conscious features, the ECO Graph feature provides a view in addition to 2D and 3D, which divides the map view screen with a new graph to provide drivers with a visual representation of their environmental impact. Additionally, when a route is set, the unit will calculate a Drive Score based on driving efficiency, which factors abrupt stops, accelerations, and idle time.
Your iPod (and iPhone) Will Thank You On top of being an exceptional navigator, the AVIC-X series delivers an iPod experience that blows away FM transmitters or cassette adapters. Even at the first glance, you will fall in love with the easy-to-use touchscreen controls for your music and brilliant 6.1-inch display for your videos. Album art is also beautifully displayed.
With the optional cable (CD-IU230V) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, videos, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. The AVIC-X920BT also features voice-activated control of your iPod. Simply say the name of an artist, album, playlist, or genre to bring up the next song.
HD/SAT Radio Ready The AVIC-X920BT gives you plenty of room to expand your broadcast options. With optional tuners, experience the vast channel selection of XM Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio.
What's in the Box AVIC-X920BT main unit, installation hardware, and user's manual.

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Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My jensing stock car stereo died, so I figured that it was best to get a new one. If you want double din dash, this is the one to get! I dont know why people still buy the 3100 version, probably because they haven't heard of this one. I almost got that one too, but I accidentally clicked on this one, and boy am I glad I did! The 3100 doesn't have a SD card slot, which this one (avh p3200dvd) does! I dont use the bluetooth feature, nor do I plan to watch movies on it. I was actually looking at the fh-p8000bt, but I wanted a DVD MP3 feature. For an extra $50, it was worth it to upgrade to this one because you will get a LCD TOUCH screen, a USB, Aux inputs, DVD playability, AND an SD card slot.
Pros:
The price/feature ratio is a steal! Cheap with superb high-end sound; they don't skim on the audio just because it plays DVD's... in fact, it sounds better than my factory jensing which already sounded nice. Also since it's DVD, it can play my entire music collection. Yes, my mp3 collection doesn't even fill up a DVD but hey, I'm very picky of what I listen to.
Touchscreen LCD is very easy to use. Navigation is easy once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. The software is very smooth and doesn't hiccup or freeze.
It has lots of preset led colors to suit your style; This feature wasn't important for me, but it's still nice to have. DVD readability is nice, although i dont ever plan to use it for movies...driving and watching movies is taboo.
I can upgrade it to have a navigation system whenever I want.
The USB slot is a great alternative source for music. It is also very compatible with the ipod, and I also heard Zune, but why use an Ipod when I would rather use the deck?
The SD card slot is a feature only in the 3200, not the 3100. This is a plus because I dont want to accidentally kick my usb drive and break my dash. The SD card slides right in and gets out of your way. Also another great alternative source for music.
It looks simply beautiful. I stare at it for 5 minutes every time I get into my car.
Now for the cons:
No theft deterrent. Not too big a deal for me. If a thief wants it, he'll get it no matter what system you have. Besides, I have a car alarm. I dont think I wanna carry around a large faceplate with me whever I go anyway.
No bluetooth. Okay, so I hear that people complain that even cheap $100 stereos gets bluetooth, but for this system its a $100 addon. but do the other cheap stereos have dvd/mp3 playability? usb/sd card slots? touchscreen lcd? I dont think so. Also, I dont believe in talking while driving so it works out for me.
No HD radio. People also complain that HD radio is a freebie on even $100 stereos. I dont know what I'm missing out on because I've never had HD radio. Nor do I listen to the radio much, they just play crap most of the time anyway.
Wow Pioneer blew me away with the features/price ratio. You can't find any other system with all these features for this price. Not only that, but the quality and craftsmanship of this product is superb.

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Get your media on the road with Pioneer's AVH-P3200DVD, an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 5.8-inch widescreen display. With versatile music and video playback, modern features like USB Direct Control and DivX support, a built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and plenty of expansion options, it's the perfect way to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center.


