12/31/2011

Dual XDMA6355 AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Receiver (Black) Review

Dual XDMA6355 AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Receiver (Black)
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When you first look at the specs and some reviews on other sites, it looks like a good deal. But when I hooked it up to some quality component speakers, the mids weren't too crisp and the highs were just plain annoying. This was utilizing the components' crossover to attenuate the highs -3dB, too. The equalizer was pretty basic and couldn't compensate for the poor sound. I tried every setting to make it sound good, to no avail.
While all of that was going on, I also realized that it didn't play all of my mp3s. With some of them, it would skip forward a few seconds. I don't see how you advertise it as an mp3 compatible head unit, but then the manual tells you it may not work with all homemade CDs. That's complete crap. If it doesn't play mp3s like it should, don't advertise that it does, while burying a disclaimer in the manual.
I got fed up with it and put in a better head unit. Problem solved. From here on I'll spend my money on better name brand products and avoid Dual like the plague.
And Amazon was totally cool on refunding my money for this piece of junk.

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12/30/2011

Dual XDVDN8290N AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch, Full iPod, Full Bluetooth Interface (Black) Review

Dual XDVDN8290N AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch, Full iPod, Full Bluetooth Interface (Black)
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Just picked up one of these for my 4-runner. Looks great installed. It is packed with features. Would have given it 5 stars, but it was missing a couple of minor features I would have liked to have seen. Here are my pros and cons:
Pros: Packed with great features including Nav, Ipod connection w/ cable included, Plays DVD +/-RW, Decent bluetooth, built in microphone for use with bluetooth that I have been told sounds pretty good when making a call, easy to use touchscreen interface. All in all, great features considering the price.
Cons: These are nitpicky little things that I felt were missing. None of them should really be a dealbreaker, but thought I would list them for your edification. 1) Ipod playback doesnt browse to Artist>Album like it does on the ipod. WHen you select the Artist, it just lists all the songs by the artist, regardless of what album the songs are on. This makes it a little difficult to find a specifc album unless you use the Album search. If you are like me, that search could take a while. 2) No sat radio. 3) No way to store contacts for use with Bluetooth. You can use your phone to find the number and call, then use HU. 4) No voice command option.
That is what I noticed just after a couple of days of use. Despite these shortcomings, the Dual XDVDN8290 HU is a terrific value for the price. You get 90%+ of the features offered by the more expesive stereos and if you can live with the missing features I have mentioned, I see no reason not to get one if you are in the market.

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Sony CDX-GT740UI In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player Review

Sony CDX-GT740UI In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player
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I just got this installed in my 2002 Honda Civic and played around with it all day on a trip to Philadelphia. The Good:
=========================
1. USB input:
It works great! I stuck a 16gb Sandisk Cruzer flash drive with a ton of music on it and it works easily and most importantly, QUICKLY without almost any lag! Navigating the tree of folders and files is very intuitive and easy to do, and is very responsive. Scrolling through the list of folders is fast using the main volume dial, and you 'click' the dial like a button and it will open up a folder or playback a file.
I also connected my 3rd gen iPod Nano and my iPhone 3G and they also work perfectly and quickly. With the multiple lines of display, you have onscreen iPod/iPhone access with option to select by album, artist, song, and other categories just like on the device. Easy to quickly scroll through as well. Both charge via the USB cable and the iPhone can do other things (like GPS) while playing back audio files via USB.
2. AUX input:
This works perfectly well. One thing to note, and this may seem obvious, is that the AUX and USB inputs cannot be both accessed simultaneously, i.e. you cannot play back music from a flash drive while outputting GPS voice directions from your iPhone at the same time.
3. Nice design:
Overall, this receiver is very nicely designed. It is asthetically pleasing, with a simple but handsome design. The LCD screen is a dark blue with light blue text, while the backlit buttons and volume dial can be switched between red, blue, and green. It would have been nice to be able to change the color of the LCD but I leave them all blue and it looks nice. Sure there is some cheap chrome plastic used, but it actually looked okay when driving around during the day (and is not noticeable at night). The seek buttons are not shiny plastic but have a somewhat 'upscale' matte finish to it which I rather liked.
4. Four-line display:
The screen is really nice, with four lines of text in a font size that is easy to read (but not in sunlight). The first line shows the input on the left side and the clock on the right side. Then there are two different settings for the button three lines of text. The one that I use, is where all three lines are used for music file info. That is, the second line shows the artist name and the album title, and the third line shows the song title. The fourth (bottom) line shows the track # (and another file/folder info) on the left side and elapsed time on the right. The other display setting is to have the bottom two lines display other info, like playback settings, etc., which is pointless IMO. The graphics I found to interfere with the text, but luckily there is an option to turn it off completely.
5. Easy to use:
Everything is intuitively designed (I can't comment on the odd 'zip' function because I have not used it and don't see myself ever using it) and easy to use, from accessing the settings menu and setting the time, to changing playback settings, etc. The Bad:
=========================
1. Brightness of the display.
This is really the only thing I don't love about this receiver, but it is a significant issue. The screen is barely visible in the sunlight. The smaller, skinnier text font is surely partly to blame, but the overall brightness on the daytime setting is just woefully not bright enough, and it makes using this fantastic receiver a bit of a bummer during the day if it is sunny outside. There is a dimmer, night setting but given that the bright setting is not that bright during the night either, I just turned off the auto dimming function since it's not that bright anyway at the highest setting.
2. Screen dimming function:
Furthermore, the dimming function is pointless because the volume dial and button lights are much brighter than the LCD screen, but only the LCD screen dims with the dimming function. Overall, though, this is a great receiver and the one that I had been waiting for the past seven years. With it you will no longer need stupid audio or even mp3 data CDs, you just need your USB (or AUX) connected device (HDD, flash drive, media player, cell phone, etc.) and you are set... highly recommend this receiver, you won't regret it!

