Samsung HT-DB390TH Wireless Home Theater System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was skeptic when I bought DB390 because wireless rear speakers is a new technology implementation using bluetooth. I was pleasantly surprised when it took me little effort to set it up following the manual and the wireless receiver works well.
My main concern was that I have 802.11b/g router that uses 2.4Ghz also, and I have a wireless bluetooth headset, but so far everything works great! I haven't had any issue when using all my devices (wireless network, DB390, and headset) at the same time!

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Offering the elusive attributes of simplicity and convenience to anyone seeking quality home entertainment, Samsung's shining HT-DB390 delivers DVD and music playback in dynamic surround sound--without the need to drape speaker wires across your living room for the surround speakers. That's right: the HT-DB390 comes with a special high-bandwidth 2.4 GHz digital wireless transmitter that beams the data for the system's left and right surround speakers right to them, so you can enjoy enveloping multichannel surround sound without the fuss of drilling holes or hiding speaker cables.The front left, right, and center speakers all use cables, of course (supplied), but--being closer to the system's unified DVD player/surround receiver--they'll be relatively unobtrusive. The HT-DB390 spins DVD-Video, high-resolution DVD-Audio, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) CD, as well as JPEG image CD--great for living-room slide shows of your digital photos.The amplifier delivers 60 watts per channel to each of the system's 5 compact satellite speakers, while the stand-alone subwoofer packs a hefty 100 watts for wall-whopping bass. A built-in AM/FM tuner comes with 30 station presets for easy tuning to your favorite stations.All major movie and music surround signals are decoded and routed to their appropriate speakers: multichannel DVD-Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II (which generates 5.1 surround from any stereo source, whether movie or music), and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound. The system includes an AM/FM radio tuner with 30 preset memory settings, and a headphone jack for private or late-night listening.DVD-Audio discs offer super high-fidelity sound, providing 192 kHz/24-bit multichannel and/or stereo sound (depending on the disc), high storage capacity, and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs. These discs often have compressed Dolby Digital soundtracks for listening on standard DVD players, but true DVD-A decoding such as this system provides is required for full sonic appreciation.The system's progressive-scan component-video output prepares you for the future, with the ability to use the system in conjunction with a high-definition or HD-ready television. Smooth progressive-scan images are free from even the slightest hint of blurring or distortion, bringing new realism to DVD movies and other selections.The HT-DB390 also performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; reverse 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.Auxiliary audio/video inputs let you connect additional components like your VCR to the system.What's in the Box DVD player/integrated surround amplifier, 4 satellite speakers, a center speaker, a powered subwoofer, AM/FM antennas, a wireless transmitter, a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, all requisite cabling.

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Alpine IVA-W203/P1 Double Din Navigation Entertainment Syste Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used the Alpine IVA-W203/P1 for over a month now. I really bought the system because it fits well in my Jetta TDI and provides a large display for the GPS. I don't really plan to watch DVDs on it.
About 80% of the time that I want to use the GPS functionality, the GPS system restarts after I agree to the conditions of using it. When I then pick a destination it hangs up during the calculation of the route. If I keep it in that state, a bit later the music from my iPod stops playing as well. To get going again I have to flip down the screen and reset the GPS. All in all annoying for what Alpine calls 'the best in-vehicle navigation and entertainment system'.
I also noticed that if I try to only turn the voice prompt for the navigation system off, the alert sound stops as well.
When I talked to the Alpine service people, the first things they seem to worry about is not that their product is faulty, but whether I bought it from an authorized Alpine dealer. After getting over this hurdle, they do acknowledge that there is a problem that probably will be fixed by a free software update they hope to have available in about a month (so I assume by the end of September).
I really want to like this system, so I keep hoping that the update fixes my problems.
UPDATE: Yesterday on a trip to Hanover PA going by Gettysburg, PA, the GPS system suggested at one point in time that (with the settings for the shortest route) that I still had 21 miles left to go and it would take about 30 minutes. After ignoring a turn I knew would not get me where I wanted, it suddenly realized that the distance was really 11 miles and it would take me only 15 minutes....
I am glad I knew the best way to get there, because the GPS would have completely steered me wrong. That makes that I can't really trust this system at all.
I am hoping that the update will fix this kind of problems as well.