AVH-P3200DVD Features
5.8-Inch Touchscreen Display The AVH-P3200DVD boasts a 5.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with 1440 x 240 pixel resolution. Navigating your media and system settings from the touchscreen is a breeze thanks to intuitive touch controls and customizable menus. Tap, Swipe or Drag--exactly the way you expect a touchscreen device to work.
Versatile Multimedia Playback Enjoy your favorite DVDs while parked with the full-featured DVD player, or add a back seat screen for your passengers to watch as you drive. The AVH-P3200DVD will play DVDs, DVD-Rs, Video CDs and even DivX files burnt to CD or DVD (or from a USB device). You can also use the rear A/V input to attach external devices like video game systems.
As for music, you can enjoy your favorite CDs, or listen to MP3/WMA/AAC files from either CD/DVD data discs or a USB device.
USB Input / SD Memory Card Slot Connect USB thumb drives or other devices and enjoy playback of your digital audio files or DivX video. Ditto for SD memory cards. This makes it a breeze to quickly grab some media from your computer before a big road trip, and enjoy hours of entertainment on the road.
iPod Direct Control (CD-IU50V required) Connect your iPod directly and experience exceptional sound quality while easily navigating through music, videos and album art on the AVH-P3200DVD's screen. Say goodbye to the annoying static of FM transmitters and other iPod half-solutions.
Advanced Sound Retriever Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies.
Supertuner IIID AM/FM Tuner Pioneer's legendary Supertuner IIID combines the best of digital and analog tuner technologies to reduce distortion to bring you exceptional FM and AM performance. If you live in an area where reception is weak, you'll hear a big improvement in signal strength. And when you're near tall buildings, Supertuner IIID reduces the effect of multi-path noise, which occurs when the signal is reflecting off of the buildings.
Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and 6 AM user presets. And when you're somewhere new, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the 6 strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets.
Dial in Your Sound Use and customize EQ curves, adjust the eight-band parametric equalizer, or change loudness and bass boost settings to get the perfect sound.
AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVH-P3200DVD has this A/V input on the front panel.
MOSFET 50W x4 Amplifier for the Power Hungry Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, delivering power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. And that doesn't just mean a boost in volume: it means that your music will be cleaner at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. Clean, efficient power that will rock your vehicle.
For those who'd like a bit more power, three 4V RCA preamp outputs are also included for system expansion (front/rear/sub).
Available Bluetooth Wireless Technology Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation, including talking via the headunit's microphone and your vehicle's speaker system. The system automatically mutes any other audio during incoming or outgoing calls.
Rear View Camera Capability Keep an eye on your backside using the optional Rear View Camera (ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA): while you're in reverse the rear-view camera can be in full screen.An unit equipped with the optional rear-view camera adds a level of safety and assurance you can rely on.In addition to keeping you and your family safe, this feature also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
Ready to Expand The AVH-P3200DVD is also compatible with Pioneer's XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, HD radio tuner, TV tuner, CD/DVD changers and more.
AVH-P3200DVD Basic Specs

What's in the Box Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Dual XHD7714 AM/FM/CD player and HD Radio Built-it iTunes Tagging Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this product for a few weeks now, and find it to be okay...I wouldn't rave about it, but it's not a bad product, either. I bought it because it has lots of bells and whistles. Here's my critique of each of them:
HD Radio
Works great - when I can get a signal. The radio receiver seems much weaker than the radio I replaced. I had to buy an antenna booster to get the quality up to where the old radio was - and that's just the analog stations I'm talking about. If you are in or near a big city where there are lots of HD radio stations, it works great. If you're out in hilly countryside like I am most of the time, it's not so great and most of the time the radio keeps switching between the analog and digital signal for the radio station I'm listening to, which can be a bit annoying.
IPOD Control
It works. I wish I had more positive feedback about this, because this was a primary reason for me purchasing this unit. In between songs, you can hear the ipod disk "spin up" to access the next song - it's faint, but still audible. Also, control of the ipod from the head unit is not very easy. You use the volume knob to scroll through songs/artists/etc. on the head unit - no fast scroll like the ipod has, so it takes some time to get to the artist/song/album you want if you have a LOT of music on your ipod like I do. It has tagging capabilities, but I haven't used it so I can't say how well that part works.
Bluetooth Integration
This part I like. It works really well with my Blackberry Pearl. Every time I get in the car, it finds my Blackberry, whether it's in my hand, pocket, or backpack. If I get a call, it mutes whatever is playing, the call rings on my car speakers, I press the little phone button on the head unit, and the caller is talking to me through my car speakers. People on the other end have no problem hearing me through the built-in microphone - even while zipping down the highway at 70 mph (with windows up, of course). And when I'm done, it goes right back to where I left off with my ipod or CD or whatever. Really cool. Dialing could be a bit easier, though - you have to use the remote control to enter digits. I use built-in voice dialing on my phone anyway, so no big deal for me.
One other thing this unit does is streaming audio via bluetooth. I tried to use Pandora on my Blackberry using the bluetooth streaming audio, and it's okay, but the sound quality can be a bit "choppy". I get much better performance using a cord between my Blackberry and the aux input jack on the head unit for Pandora. I'm not sure if the choppiness is caused by the head unit or my Blackberry - it's definitely something to do with the bluetooth connection, though.
I haven't used the USB functionality yet - probably won't since I have an ipod. But you can apparently listen to MP3's and such on a memory stick through the USB port. I have used the CD player a few times - works fine.
Faceplate is all plastic - feels a little cheap when you're pressing the buttons, but hey, it is a cheap unit considering all the stuff you get. That's what got me to buy it. Installation was a snap.
Bottom line - if you're not that concerned with quality and would rather just have all the bells and whistles, this unit is definitely for you. If you want really great quality, you're not going to get it with this unit.