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Sony's CDX-GT740UI starts you off with plenty of features, and leaves room to grow. Connect, charge, and control your iPod, iPhone, Walkman player, or other digital music players with USB 1-Wire. Play back your CDs and MP3/WMA/AAC files, or use the auxiliary input for enjoying most any audio device. With 52 Watts through four channels, you get plenty of oomph, but front/rear/sub preamp outs mean you can always expand your system.

Detachable Faceplate The CDX-GT740UI's flip-down, detachable faceplate features a 4-line, full motion, fluorescent display and selectable blue/green/red control illumination.
USB 1-Wire for iPod, iPhone, and Other USB Devices USB 1-Wire lets you directly connect, charge, and control your digital music player via the USB jack in the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title and artist on the front display.
Quick-Browzer Technology With Jump Mode and ZAPPIN Features Quick-BrowZer lets you search and select songs by category, including artist, album, genre, or playlist. Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments. With Zappin, you can play music in six-, nine-, or 30-second clips until you find the song you're looking for.
Passenger Control With iPod Display Function Passenger Control lets your co-pilot control your iPod via a connected wire as they scan through your music, artist and album information, conveniently shown on the receiver display.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback With DM+ Multi-format playback lets you play CDs, CD-Rs, or CD-RWs loaded with hundreds of MP3, AAC, or WMA songs. Hear the music on your recorded CDs and MP3s in their original vibrancy with DM+ (Digital Music Plus), an original Sony codec enhancer that reproduces detailed and high-frequency sound from compressed audio.
Satellite and HD Radio Ready The CDX-GT740UI integrates seamlessly with satellite radio Sony Bus adaptors (sold separately) so you can receive digital satellite radio broadcasts. HD Radio capability lets you receive digital audio broadcasts when used with an optional HD Radio tuner.
EQ3 Parametrics Customize the sound with Sony's EQ3 feature, which includes 7 preset tone curves and a 3-band equalizer.
Power and Room to Grow The CDX-GT740UI delivers 52 Watts through four channels, and features 4V front/rear/sub preamp outputs for system expansion.
What's in the Box Sony CDX-GT740UI Receiver, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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12/29/2011

Sony CDX-GT630UI MP3/WMA/AAC Compliant CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control via USB Review

Sony CDX-GT630UI MP3/WMA/AAC Compliant CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control via USB
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I purchased this radio and installed it myself about a week ago. I love it. It looks great and it is so simple and easy to use!
I have no idea why people are saying the interface is bad and it takes a ton of clicks to get anywhere. Maybe they are taking the long way? It takes me no more than 5-10 seconds to make any adjustments. I also find the volume very easy to control. You don't accidentally enter any menus by adjusting the volume. You would definitely have to try to get into the menus.
The flip down to access the CD drive is great - it keeps it clean and lasts longer. The colors are great and the removable faceplate keeps the radio from being stolen.
The sound clarity is amazing as well. The USB port is great. I just plug in my iPod with the cable that came with it (same one you use to hook it up to your computer). It charges it and I can control the songs right from my radio! No sense in paying for the auxiliary cable PLUS cable to charge it because you can do it all through the USB that came with the iPod.
I'm beyond happy with my choice! I would highly recommend this radio and would definitely buy it again.