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Pioneer Avic-N3 Dvd Memory Navigation System Review

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(More customer reviews)The product was as described by seller. It was delivered very quickly and packaged very well. It was a refurbished unit by the manufacturer and worked like a new one.

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Panasonic Strada 7-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this Unit WAY before any of the previous review does, so I already know how this unit works inside out.
yes it has the problem that previous reviewers say but, should we even call those *problems* ? I mean, some of the things could be easily fixed with a simple firmware update. This is Panasonic's first attempt to enter the US's In dash Navigation market. They have great Units in Japan, but I guess Panasonic Japan does not share information with their USA side. So they have to create this from scratch.
Let me list what this unit can do/cant do.
-It can Play MP3 on CD-R/RW, but it cannot read MP3 on DVD+R/RW/-R/-RW.
-It seems that it does not like bad quality CD-R, my friend's cheap CD-R having mad issue with this unit. but mine plays just fine. Well, we should all get quality stuff isnt it ?
-It takes a lot longer, sometimes failed to read DVD-R/RW disc.
-It's DVD playback is Region locked to Region 1, but is not hard to overcome that problem (I think its illegal to say it here)
-Map is based on Navteq's 2005 data, yes you got that right, unit that's out in 2007 still using 2005's map data(maybe because its cheaper, who knows), because I ran into couple of roads that has been changed, one even changed from 2 way into 1 way, almost got me killed. So you better MAKE SURE that you're in the right side of the road.
-Remember to select your route preference before you start your guide. because by default, it does not allow Highway, does not allow tolls, does not allow anything. that means, all local if possible. That might be cool for some people, but I didnt know about it the first time I use it, because my other Unit has the Allow toll and Allow highway option enabled by default. So I ended up spending like 3 hours on something that I suppose to be there in 1 and 1/2 hour.
-The route guidance is kind of funny, sometimes the shortest route that it shows does NOT mean its really the shortest. So if you know that you're already going the shortest route, do NOT listen to the unit.
-It plays back MP3 fine, quality is ok.
-CD Play back is fine, plays original disc no problem, if you want to use a backup, you better make sure the cd-R quality is good.
-You CANNOT record your inserted CD into the HDD. I have no idea what Panasonic is thinking on this one, because as far as I know, the map data used about 10GB of space, that means, in the other words, about 20GB of disc space is there to collecting dust. Maybe a future update will resolve this. who knows.
-HDD unit runs really fast, it takes less than 1 second to get the route out, by default, it shows you 3 routes.
-This unit runs really hot, yes it has a fan behind but ... I would suggest you to turn the screen off if its not in use. it reduce the heat by maybe 30% (rough estimate)
-Screen is big enough, a bit bigger than Pioneer's 7" unit. and the screen is really clear, tried a lot of DVDs on it very good picture quality.
-Fast startup time, about 10 seconds or so.
-Oh yes, did I say the map is not very up to date? Maybe Panasoinc wants to get more money out from us. Anyway, the map data is FAR FROM complete. I cannot find some of the address at all, when I can just do a google search and it pops up right away.
-The way to enter address is kind of funky, you have to enter the way THEY want you to enter, for example, if you want to go 123 Avenue, there're couple of "possbilities", it could be 123th AVE, it could be 123 th AVENUE, 123th AVENUE, 123 AVE, or 123 AVENUE. Keep that in mind.
I still have more to say, but I'll leave those alone.
Is this a good unit ? I think so, if you're looking for fastest and cheapest price HDD unit that *works*, this is a unit for you. but you BETTER MAKE SURE, you try them out first at a store or something.
Im happy with this unit, hey I mean for couple hundred bucks, you get a HDD NAV with dvd playback ? My father's brand NEW CX-7 with all options loaded, all he got was a DVD navigation that cant even play DVD-videos!
Im also 100% sure that Panasonic will update this unit to bring more features out. So dont worry too much about it. Couple hundred bucks only, get it !