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Dual XHD7720 4X50 Watt AM/FM/CD Radio with Motorized Built-in HD and Bluetooth - Ready Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this radio about a week ago and was overflowing with excitement. to think i had found a radio with all these features for such a low price was beyond amazing. Here are some key things i liked.
HD Radio-
yeah, its that cool. for those of you out there that are skeptical of whether or not HD Radio is worth your money, ill go ahead and answer that question for you. yes. yes it is. I wasnt sure myself before i bought this but it was like rediscovering radio. for people who aren't sure how it works, its like this. HD doesn't have its own band like AM, FM, or XM, but it improves the FM sound quality. and single stations can have more than one channel such as 97.9 HD1 and 97.9 HD2.
Sound Quality-
This radio can pump out 50W x 4 PEAK. that translates into at most 25W x 4 RMS. for a stock sound system in just about any car, THAT'S PLENTY. The quality of sound in my old speakers is much better than it was. that little radio powered my 8 speaker Boston Acoustics system. nuf said.
Ipod/ipod tagging-
Here's something you don't see often: the cable needed to unlock the full capabilities of iPod integration _is included_. music control can be done from the included remote or the radio itself. The music tagging feature is very useful as well. beware, it only works on HD stations.
Bluetooth-
Ok. the one con of this product. The bluetooth is fully compatible with H2DP, handsfree is convenient, clarity is excellent. BUT, you must first purchase the BTM 60 ($40ish) Dual Btm60 Bluetooth Interface Module before you can use BT anything. even music streaming.
Misc-
installation was easy and clearly described in the instructions.
The EQ system as well as the menu and button system is well thought out.
Included remote is very handy and useful.
Works well with MP3 players.
Music can be imported and organized from mass storage devices(e.g. thumb drive). just dont make it bigger than 4-8 GB or your in for a good wait.
Detachable face plate is nice.
dedicated SUB OUTS.
All in all this receiver is a winner. i think dual put a good amount of consideration into this and it definatly paid off. wont find a better radio for the price

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Pioneer CD-IU50 Usb IpodInterface Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you connected the USB connection from the back of the head unit when you first did the install simply connect the white iPod adapter you received with the iPod into the USB and it will work just the same. Free is better than $29.99.

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Use the CD-IU50V interface cable to connect an iPod or iPhone directly into the Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD head unit. Gain full, direct, adapter-free control of your iPod/iPhone via the head unit interface.

Plugs directly into the USB terminal, and audio/video connects through the mini-jack A/V input.
The cable is two meters in length.
What's in the Box CD-IU50V USB Interface Cable for iPod (Audio/Video)

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Belkin Mini Bluetooth Laptop Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was a little tough to properly install in Windows 7 to get all services working.
My first attempt was to let Windows 7 install the drivers. I ended up with one unknown hardware item that I could not find a driver for. My second attempt was to use the software that came with the module, which is for Vista and XP, and again could not get everything to work. I even tried running the installer in Vista compatibilty mode and it crashed.
Prior to using the procedure below I uninstalled the Bluetooth software and the bluetooth driver packages (somehow I ended up with 3) from Control Panel and I was then able to fully install using the procedure below.
This unit uses a Broadcom chip and Widcomm software. The method I used to install in Windows 7 is as follows.
1. Download Broadcom's Widcomm software utiltiy from [...].
2. Plug in the micro bluetooth module into the usb port you wish to use.
3. Windows will begin to install drivers.
4. Click on the balloon pop-up to open the Installing Drivers window.
5. At the bottom of this window, click Do Not Check Windows Update option.
6. Launch the Broadcom Widcomm software that you downloaded in step 1. This utility will verify your module, download the proper drivers and software, and install. No unknown hardware and I can connect and transfer files both ways from multipe devices.
Finally!

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MINI BLUETOOTH ADAPTER

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Boss BV8962 In-Dash 7" DVD/MP3/CD Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, and Front Panel AUX Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)THE RADIO ITSELF LOOKS NICE IN MY 84 CHEVY CAPRICE EVERYTHING WORKS GREAT BUT THE USB PORT WHEN I HOOK MY IPOD UP TO THE USB PORT IT JUST KEEP ON SAYING READING USB AND NOTHING HAPPENS. OTHER THAN THAT EVERY THING ELSE IS GREAT EVEN THE SD STICK WORKS GREAT. FOR 168.00 BUCK ITS MORE THEN WORTH IT. AND IT CAME ON THE 5TH DAY SO THAT WAS GREAT.

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Audio BV8962 is a versatile single-DIN multimedia receiver, offering playback of DVDs, CDs and plenty more, including those digital files (MP3/MP4/WMA). This receiver features touchscreen navigation on its brilliant 7-inch widescreen display, a convenient front-panel auxiliary input, a USB port, and SD Card slot. With 80 Watts through four channels, it offers plenty of power, but preamp outputs offer room for further growth.

7-Inch Touchscreen The BV8962 features a motorized, slide-down detachable front panel with a 7-inch widescreen monitor. Touchscreen controls make navigation a breeze, and the brilliant monitor features a 1440 x 234 resolution and 600 NIT brightness--your video will look great.
Enjoy Your Media The BV8962 will play back your DVDs/SDVDs, SVCDs/VCDs, CDs, CD-R/Ws, and WMA/MP4/MP3 files. The ESP anti-skip mechanism ensures your music or video isn't interrupted by any bumps in the road, and playback features such as a mute function, intro scan, and last position memory are all included.
When listening to digital files, enjoy full ID3 tag display of artist/track info.
Dial in the sound with separate bass and treble EQ controls, along with balance/fader.
USB and SD Connectivity The BV8962 features a USB port and SD Card jack, so you can instantly switch out USB thumb drives or SD cards with a fresh batch of MP3 tunes/podcasts/etc.
AM/FM Radio Enjoy your favorite radio programming with the PLL-synthesized tuner, featuring 30 station presets for instant access to your preferred stations, and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
Auxiliary Input The convenient front-panel auxiliary input (3.5mm mini jack) is a great way to enjoy audio from external devices such as iPods or MP3 players.
Power and Expandability The BV8962 provides 80 Watts through four channels to start, and if you'd like to expand your system, use the front/rear preamp outputs to add external amplifiers.
Rear View Camera Input Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience when your vehicle is in reverse.
Remote Included A wireless remote control is included for convenient control of the system.
What's in the Box BV8962 Receiver, Wireless Remote, Mounting Hardware, User's Manual