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12/28/2011

SONY BLUETOOTH RECEIV/TRANSM - MIC,RECHARGE - DRCBT15 Review

SONY BLUETOOTH RECEIV/TRANSM - MIC,RECHARGE - DRCBT15
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My use for this product was so specific to my situation that I don't know if the following information will be useful to anyone else, but maybe I can save someone the time I went through figuring out the solution.
My goal was to get music from my iPhone to play through the car stereo. The problem? My Ford Explorer does not have an external input or bluetooth receiver (and those FM transmitters sound terrible). I was willing to pay to have an input added, but the guy at the local auto sound shop said it couldn't be done.
I did, however, have an external input through the car's DVD player. Running a cord from my phone back to the roof mounted DVD player was kludgey, so I attached this very small receiver up near the dome light with a piece of velcro, and ran a hidden wire to the input on the DVD player. Now I can select my favorite playlist on the iPhone, push the on button on the Sony DRC-DT15, and the music plays through the car stereo.
As an added bonus, there is a button on the unit that activates various functions on the iPhone. A short push activates the voice control on my iPhone, so I can make a call or say, "play The Doobie Brothers." It's like having the Microsoft Sync function in my car. A long push redials the last number I called. Note, however, that I have not been able to make the phone calls through the unit. It dials the number, but I still have to talk and listen through the iPhone.
I could run power to the unit, but to keep things simple I just put the recharger in the center console, and recharge it when necessary. It goes for days on a charge, and shuts off automatically when not in use.
Like I said -- very specific to my situation. However, if you need a way to get music from your bluetooth device to a stereo, this unit does a great job, especially if your application does not allow you to keep the unit plugged into power.

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Dual XML8150 Mechless 240 Watt AM/FM/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver Review

Dual XML8150 Mechless 240 Watt AM/FM/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver
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I bought mine at wally world for $125 (regular price). I see them as low as $107 on google shopping. Not a lot of places carry them yet.
I have to say I've been VERY surprised at the value of this product after having it now for a couple of weeks. The last few decks I've bought have been these low name brand decks because they are the first (by many years) to introduce innovative features, and at amazing prices! Sometimes they can be built cheaply, have poor sound quality, etc. So I have to admit I set myself up with low expectations of such a unit in case it ends up being junk. But this unit surpassed my expectations by several miles! I'm VERY happy with it.
Feature wise, the XML8150 had exactly what I wanted...
~ Drop the CD drive (a media I haven't used in years).
~ A dock for my iPhone 4 with both audio and charging through the data port.
~ Dock that supports both landscape and vertical.
~ Dock that can be hidden when not in use.
~ Dock that works even with protective covers on the iPhone.
~ Natively work with the iPhone and not display a "this device was not made for iPhone yadda yadda" warning.
~ Can play Pandora, videos, etc from iPhone, not just music.
~ USB thumb drive support.
~ SD card reader.
~ Aux in on the front.
~ Bluetooth phone dialing.
~ Separate line outs for front, rear, and sub.
~ HD Radio ready (need HDM90 unit, about $60 on the web).
~ Rotary volume knob with rubber grip surface (or some other non-slip surface).
~ Good control of audio settings. In addition to basic balance/fader and bass/treble, it has midrange, sub control, and user definable EQ.
The unit also has a connector in the back for some kind of steering wheel control interface, but at the moment I can't find anything to connect to it. It might be for a future, yet to be released, unit. Another feature it has but I don't plan on using is Bluetooth HD audio. This lets it play audio from your iPhone via HD Bluetooth, so the phone can be in your pocket and playing out your stereo. Very cool, but I feel I just won't use it because I would rather dock it where it will charge and I can see the screen. Also, the stereo has a IR wireless remote control, like a TV remote. Lots of stereos now a day's come with these, but I rarely use them, however, they come in handy when you're in the rear seat or trunk while testing/tuning speaker/amp adjustments, or if you want the rear seat passenger to control the stereo.
After installing it and getting into the details of it, I found another feature that I typically only see on much higher end units. Audio settings (bass/mid/treble/EQ/etc) are set per input (radio/iPhone/usb/sd/etc). In addition, it even provides a leveling value per input. So this means you can tweak each input so that they all sound the same. This is a very nice feature. Ever had a stereo where the radio was always way louder/quieter than the CD or iPod? Well you can balance all the inputs on this unit so they all have the same tonal quality and volume levels.
At the moment I have this hooked up in a Lincoln Town Car with deck power running the factory door and rear deck speakers, and the sub line out going to a single 12 inch sub in the trunk. It sounds amazing! I do plan on getting better interior speakers, but until then being able to tweak the midrange and EQ settings to make the factory speakers sound pretty decent is a huge deal.
The iPod/iPhone dock works great. I use an iPhone 4 with a protective case and it's easy to dock and undock the phone one handed. It holds the phone very well, no worry of it falling out. The dock is pretty stable and doesn't shake or move much while driving, I am driving a boat with a very smooth ride, so no experience with a firm ride, but I think it would be fine. The doc can rotate between one of two positions, either vertical or horizontal. It only turns 90 degrees, so phone cannot be upside down and when sideways, the home button is on the left only. The arm that the dock is mounted too can bend to change the angle of the phone to point towards you, however, it cannot be twisted, so the phone will be oriented to the angle the deck is mounted in the dash. All audio, controls and power are through the dock connector, you don't connect anything through the headphone jack. I've had other docks that could not charge the phone very well when doing something CPU intensive like Pandora or GPS, but the XML8150 charges my iPhone no problem no matter what its doing.
One thing to note about iPhone usage is that things like Pandora, GPS, etc still need to be done via the phone's screen/UI. Only the iPod music on the phone is controlled by the decks buttons, so when I play Pandora for example, the screen still shows the name of the song is was playing from my iPod list. Doesn't bother me at all though since I would rather see the album art and what not on the iPhone screen.
The dock can be collapsed and folded in behind the faceplate. Its quick and easy to do with one hand. Only thing that kind of sucks is that you have to slide the support arm (the holds the top of the iPhone/iPod) down to fold it in, which means, that when you fold it back out, you have to reposition the arm again. Not a big deal, but does mean that I end up folding it in a lot less. Again not a big deal for me because I almost always dock my phone while driving and don't care about the dock hanging out when not using it, but if you're expecting to fold up the dock a lot, this could be annoying.
The build quality of the unit is very solid. The entire dock arm, faceplate mechanism, the buttons, etc are all very solid, fit together tightly and have a smooth surface. The controls are easy to navigate. The volume control is rotary with a very slight indexed feel as you rotate it. It also has a rubber edge so it's easy to grip and turn, even with the side of your finger, so many rotary knobs on decks are slick and can be hard for me to turn at time.
So all this goodness for only $125, why the 4 star? It's for the Bluetooth phone support. It comes with a mic (that mounts to your visor) but I have to hold the mic right up to my mouth or yell before the other person can hear me. Its unusable like this. I cannot find a way to adjust the volume. I've sent a mail to Dual asking about it. If they resolve it, I'll update the review to 5 star easy. Other than the mic, the Bluetooth dialing works great. It was dead easy to pair my phone and when someone calls, the deck lowers the music volume, plays my ringtone out my car speakers and I just click the green phone button on the faceplate and start talking to the person. Their voice comes out the cars speakers and very easy to hear them. If they don't have a solution, I may try other mics and update this review if I find something that works.
So in short, this is way worth the $125, by far. It's a solid unit (minus the poor Bluetooth mic), sounds great, and feature wise does everything I want in my modern iPhone/SD/USB music world. I would recommend this (and have) without hesitation.
UPDATE 3/21/2011
At first I didn't think I would use the Bluetooth HD streaming audio feature, but after having this unit for several weeks, I found myself using this feature quite a lot. It works great. I use it for short trips like to the store as I don't even have to take my phone out of my pocket. Just hope in the car, select bluetooth audio and hit play and whatever was the last audio playing on my phone starts up and plays (with phone still in my pocket). Works with Pandora, iPod, and even the SiriusXM app. You have less control though since you can only skip forward/back and play/pause, but for short trips this is nice. For longer trips I plug the phone into the dock.