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PIONEER AVIC-N4 IN-DASH DVD w/NAVIGATION & TOUCHSCREEN Review

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(More customer reviews)My Corvette has only a 1.5 din radio slot, so the 1 din AVIC N4 was the perfect solution to not being able to install a 2 din in-dash unit.
My problem: My Garmin was great, but in the Washington, DC area there simply are no clear FM frequencies that will allow communication with the radio. The AVIC N4 solves that problem, because the navigation is built into the unit. One of the cool things it does is to locate addresses by punching in a phone number. Since it is satellite radio ready, I also get no interference when I'm listening to XM Radio.
As to the CD player, it simply will play any format you can put onto a CD. The DVD player is just gravy.
One annoying aspect is that the vehicle must be stopped with the parking break on before a route can be programmed. Also, the map CD must be in the unit to program a route. Ejecting the map CD will put the navigator into memory mode so you can play your CDs.
Bluetooth allows you to make and receive phone calls through the unit without ever removing your cellphone from your belt. It allows you to store an extensive phone book of numbers.
I'm very happy with this unit.


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Ihifi Transmitter for Ipod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have purchased two of these, and I feel like an idiot. I was told that the new version is supposed to work. BS. I did my homework, checked for compatibility and bought this and a stereo bluetooth device. Both were Bluetooth v1.2, A2DP, and 0000 or 1234 passcode compatible. Neither have worked. I have even tacked down friends with compatible bluetooth devices with no success. I give this 1 stars (because I can't choose 0). Good luck with the companies tech support = voicemail. No reviews = bad product (usually).

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4 CH USB 2.0 DVR PC Digital Audio Video Security Camera Surveillance Recorder 1OZ Review

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(More customer reviews)This item is definitely NOT what I thought or was led to believe it was. From the description, I thought it was the camera but it really is only the link from 4 cameras to a computer - NOT what I wanted. Now I have to figure out how to return it & get my money back.

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Cisco-Linksys Wireless Home Audio Stereo Speaker Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)These are not wireless speakers. These are a "Wired Accessory" to the Linksys Wireless Home Audio Speaker Kit. Looking through the wireless speakers on Amazon I decided on these because it seems like a good system. No where in the product description does it actually tell you that they're just normal bookcase speakers. They just go with the wireless system. They may be good bookcase speakers, but for the way they're described on Amazon, it's really misleading. If you're looking for stand alone wireless speakers, do not buy this product.

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The Stereo Speaker Kit is designed to complement the director / wireless-N music player. Pair them to create a complete, high-quality wireless sound system and experience your digital music all around your home, sounding great and at your control. Wireless home audio: the fun, easy way to let your digital music out to play.