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Robust 3.5mm Universal Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Music Audio Transmitter for iPod/iPhone/iPad/iTouch, Tablets, SONY PSP, Nintendo DS, MP3/MP4, PCs, PDAs, any 3.5mm Jack Device Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this after a good deal of research. I wanted something that set flush on my mp3 players. I didn't want something dangling --- that's why I didn't want cords anymore. I also wanted something easy to use. There's not a lot written about this unit on the Web but it looked worth a try to me.
When I got it I charged it. Took less than two hours to get a full charge. It charges via USB -- has no AC. I read the instructions and, while poorly written, it did more or less lead me in the right direction.
A bit of an annoyance is that the on/off switch is on the side that faces the player. So be sure and turn it on first. It would be nice if it was on the outside.
After a bit of trouble paring I got the knack of it and now use it with all three of my mp3 players, which range from one very old Creative Nano to a slightly newer but still old GPX to a new Creative Zen X-f1. I am paring it with my Jabra Extreme, which I use for my phone.
Now, I listen mostly to audio books so I don't need stereo or great sound quality. If I did, I would certainly get another headset. But the Nolan transmitter is great and I highly recommend it.
-- Susanna K. Hutcheson

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Pioneer AVH-P3200BT In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I hadn't installed car electronics in ages, and just decided it was time to replace the factory stereo in my 2002 Toyota Highlander. I was sick and tired of juggling with the lousy sound and wires all over the place, cassette adapter, iPhone charger, Sirius radio... it was time for an upgrade. With Amazon running a sale on Pioneer car audio, it seemed it was time to jump. In the process, I learned a few things that I hope will help you make the right decisions.TIPS
----
1) Pioneer sells a $35 "Double DIN install kit". I'm sure it's needed in some cars, but the 3200 was a perfect drop-in in my Highlander, at least as far bolting it to the equipment chassis. The screw holes are exactly in the same place as on the Denso factory double DIN stereo it replaced,.
2) Getting a wire bundle adapter (available from Amazon, cost is under $10) simplifies the installation tremendously and makes it easy to put the original stereo back in. It's basically a connector that looks like the one on the factory stereo and has a color coded bundle of wires attached. You solder or crimp these wires to the bundle that comes with your new stereo and you're in business: it's now a perfect drop in substitute for the factory stereo. The bundle adapter is specific to your car, not the stereo you're installing.
3) Lock-out of some features (movie playing, phone number pad dialing...) is done by detecting the state of the parking brake. If you don't connect the parking brake wire, you will not be able to use these features, ever. Of course if you were a bad person you would just attach this wire to the ground somewhere, which would disable the lock-out. I'm just sayin.
4) Why are there so many iPod cables for this family of receivers? It's infuriating! There's the CD-IU50, the CD-IU50V, and the CD-IU200V. The IU50 is just a very expensive iPod/iPhone USB cord like the one that came with your iPhone. Despite what its description says on the Amazon page, it will not provide video. The IU50V will play video from the iPod (it has a USB jack and also a minijack for the video, which both plug into the front). The IU200V is similar to the IU50V but is for the 4200DVD only (according to the manual). If you want to play video from your iPhone on the 3200BT or 3200DVD, get the IU50V.
5) There's a hideous gap of 3/4" to the left and right of the receiver, and a smaller one at the top and bottom. Once again, Scosche to the rescue; they make an inexpensive kit that fills the gap. It was harder to find than I would have hoped.
Now that this is out of the way, how about performance and ease of use? Well, here goes.
PROS
----
- Sounds great, lots of equalization options, easy to configure, lots of power.
- Great user interface, very responsive and easy to use.
- Displays all songs in iPhone (I used with iPhone 4), allows browsing by artist, record, song, even displays the album artwork!
- PACKED with features (supports rear view camera, second zone video, HD radio, Sirius/XM, etc...)
- Customizable theme
- Plays DiVX
- Bluetooth phone feature very easy to setup and works like a charm. Loaded the contact list from my iPhone 4 in seconds, and people I have been talking to can't believe I'm using a hands free system in a car, it's just that good.
- Convenient USB and A/V inputs in front.
- Convenient SD memory card reader
- Charges iPod/iPhone during use. You can still use your iPhone while music is playing.
- Available AVIC-U220 navigation option
CONS
----
- Screen washes out in sunlight and can get very hard to read
- Must use front connector for iPod/iPhone, so leaving a discrete connector permanently plugged in is not an option with the 3200BT model.
- No stereo bluetooth, if you need that get the AVH-P3200DVD and purchase the pricey CD-BTB200 option
- Remote control is optional
- Options are prohibitively expensive (Navigation, Bluetooth for 3200DVD and Sirius satellite radio options cost way too much)
CONCLUSION
----------
Love, love, love this receiver. It's a lot of functionality for the price, easy to install, easy to use, iPod integration is top-notch, and the minor flaws don't really warrant not giving it the five stars it deserves, considering its very reasonable price. Highly recommended.