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12/27/2011

VXI BlueParrott Bluetooth Xpressway wireless headset Review

VXI BlueParrott Bluetooth Xpressway wireless headset
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I bought this headset because it's one of the few behind the ear headsets available, and I wanted to use it with a bicycle helmet. I also own the VXI B250XT (over the head unit) which has great noise reduction esp outside, but has a wind screen on the mic.
This unit sounds equally great, but has options for behind the neck and typical ear loop. I use the behind the neck which is a bit tight on my head (large hat size). It's not the easiest thing to do to if you want to switch between the different configurations.
Outside, if it's windy (or if i'm on a bike in my case), you can hear the wind noise. It was easily fixed by putting a windscreen on it I stole from my xbox headset. Other than that, it's a great unit.

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12/26/2011

Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 Review

Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3
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I have a Logitech Harmony 1000 remote, and I run a Pioneer Elite receiver, a Toshiba HDDVD (ok - not smart), an XBox360, a wireless headset controller, a Pioneer Elite upscaling DVD player, two computers with Zalman IR controls, and a Playstation 3. I could control everything with my Harmony 1000 except the Playstation 3. I tried the Nyko Blu-Wave product, and while I've been extremely happy with most Nyko products, I had tons of problems with it. From not being able to power up/power down, commands executing twice, etc., there were just too many issues to make it worthwhile. Considering that Sony's bluetooth remote was so nice, it made sense to go to 2 remotes.
Well now I'm finally down to one without a sacrifice. This unit has it's own AC power, so it works whether the PS3 is off or on, which is a huge advantage.
The other huge advantage over every other solution is that it contains every single command that the bluetooth remote has (I believe it is 51 in all).
Pros:
-Self-powered via AC adapter
-Works regardless of PS3 being on or off
-Contains all 51 commands, including the PS button
-Doesn't take up a valuable USB port on the PS3
-Commands work in PS2 emulator of original 60gb PS3
-Range via Harmony 1000 is excellent
-No problems with double-commands like Nyko product
-Design matches Playstation 3
-Logitech had all the commands and screens for all of the supported remotes on their website on launch day (nicely done Logitech!!)
Cons:
-Price is a little high (it's 3 times the cost of the Sony bluetooth remote)
-For that money, I would like to have had the option of a rechargeable battery so that an AC adapter wouldn't be needed.
-Unit is small, but it seems like it could be smaller.
-It is still infrared from remote to receiver, so you have to aim it versus bluetooth which is omnidirectional.
Summary: If you want to get down to one remote, this is THE way to do it. If you want to save money, go with the omnidirectional Sony bluetooth remote (don't go third part on that).