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Kenwood KVT 617DVD - DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For some context:
I recently installed this head unit in my '04 Grand AM. I'm running it with a pair of Polk DB components, Alpine 6x9 rears, a single Alpine Type S 12" sub in a sealed box and a Pioneer GM-7100 amp feeding the sub around 350W RMS. This unit was an upgrade from my '06 model Pioneer DEH-P5800mp.
First let me say that I (as I imagine most people do) did a LOT of research before choosing this head unit. I encourage anyone interested in an in-car DVD screen to get out to a local retailer to view and test as many options as you can. It's one thing to look at all the specs and details in print but an entirely different experience once the device is in front of you. All the features in the world don't mean anything if the controls are counter-intuitive or the LCD is low quality. I'm happy to report that this Kenwood unit met all of my qualifications and expectations both on paper and in reality.
The screen is bright and contrast is sharp. The built in light sensor dims the screen at night and brightens it during the day, making sure you always have a good picture. There are plenty of tilt and depth options to suit pretty much any application. The touch screen menu interface is a nice alternative to some other screens that force you to use dedicated areas of the screen to arrow through all the options to select the one you want.
The only two drawbacks to the 617 are the lack of an external display when the screen is closed and the 2V pre-out voltage, but both are comparable to the features of similarly priced screens (from companies with less history, or lower quality standards than Kenwood) and are easily balanced out by the positive aspects of the unit.
What really drew me to the Kenwood line was the look of the screen. Most other manufacturers surround the LCD with up to an inch of plastic, wasting space and making for an ugly border around an otherwise nice looking display. Kenwood does away with that, filling nearly the entire fold-out portion of the HU with the ample 7in. screen.
The install went smoothly and the connections to the stock wire harness were no more complicated than a standard CD head unit install. Kenwood provides ample wire to locate the unit's external "brain" in the trunk if you choose, or under a seat as I did.
Don't be thrown by the low price, overall this is a great unit for anyone looking to move up to DVD capability.

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New Myron Davis Nv8tcm1 Toyota Camry 2007-2011 Digital High Resolution 8 Inches Monitor Dvd Player Review

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(More customer reviews)We have this unit in our 2011 Toyota Camry and have had nothing but problems with it and the dealership doesn't know how to service it.
The clock on the unit never seems to be able to keep the current time. When we correct the time we indicate it should synch with satellites but that's a problem too.
When we enter an address to navigate to the system never indicates it's functioning. When we check the satellite status the unit will show several satellites are visible but it never seems to be able to acquire any... thus the unit never seems to work. Then after a day or so the clock on the unit will have an incorrect time that ranges from just a few hours of to over 12 hours off.

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Sony DAV-IS50/B 5.1-Channel Micro Satellite Home Theater System (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sony DAV-IS50 has been mine now for a few weeks and it just keeps amazing me how much quality (and quantity!) sound it is able to produce from such small satellite speakers and how much functionality and easy of use the small unit offers. Thanks to the wireless rear speakers, I had no worries about cables running through my room. The subwoofer is huge and it took a bit of trial and error to find a spot for it where it wasn't a nuisance. The rest of the set-up was a breeze.
I've read reviews complaining about a lack of high tones and that the system doesn't give you enough of a real theater feel for lack of volume but in my house, I don't think I will ever set the volume up to the maximum level and the high tones are equal or better than any other system I've heard in this price range. I'm sure there are better home theater systems out there with more power and quality, but those are way beyond my budget (component systems) and will not give you the same compact style and ease of use that this system does.
Overall, this home-theater-system-in-a-box has exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a home theater system in this price range.

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Kenwood eXcelon DDX896 Review

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(More customer reviews)Well it works as planned, although it didn't particularly like being connected to a jailbroken iPod. Very slow to respond and sometimes would just not bring up any media. Connected by the Kenwood video cable through USB. Verified this slowness by connecting another of my touches that wasn't jailbroken and it worked flawlessly. So no discredit to the unit in my opinion as it doesn't list jailbroken compatibility.
This unit replaced a Pioneer P5200BT and a JVC KD-AVX77 and at this time quite pleased as I knew I would be with Kenwood's headunits as I also still have a eXcelon KVT-915, unfortunately it won't play video from the iPod and the actual interface is outdated. I would have gotten the navi model, but living in Japan it would of been pointless. Still hoping the add-on navi unit I might be able to load Japan maps if purchased at a later date.
Bluetooth works well, but as far as audio I much prefer direct connection. Video output is bright and sharp thanks to the pixel count, much improved over the Pioneer. Sound shaping ability is built-in if one is into DSP.
Pretty vague review, but I honestly believe if one is to purchase this unit they will not be disappointed.