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Get your media on the road with Pioneer's AVH-P3200BT, an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver featuring built-in Bluetooth and a 5.8-inch widescreen display. With versatile music and video playback, modern features like USB Direct Control and DivX support, a built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and plenty of expansion options--not to mention the ability to make and receive calls--it's the perfect way to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center.


AVH-P3200BT Features
Built-In Bluetooth The AVH-P3200BT features built-in Bluetooth technology, which allows you to take incoming calls through your vehicle's sound system. Connecting your Bluetooth-enabled phone is a snap, and gives you access to all your contacts. Best of all, you can make or take a call without a headset.
5.8-Inch Touchscreen Display The AVH-P3200BT boasts a 5.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with 1440 x 240 pixel resolution. Navigating your media and system settings from the touchscreen is a breeze thanks to intuitive touch controls and customizable menus. Tap, Swipe or Drag--exactly the way you expect a touchscreen device to work.
Versatile Multimedia Playback Enjoy your favorite DVDs while parked with the full-featured DVD player, or add a back seat screen for your passengers to watch as you drive. The AVH-P3200BT will play DVDs, DVD-Rs, Video CDs and even DivX files burnt to CD or DVD (or from a USB device). You can also use the rear A/V input to attach external devices like video game systems.
As for music, you can enjoy your favorite CDs, or listen to MP3/WMA/AAC files from either CD/DVD data discs or a USB device.
USB Input / SD Memory Card Slot Connect USB thumb drives or other devices and enjoy playback of your digital audio files or DivX video. Ditto for SD memory cards. This makes it a breeze to quickly grab some media from your computer before a big road trip, and enjoy hours of entertainment on the road.
iPod Direct Control (CD-IU50V required) Connect your iPod directly and experience exceptional sound quality while easily navigating through music, videos and album art on the AVH-P3200BT's screen. Say goodbye to the annoying static of FM transmitters and other iPod half-solutions.
Advanced Sound Retriever Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies.
Supertuner IIID AM/FM Tuner Pioneer's legendary Supertuner IIID combines the best of digital and analog tuner technologies to reduce distortion to bring you exceptional FM and AM performance. If you live in an area where reception is weak, you'll hear a big improvement in signal strength. And when you're near tall buildings, Supertuner IIID reduces the effect of multi-path noise, which occurs when the signal is reflecting off of the buildings.
Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and 6 AM user presets. And when you're somewhere new, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the 6 strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets.
Dial in Your Sound Use and customize EQ curves, adjust the eight-band parametric equalizer, or change loudness and bass boost settings to get the perfect sound.
AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVH-P3200BT has this A/V input on the front panel.
MOSFET 50W x4 Amplifier for the Power Hungry Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, delivering power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. And that doesn't just mean a boost in volume: it means that your music will be cleaner at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. Clean, efficient power that will rock your vehicle.
For those who'd like a bit more power, three 4V RCA preamp outputs are also included for system expansion (front/rear/sub).
Rear View Camera Capability Keep an eye on your backside using the optional Rear View Camera (ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA): while you're in reverse the rear-view camera can be in full screen.An unit equipped with the optional rear-view camera adds a level of safety and assurance you can rely on.In addition to keeping you and your family safe, this feature also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
Ready to Expand The AVH-P3200BT is also compatible with Pioneer's XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, HD radio tuner, TV tuner, CD/DVD changers and more.
AVH-P3200BT Basic Specs

What's in the Box Pioneer AVH-P3200BT Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Kenwood KMR-330 Marine CD Receiver with Satellite Ready Front AUX Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Radio easy to install and has enough power to operate 4 speakers. Works with IPOD interface good but hard to scan songs. Goes by artist not random easy.