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Works with any Harmony Remote for one-touch control of DVD's, Blu-Ray Disc movies and more on PS3. Supports all 51 PS3 commands to allow you to control XrossMediaBar (XMB), DVD and Blu-Ray Disc movies and all other console functions, including power on and off. Bluetooth wireless link keeps valuable PS3ports available for other controllers. Simple guided online set-up walks you through the process of configuring the remote for your PS3. Always-On AC power. The adapter is always ready for input. When you press a button on your remote, your PS3 responds right away.

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PYLE PLD3MU 3-Inch TFT Touch Screen DVD/VCD/MP3/CDR/USB Player and AM/FM Receiver Review

PYLE PLD3MU 3-Inch TFT Touch Screen DVD/VCD/MP3/CDR/USB Player and AM/FM Receiver
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I just installed my Pyle PLD3MU and had the chance to do some testing with it. Overall I am impressed with all of the features and functions it has. There are some quirks and the instructions are poorly translated but for the price I feel the total package was a good deal.
DVD - It plays DVDs well - the screen is rather clear for its size. I wouldn't equate it to an ipod or iphone video screen but it has more than adequate resolution for a tiny screen. Hardly jagged edges if at all. Excellent viewing angle and lots of color/tint contrast settings that I can adjust. I'm playing the DVD through an overhead mounted LCD screen and the resolution is adequate for passenger viewing but not HD... so don't expect perfection here.
CD - the sound is great but out of the box the display of the track, time, etc is so small it can hardly be read. I am not sure if the display size can be adjusted or not in CD mode (haven't tried yet).
Radio AM/FM operation - works good; it appears the pre-sets must be done automatically, I haven't found a way to set my own stations. Since there are no preset buttons I supppose you just auto-program and skip from station to station. Not quite as fast as presets but close enough. The display is much better for AM/FM radio than for CDs, it has nice big letters and selectable backgrounds. Clock only shows military time from what I can tell (i.e. 00:00 to 23:59).
Remote control works good out of the box. Button presses are reliable. To FF or RW a DVD, hold down the skip forward or skip back buttons while aiming at the screen.
When switching between sources, there is a short period of blue screen with source name listed, then the desired selection will show.
Touch screen is easy to use and seems to associate finger vs. intent rather accurately. Not too soft or squishy. Detachable face detaches and attaches akwardly but easily enough. When removed, the rectangular LED under the disc slot blinks slowly to indicate anti-theft while the car is off. I appreciate this because higher end units seem to have gotten rid of the blinking LEDs when face is detached (at least Kenwood has).
The instructions included with the unit are sparse. Some areas not translated into english very well. However, I had no problem installing because the wiring all matches the aftermarket in-dash recevier convention for colors of wires. There is a matching wiring diagram on the bottom of the unit affixed as a sticker, in case the one in the manual gets lost or is not available. A large square connector is at the end of all the wires to facilitate testing at the factory. It must be cut off to allow for installation to a vehicle specific pigtail adapter. Manual didn't explain this.
The brake wire (gray or brown) from the back of the unit needs to go to a ground (-) source when the car is not moving (example: parking brake or foot pedal brake). If your brake activates a positive lead like my Dodge pickup, you'll need to find another way to ground the unit to be able to see the video on the 3" TFT screen. Whenever this lead is connected to ground, the video will show on the detachable face screen. The video output always shows through the video out port regardless of brake wire connection or not.