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Boss BV9995B In-Dash 7" DVD/MP3/CD Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)1. The positive
---------------
* Excellent screen size and resolution
* Versatile (can play numerous video and audio formats, plenty of inpus: SD card, USB, DVD/CD, Bluetooth, auxilary)
* The USB input works flawlessly, recognizing the files fairly quickly
* The LCD has 3 different tilt levels for better viewing angles, and various brightness settings
* Looks and feels well-built / solid
* Auxilary input in the front (3.5") allows for easy connecting of MP3 players / cell phones (particularly useful since the Bluetooth is worthless on this device, per below)
* Comes with a small remote
2. The negative
---------------
(1) The Bluetooth: Drops out all the time, listening to Pandora or other streaming radio through the cell phone impossible. The sound quality with the included microphone is mediocre at best. Have not tried to pair the Bluetooth with a laptop or a device with a more powerful Bluetooth signal than a cell phone, but again, I don't plan on using a laptop while driving. Hence, the Bluetooth is worthless in my opinion.
(2) For some reason, after few hours of continuous watching, the movies running off the USB start 'skipping', which can get very obnoxious. Thankfully, this only happens occasionally, and it may have something to do with overheating of components while driving in a hot summer day, even though the device has a cooling fan in the back.
(3) In addition to the $25 for the wire harness, a $15 antenna harness is required ($40 at worstbuy; I was quoted $60+ elsewhere). The radio is not HD/digital and the reception quality is noticingly worse than my stock stereo.
(4) The SD card input is very slow, taking 1-2 minutes to "load up" the list of songs on a 4GB card. The recognition is much faster with a high quality SD card with smaller capacity (i.e. 2GB Sandisk ultra/extreme).
(3) The cooling fan can be loud, and the LCD brightness is not adequate for bright, sunny days. The movies are still watchable with the screen tilted down, but much is washed out.
(6) The remote must be directly pointed at the IR sensor to work, and the layout is not very user friendly / intuitive
SUMMARY
-------
Overall, it's far from a perfect device, but comparing its price to some bigger names (which I'm guessing are no better in addressing the issues I mentioned earlier), and the amount of joy it provides on loooong cross-country drives, this system is well worth it...

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Boss Audio's BV9995B is a perfect choice for those seeking in-dash multimedia. With a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, front auxiliary input and other convenient features, you'll get plenty of bang for your buck. Bluetooth technology provides the groundwork for hands-free calls and streaming from mobile devices. Ready to grow with two preamp outputs and a subwoofer out, along with a rear view camera input, it's a perfect way to get your mobile mediaplex started.
Serious multimedia features with built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Click here for a larger image

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Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 With Leave-in USB Receiver (910-001799) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my first review and it happens to be the first for this excellent trackball. The review is LONG but you can skip to the heading(s) that suit you: Old Users, New Buttons, HTPC, New Users, Wireless and Gaming. Hope it is useful.
--Introduction--
This line of trackballs from Logitech is best known for its unique design, employing the thumb for movement and the index/middle finger for clicks. The advantage of this "thumb-ball" design is that former mouse-users do not have to adapt to a different position (thumb for clicking and index/middle finger for moving, as in the case of the Kensington trackballs).
--History--
After releasing the renowned TrackMan Wheel Optical (wired), Logitech went further and brought us the wireless version (the TrackMan Wheel Wireless, still available in Amazon). The wireless version suffers from the gigantic size of the receiver, which makes it impractical for laptop/space-constrained computer setups.
After years of protests about the receiver design (see the Logitech forum), Logitech finally decided to upgrade the Trackball and equip it with the unifying receiver. The receiver can connect up to 6 devices at the same time and its miniature size means you can leave it in the USB port of a laptop all the time. Other new features include 2 programmable buttons and a battery indicator to the left of the "left-click" button.
--Old user--
I owned the wired Trackman optical and I felt immediately at home with the M570. There is no noticeable difference in terms of button arrangement and I cannot tell the two by touch alone. The ball was changed to blue, possibly in an attempt to distinguish the M570 from the old Trackman Wheel Wireless.
There is a subtle difference between the balls on the M570 and the wired Trackman. The red ball on my wired Trackman was silky smooth and it feels light when scrolling. On the other hand, the blue ball on the M570 appears to possess a tiny bit of extra resistance (even after cleaning), which does not trouble me at all. The blue ball also seems quieter in use. I do not think old users will be troubled by this minor change, and this extra resistance may also be due to the fact that my unit is brand-new. I will update this review if the touch changes.
--The new buttons--
I switched to the M570 mainly for the 2 new buttons. I can now turn on/off my secondary monitor and move windows between monitors with one click (requires the UltraMon software). The new buttons are protruded distinctively and form a nice curve that fits the index finger. I can rest my index finger comfortably on these buttons and locate the individual button with ease. Both buttons have a definite "click" feel to it when depressed.
You need to download the latest SetPoint AND click the "Check for Update" button to download a 3MB upgrade package before you can customise the buttons. I suppose the bundled CD-ROM contains a version newer than what you can download from the Web, so stick to it for the
--HTPC--
Despites its size, the M570 is actually quite light. If you care about the loudness of the click sound, you may be relieved to know that the "Back" button is nearly silent. You can map the Back button to "Left Click" using the SetPoint software and it will be a fine, silent, ergonomic HTPC pointing. Note: the Forward and Middle buttons make loud click noise while the left/right buttons make acceptable click noise.
--New user--
If you have not used a thumb-ball before, you should try it! I cannot praise this design enough ever since I moved to the Trackman. At first I had some problem with its speed but after experimenting with the Speed/Acceleration settings for about 5 minutes I was able to perform the daily tasks with better precision and more speed. The greatest advantage of using a thumb-ball instead of a mouse is that I can move the cursor to another monitor (some 2000 pixels away) with one finger. With a mouse I had to lift up the mouse several times, using a large number of muscles in the process.
The greatest advantage of thumb-ball over mouse is comfort, achieved by ease of moving the cursor. In the case of thumb-balls, only the thumb needs to be moved and the other fingers remain stationery. The smoothness of the ball ensures that your thumb will not be overly exerted. In the case of a mouse however, the fingers need to "grasp" and "move" the mouse and the wrist needs to "rotate" it, causing prolonged stress of all parts of the hand.
The Trackman/M570 design also provides a proper resting place for ALL fingers: the thumb can rest on the ball (note: the ball has enough inertia to hold the thumb so that it won't fall to the bottom), the index to ring fingers rest on the surface while pinky can rest on the small "gap" specially crafted for it.
The thumb-ball also dispenses with mouse pad and requires no extra space for movement. You can place your stationery or a glass of water close to it without fearing them being knocked over. Thumb-ball works miracle in space-constrained offices.
I have used a computer for over 10 years and the Trackman design has provided me the greatest improvement in terms of comfort (the second being the invention of "chiclet" keyboard). I had been advocating its use ever since I got hold of the Trackman wired and I hope you will feel the improvement
--Wireless--
Does it make sense to switch from wired to wireless? In my case there is no pressing need for doing so but I do appreciate the space saved by removing the cable. I had to stretch the cable to the fullest when I was using the old Trackman and a lot of things got in its way. Also contrary to popular views I DO move the Trackman/M570 around. This is because I sit on a rotatable chair and my angle to the Trackman changes from time to time. The cable on Trackman caused some trouble when adjusting and with the M570's wireless design this problem is completely gone.
Should you wait for the Bluetooth version? If you have a device that does not support the Unifying Receiver (phone/notebooks that can't spare a USB port), then you have no choice but to wait. Except in such case I do not think a Bluetooth version is needed. I own the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse from Apple and they are nightmares! The connection seems to break at the most inconvenient moment and I had to guess whether it was the battery or the Bluetooth thing. If it does not reconnect automatically I had to launch the Bluetooth configure console with whatever devices that are still working. Try opening the console when your mouse is not functioning (hint: enable mouse keys) and you will see my point. For every space you save with Bluetooth, you are paying with a lot of potential trouble.
--Gaming--
Gaming with any kind of trackball is an acquired taste, some say trackballs are imprecise while others claim that they improved after switching to trackball. I have no problem with RTS and FPS games with my old Trackman and I suppose the same is true with the M570, which shares the same design. The wheel gives a DISTINCT touch every time it is rolled, which I think is essential for any serious FPS gamers. There are 3 programmable buttons (two at index finger and one at middle/ring finger). I think the 5-button M570 is currently the best gaming thumb-balls one can buy.