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12/25/2011

Boss BV9972 7-Inch Widescreen In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen TFT Monitor/DVD/MP3/CD Combo Receiver Review

Boss BV9972 7-Inch Widescreen In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen TFT Monitor/DVD/MP3/CD Combo Receiver
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OK, So I bought this in-dash after careful consideration of other options and figured this would be the right one for me at an affordable price. The item came in perfect packaging, and on time. Although it BARELY had a "manual" that was the least thing I was worried about. I took it to a shop to get it installed and after a 2 hour wait the shop guy tells me that he was able to install it but the screen came up and never went back down the screen would not turn on and all you could hear was the radio, product came defective, not really believing what he said I took it to Best Buy's mobile installation, they said the same thing the product came defective. Well, trying not to be negative decided "hey this was just bad luck" Called Amazon that same sunday night and they said no prob., your replacement order will arrive on tuesday. As promised on tuesday it came! Excited I took it to best buy again and they installed it for me, and I was pretty happy!Four hours later .....THE DARN THING STOPS WORKING ! The screen was coming in and out perfectly until out of NOWHERE it just turned off and the radio would not turn on and the screen would not COME DOWN. All you would hear would be the radio ! AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM! The shop guy recommended that Boss was not a great brand for in-dashes.
I finally returned this product as well got my money back from Amazon and went a bought a Jensen, a little more expensive but from the moment It was installed worked perfectly ! Till this day my jensen is the best investment I have made on my car.POINT IS : Dont buy BOSS car recievers ESPECIALLY this one, they are cheap, low quality, and NOT EVEN HALF of the screen resolution as a Jensen. Dont make the same mistake I did!

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Enter the world of mobile video in style with the Boss Audio BV9972, an in-dash DVD receiver featuring a flip-out 7-inch touchscreen and removable anti-theft control panel. Enjoy DVDs, CDs, your favorite MP3/WMA files, and plenty more, along with front-panel USB, SD Memory Card, and Auxiliary inputs for easy use with external audio and storage devices. Includes a wireless remote so your passengers can control the action.

Seven-Inch Touchscreen The BV9972 features a motorized seven-inch touchscreen with a 1400 x 234 pixel resolution, which safely tucks away in the unit when not in use. Adjust the horizontal or vertical angle to your liking while parked and enjoying video. Remove the anti-theft front panel for added security when away from the vehicle.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite movies from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs or even MP4 files. Or enjoy audio from CDs or data discs full of your favorite MP3/WMA files.
Dial in your sound with separate bass and treble controls, along with balance/fader and a mute when needed.
USB Port and SD Card Slot Enjoy your digital audio (MP3/WMA) or video (MP4) files in a snap by putting them on a USB thumb drive or SD card. Connect either to the BV9972, play back and enjoy hours of entertainment.
AM/FM tuner This unit also features an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
Auxiliary A/V Input Compatible with audio output of iPod and other MP3 players, the rear auxiliary A/V input lets you connect external audio/video sources like video game systems for enjoyment in your vehicle.
Plenty of Power With 85 Watts through four channels, the BV9972 packs a punch. Need more? Dual (front and rear) RCA outputs let you expand your system, and a Subwoofer output lets you send the low end to your favorite sub.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
Rear View Camera Input Add a rear view camera to increase safety when in reverse, or just to help your parallel parking.
What's in the Box Boss Audio Boss BV9972, mounting sleeve, trim frame, wiring harness, installation hardware, user's manual

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12/24/2011

Logitech Wireless Mouse M510 Review

Logitech Wireless Mouse M510
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I have been seeking a fully-featured wireless mouse for the past two weeks and have finally found my optimum choice in the Logitech Wireless Mouse M510. The attributes I sought out included the following:
1) Full-size and ergonomic shape. I have fairly large hands, so most notebook mice cannot provide a sufficiently comfortable experience for long periods of usage time.
2) High battery endurance. I prefer a wireless mouse that minimizes battery replacement to improve overall convenience and reduce my dead battery collection.

3) Laser technology. A setting of at least 1200 dpi is necessary to track subtle movements, which are particularly important for graphical applications (i.e. solid modeling and photo editing software). Laser technology also allows for usage on most surfaces.
4) Inconspicuous wireless transmitter. I find great appeal in a low profile wireless transmitter, as it saves the user from having to remove the device from a notebook during travel.
While many other competing products from Logitech offer appealing features such as "hyper scrolling" and any-surface tracking a la "Darkfield", they each carry their own weaknesses as well. For example, I considered various notebook-class mice, including the Anywhere MX and the Marathon M705, yet as a person with fairly large hands, I determined that they were simply not large enough to use comfortably. Notebook Mice:
With respect to the Anywhere MX, while its touted "Darkfield" technology and "hyper scrolling" are admittedly persuasive, does not appear to yield the battery endurance that I desire. The form factor is certainly far too small to permit the ergonomics my hands require.
In consideration of the Marathon M705, while it certainly has the battery endurance I desire, as well as "hyper scrolling", it still remains too small, and the price tag currently does not justify its purchase. The Anywhere MX (at the time of research) could be had for nearly the same price after rebate, and if I were to choose a less-than-comfortable mouse, I would be more inclined to compromise some battery life for features.Full-Sized Mice:
Moving on to full-sized mice, I spent some time researching the Performance MX. The Performance MX touts a host of features, including a low-profile wireless transmitter, but I am not fully convinced that they justify the price. Furthermore, this device utilizes a cradle for charging, and I would prefer high endurance, which typically entails the exclusive use of AA or AAA batteries.
While researching this category, I came across the M510, which although it carries less features than the aforementioned products, represents the best compromise to the attributes I desire in a mouse. Notably, this mouse has a great form factor, and while not as large as the Performance MX, fits comfortably and ergonomically even for my larger hands. Admittedly, I would prefer that the mouse were a bit longer to fill out my palm, but in the manner I handle the mouse, comes very close to an ideal fit. Logitech claims battery endurance up to 2 years, which far exceeds my expectations, and reduces my reliance on spare batteries. The device uses laser technology, which actually does not perform optimally on my aluminum desk, but tracks perfectly on my microfiber mouse pad with high accuracy. I honestly did not expect the mouse to function well on my desk, so this is more of an observation than a concern. The device also includes the low-profile wireless transmitter, which overall adds to the convenience of the product, and lends itself to a more travel-worthy full-sized mouse. As an additional note, the forward and back buttons work perfectly, and are quite easy to access. Extra buttons that are actually usable certainly add greater value to this product.Conclusion:
While this mouse certainly has less features than some of the competition, it can be had for a reasonable price, which from Amazon lies in the range of $30 to $40. The form factor is excellent, the battery life is sufficient, the accuracy is great, and the wireless transmitter is convenient. For those seeking a full-sized and ergonomic mouse that still affords some portability, the Logitech M510 is a great option, and should represent a serious candidate for any mouse-purchasing decisions.


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With its contoured shape, soft rubber grips and handy controls, the Wireless M510 Laser Mouse delivers the comfort and control you need to do more, more easily.

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Yamaha RX-V563BL 630 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Yamaha RX-V563BL 630 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
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I spent the last 3 months trying to find the right av receiver for me. After much praise, i bought and returned the onkyo txsr605 (setup and video was great, sound was poor, including a buzz i've never had before) and the Harmon Kardon AVR 340 (sound was great, but vidoe quality in non-hd was aweful). I waited a few weeks for the new yamaha a/v receivers to come out in April. It was definifely worth the wait. GUI is not great, but the sound is amazing and no major complaints with the video. My only issues has to do with how quickly it can switch between HD and non-HD souces with my cable box (handshake), although i hear this is a common problem with certain cable boxes.

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The RX-V563BL 7.1-channel digital home theater receiver offers an impressive array of features and technologies to enhance the audio/video experience, including HDMI switching with 1080p video pass-through, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, CINEMA DSP, compressed music enhancer for MP3 and WMA discs, and 4 SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever. 2 volume-setting functions are included on this receiver for additional convenience. Initial volume setting allows you to set the volume level that will be heard each time the power is turned on. Maximum volume setting prevents unexpected loud sounds. You have a choice of 8 unique CINEMA DSP surround programs to bring out the full audio potential of your entertainment sources. The RX-V563BL receiver is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of high-energy peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources. Other features include Bluetooth A2DP compatibility with optional YBA-10 wireless audio receiver, on-screen display with iPod song title display, 7-channel 630W powerful surround sound (90W x 7), Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs used in all channels for impressive sound reproduction, 1080p-compatible HDMI switching (2 inputs, 1 output), component video upconversion with TBC HDTV, compatible component video terminals (3 inputs, 1 output), and cinema DSPwith 8 DSP programs for full surround sound.

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12/23/2011

Targus Bluetooth Comfort Laser Mouse AMB09US (Black with Gray) Review

Targus Bluetooth Comfort Laser Mouse AMB09US (Black with Gray)
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After not wanting to fork over $70 for the Mighty Mouse, I decided to do some research on affordable Bluetooth mice that would ultimately perform the most basic of tasks. I read more than a few complaints on Targus' AMB08US and its optical scroller and decided to take a chance on this one. I have a 15"MBP and really didn't feel the need to integrate the amazing trackpad features over to a mouse. Works like a charm, looks great against my Mac and spent almost half of what I would've on the Mighty Mouse.
My +'s:
-- Smooth scroller
-- LED indicator @ bottom for battery life
-- Aesthetically pleasing
-- Very comfortable
-- Responsive
-- Great price

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12/22/2011

DUAL XDMA6330BT 4 x 50 -Watt CD/MP3/WMA/iPod Receiver with Bluetooth Module Review

DUAL XDMA6330BT 4 x 50 -Watt CD/MP3/WMA/iPod Receiver with Bluetooth Module
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Good looks with easy to use controls. USB port does not work with Zune 80gb model. You need a noise suppressor for the power leads. I had a lot of alternator noise coming through on both radio stations and line in. I was replacing an older Dual model with this one and had no problem with noise on the older unit. Tried audio streaming through bluetooth with a droid x and couldn't get rid of static corresponding with highs in the audio. Overall this unit is below average rating. You get what you pay for.