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The logitech wireless trackball m570 gives you a different kind of comfort. it stays in one place and supports your hand to let you work all day with ease.

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Pioneer Electronics AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter for Compatible Pioneer Products (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I wound up purchasing this adapter from Best Buy only because I had a gift card. Ive seen several reviews for this product on the Internet that complain it doesn't work and I thought mine didn't either but for those like me that are new to Blue Tooth technology, you have to "PAIR" the IPHONE to the adapter by plugging in the adapter and then enter the setup menu for your pioneer amp. Look in the setup menu then select "Other Setup" and then select "Pairing Blue-tooth Device" it will ask for you to enter a "Pass-code" which will later be referred to as your PIN number. Once the amp and phone has gone through the pairing set up you should be good to go. None of this info was in my amp or adapter users manual, The so called GEEK SQUAD didn't know how to set it up and suggested it was my IPHONE that was at issue. SHAME ON PIONEER for not providing instructions. Once it's set up it works great. It should however be a little cheaper. I would've given it 5 stars if the instructions were provided.

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The Pioneer Electronics AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter allows you to connect select Bluetooth-enabled sources to compatible Bluetooth-ready Pioneer home theater receivers (and to select Pioneer iPod systems for compatible Apple products). Connect your iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Bluetooth-enabled PC or laptop, and more to listen to your digital music wirelessly in rich stereo (multichannel decoding supported in compatible Pioneer receivers supporting Sound Retriever AIR).