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Boss Audio BV9980RDS 7-Inch In-Dash DVD Receiver with Motorized Flip-Out Widescreen/Touchscreen Monitor Review

Boss Audio BV9980RDS 7-Inch In-Dash DVD Receiver with Motorized Flip-Out Widescreen/Touchscreen Monitor
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Don't let the other reviewers 3 stars scare you. For the price this player is nice. I had a double din that went bad after 8 months so I decided to go with a flip out. I almost went with the Clarion that's going for just over $300 on here but I had to have the sd slot. Speaking of which, I cant vouch for the full sized SD because I only use micro sd and the full sized adapter, but it works. It will also accept usb sdhc cards. Stuck my 8gig in and it recognized fine. Yes it plays avi movies perfectly. The screen did get stuck once on my usb drive when it was folding in. When u stick the usb in u have to make sure the rubber tab that covers the usb port on the dvd drive is moved over so it doesnt stick on top of ur thumb drive, or simply take it off. The manual is in English. I dont detect the Chinese translation the other guy did. The close button is actually a back space button and it does mention that in the manual. I understand how he may have mised that. U can push the open button to close it again or just use the remote. Its got a great picture definitely better than my last dvd player. The sound is nice, depending on ur system I suppose. Only thing that kinda bugs me is that u have to take the dvd out to mess with the video settings such as contrast and brightness. All in all i give it a 4 to 4 and a half review, but I couldn't make it a half star when I tried. Besides the other guy rated it too low at 3 stars. If u are on a budget grab this. You wont be disappointed

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss Audio BV9980RDS 7-Inch In-Dash DVD Receiver with Motorized Flip-Out Widescreen/Touchscreen Monitor

Enter the world of mobile video with the Boss Audio BV9980RDS, an in-dash DVD receiver featuring a flip-out 7-inch touchscreen and removable anti-theft face. Enjoy DVDs, CDs, your favorite MP3/WMA files, and plenty more, along with front-panel USB and Auxiliary inputs for easy use with external audio devices and USB thumb drives. Includes a wireless remote so your passengers can control the action.

Seven-Inch Touchscreen The BV9980RDS features a motorized seven-inch touchscreen with a 1200 x 234 pixel resolution, which safely tucks away in the unit when not in use. Adjust the horizontal or vertical angle to your liking while parked and enjoying video. Remove the anti-theft front panel for added security when away from the vehicle.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite movies from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs or even MP4 files. Or enjoy audio from CDs or data discs full of your favorite MP3/WMA files.
Dial in your sound with separate bass and treble controls, along with balance/fader and a mute when needed.
USB Port and SD Card Slot Enjoy your digital audio (MP3/WMA) or video (MP4) files in a snap by putting them on a USB thumb drive or SD card. Connect either to the BV9980RDS, play back and enjoy hours of entertainment.
AM/FM tuner This unit also features a PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
Auxiliary A/V Input Compatible with audio output of iPod and other MP3 players, the front auxiliary A/V input lets you connect external audio/video sources like video game systems for enjoyment in your vehicle.
Plenty of Power With 85 Watts through four channels, the BV9980RDS packs a punch. Dual (front and rear) RCA outputs let you expand your system.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling all receiver functions.
What's in the Box Boss Audio BV9980RDS, mounting sleeve, trim frame, wiring harness, installation hardware, user's manual

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12/21/2011

SMK-Link Rechargeable Bluetooth Notebook Mouse (VP6151) Review

SMK-Link Rechargeable Bluetooth Notebook Mouse (VP6151)
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This is my second mouse that I've purchased because I love the first one. Oh it still works, but I want to use it with my laptop and didn't want to sacrifice not having one for my desktop. It's one of the few Bluetooth mice that actually works well--no problems pairing or with loss of signal as I've had with other mice.
The best thing is that this one is rechargeable using a USB cable that allows you to continue using it while it charges. No exotic battery in it either, just common rechargeable AAA size.
For the Mac, the white and silver finish is ideal. And while you may not have heard of this company before, this mouse lived a previous life under another name--the Targus AMB02US. It's nearly identical except for one extra button that I never really used.
If you want wireless convenience and are concerned with battery usage, you need one of these. It works great on both the PC and Mac.

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12/20/2011

Boss BV8965B In-Dash 7" DVD/MP3/CD Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input Review

Boss BV8965B In-Dash 7 DVD/MP3/CD Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input
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this radio is very cool and has many features to boot. the touchscreen is awesome and easy to use. the remote is light and easy to use. the sd card slot is awesome and the video display is gorgeous.i got mine for [...] and its the best radio i have ever owned.update: my screen on the radio no longer shows any images. it's just a white screen now. i did not drop it nor did it get wet so. basically it's a 50/50 shot with this type of screen detachable design. 1/29/2010

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