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Marantz SR5005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently decided to upgrade my home theater setup, and purchased a Samsung 63" Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black and wanted a home theater to match. Previously, I had just used my TV speakers (granted, my old Sony XBR had far better speakers than most TVs, but still far short of a dedicated setup). I wouldn't describe myself as an audiophile, but I can appreciate good sound ... it's just that my interest lies more in music and film than in the actual audio/video equipment. My media room is 15'x20', and I wanted a system that would be as good for music as for movies.
Because of my room layout, I decided I was limited to a 5.1 system. I ordered this Marantz SR5005 receiver along with a 5.1 speaker system from Aperion Audio, going their 5T Hybrid HD system. These particular Aperion speakers are fairly power hungry, and I was a bit worried about the SR5005's ability to power them w/o the help of an external amp. I had briefly considered upgrading to the slightly more powerful SR6005 Marantz SR6005 Audio Video Receiver (Black). The excellent technical support staff at Aperion Audio (where I ordered this receiver as well as the speakers) assured me the SR5005 would be more than adequate, and after using the system for a few days I fully agree.
I am extremely happy with the way this system sounds - the sound is simply excellent, for both music and movies. The SR5005 has the power to get plenty of room filling volume (window rattling volume) out of the speakers without any distortion. At the same time, I can hear everything clearly at lower volume as well so there's no need to turn it up unless I want to. As far as sound quality, I give the SR5005 5 out of 5 stars - it's excellent. This impression seems to be supported by other reviews - every review I've read about the SR5005 has nothing but positive things to say about sound quality.
As for the setup, I'm not the most tech savvy person in the world and I have to admit I was a bit intimidated about setting up the SR5005 - these newer AVRs have an incredible amount of setup and playback options, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, once I delved into it, the setup turned out not to be too difficult. In addition to the Marantz instruction manual, I highly suggest you google "Outlaw SR5005 Guide", which is a 60+ page setup guide put out by Outlaw Audio (you can also throw them a bone and buy the receiver from them as well, though I didn't) that walks you through the setup process in fairly straightforward "plain english" (or as close to plain english as you can get for a fairly complicated piece of electronics). The SR5005 has plenty of setup options, including the Audyssey auto setup but also plenty of manual options as well - do not pay any attention to the review here stating there are no manual setup options as that reviewer apparently didn't bother to read the manual, in addition to the speaker distance, crossover, and other parameters that can be manually set and adjusted with an SPL meter, the SR5005 offers a 9-band EQ for each of 9 speakers, which I believe breaks down to 7.1 plus either zone 2 or front height speakers.
When setting up my system, I first used the much acclaimed Audyssey automatic setup included with this receiver, along with the included microphone. While the results were pretty good, I wasn't blown away by them. Audyssey gave me a couple of incorrect speaker distances (especially for the sub, which Audyssey set up as way too loud) and some funky crossover points. Aperion recommended I set up the system manually using an SPL meter that they include free with any 5.1 speaker system. While this sounded a bit daunting, after reading the short instruction sheet that came with the SPL meter it proved to be almost as simple as Audyssey. I set all of my speakers with the exception of the sub to "small" (the instructions recommended setting the front towers to "large", but when I did this the SR5005 wouldn't let me set the crossover to my preferred 80Hz, so I changed it to "small"; I set my sub to "LFE+main"), set the crossovers to Aperion's recommended levels, measured the distance from each speaker, and manually adjusted the db level for each speaker while measuring with the SPL meter. This might sound complicated, but actually it's pretty easy, just take your time and read the instructions. After doing this manual setup, I was much happier with the result - in particular the sub was now at an acceptable level (there was too much bass using the Audyssey settings).
I'm extremely happy with this product. The audio quality is excellent and the video processing seems to be excellent as well, and it can be turned off. Note there are a couple of internet comments floating around out there about a "purple hue" caused by the video processor - as far as I can tell that was only a single one-off incident cited by a single reviewer (he mentions this in his review of the SR6005 here on Amazon, which is an excellent review I recommend reading), but it was echoed across the internet as other people on various forums cited that same incident. To be clear, I have no purple hue on my unit and if I did the video processing can be turned off (I'm quite happy with the video processing straight out of my PS3). All in, I'm glad I didn't spend the extra money to upgrade to the SR6005, which adds a bit more power (110w x 7), an upgraded video processor (video quality watching blu-rays on this SR5005 is excellent, so I see no reason to pay up for a better video processor), and some improved display functions (for example to see the volume on this SR5005 you have to look at the front of the receiver as it doesn't display it on your TV, this isn't really an issue for me). If interested, I also recommend the speaker system I referenced from Aperion Audio, as they sound excellent with this receiver and Aperion's customer support was very helpful in explaining the features of both the speakers as well as the receiver, as well as discussing what system would best suit my needs based on room size, preferences etc.
Overall, my rating for the Marantz SR5005 breaks down as follows:
Audio quality - 5 stars
Video quality - 4.5-5 stars
Setup options - 5 stars
Input options - 4 stars (some other receivers offer more HDMI inputs, but 4 was more than enough for me)
Features - 4 stars (displaying the volume on the TV would be nice)
Value - 4.5 stars (4 stars if you buy at the price listed here on Amazon, but you can find better out there if you look)
Overall I break this down to 5 stars as audio quality is by far the most important factor in an AVR, in my view.edit: as of mid-2011 I see Amazon has lowered the price since I purchased mine. Also it looks like Outlaw Audio also lowered the price - at the new Amazon price, this is easily a 5/5 for value and probably the best AV/Home Theater Receiver you can buy at this price level.

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Pioneer DEH-33HD CD Receiver with HD Tuner Built-In and iPod/iPhone Control Review

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(More customer reviews)this receiver does everything well. my only problem with it is that it only has 2 sets of pre outs and for 30 more dollars you can get 3 sets of preouts to hook up 3 amps easily. otherwise, the receiver sounds great and is easy to use, I would reccomend this to anyone

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With both an auxiliary and USB input on the front, Pioneer's DEH-33HD is a flexible player that lets you enjoy your music from a variety of sources. It is fully compatible with iPod and iPhone, allowing direct control via the CD tuner, and ready to play back your CDs and digital files. On top of that, it offers built-in HD Radio with iTunes tagging for later purchase. Still need more? Add Bluetooth or SAT Radio with Pioneer adapters.
A solid receiver with HD Radio, playback of digital media/CDs, and room to grow. Click here for a larger image

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