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Clarion NX409 6.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)I debated buying this NX409 but couldn't resist the price/feature list. While it's loaded with about every feature you could want not all of them work or don't work the way they should.
Navigation:
The GPS doesn't update fast enough so that the vehicle position indicator is not correctly displayed on the map relative to the cross streets especially at speed. The turn by turn voice guidance sometimes says to turn right when you actually are turning left. Many of the POI's are not accurate both for location on the map and also that some don't exist. If you can get beyond the robotic tone and poor text to speech pronunciation...the voice guidance also truncates some road names. Two of the features listed in the GPS menu don't work at all (like the alert tone option when you are approaching your turn). This may be a software bug as they won't even stay selected.
Sirius Radio:
Mostly works well except way too often you'll power the unit up and all the presets you spent time getting just the way you want are gone. That gets old after about the 5th time.
Ipod:
I plugged in my Shuffle to the USB port and it says "unrecognized file format". So I thought I'd check that it's on the list of supported Ipods on the Clarion site. Click on Ipod compatability list and gee..."page not found". At least there's some synergy between their products and the web site.
Other:
The Bluetooth BLT 370 option is a waste of money. Way too often when you start the car it will lock up the radio with a "phone in use" displayed( even when there is no cell phone within a mile of the vehicle)...you then have to shut off the ignition and open the door to get it to power down then restart the car. It sync's up with the phone great but everyone says I sound like I'm calling from the Mariana trench.
The clock setting can only be set manually. When you select your correct time zone and DST to sync the time using the GPS it's off by two hours.
Last but not least Clarion's support both on the web site and by phone is a waste of time.
On a positive note the quality of the audio is very good as is the DVD display.

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Get there fast, and get there entertained with Clarion's NX409. Featuring built-in GPS navigation, a 6.5-inch touchscreen control, iPod direct control, and plenty more, it's the perfect hub for your mobile entertainment needs.

QVGA Color LCD Monitor The 6.5-inch touchscreen QVGA monitor is fully motorized, and offers a great picture whether you're using the GPS navigation or stopping to enjoy some video.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite music and movies from DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-DA, HDCD, or CD-R/RW. You can also enjoy MP3 and WMA digital audio files from a data disc or USB thumb drive, for hours of music and ID3-TAG display of track information.
iPod Direct Control via USB Just connect the USB cable that's included with your iPod to the source unit's USB input to control your iPod. Using an optional CCA723 cable will even let you watch iPod Video on the screen. The same USB terminal can also be used to connect a USB memory device with digital music files stored on it.
AM/FM Radio Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.
Front and Rear AV Input NX409 is equipped with AV inputs on the front as well as the rear, making it twice as easy to plug-in a portable audio device or portable satellite radio for instantaneous enjoyment.
24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren't possible with older 16-bit systems.
Built-in Navigation System Nothing to add--it's all there from the get go. Count on GPS accuracy, an efficient navigation engine, and intuitive 2D/3D map screens to guide you to your destination. Navigation data is pre-stored on the internal flash memory for quick access and response.
2 GB flash memory map storage
Map Coverage: US 50 States and Canada
12 Million built-in POIs
TTS (Text to Speach) for Street Announcements

Sirius SSP Direct Connection Ready Connect to a Sirius Satellite Radio receiver without any need for a interface box--and enjoy over 130 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with digital quality sound throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Rear Vision Camera RCA Input This RCA input enables you to smoothly connect a rear camera to display the area behind your vehicle. The increased view encourages and facilitates safer driving.
Room to Grow The NX409 starts you out with a 40W x 4 built-in amplifier, but with 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system.
You can also connect an OEM steering wheel remote, or add Sirius satellite radio.
Bluetooth Ready Used with the optional BLT370 Bluetooth transceiver, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of hands-free calling as well as audio streaming of music you have stored on your mobile phone.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion NX409, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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Metra 95-7861 Double DIN Installation Dash Kit for 2003-2007 Honda Pilot Review

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(More customer reviews)Instructions are included on how to remove the stock stereo. Just follow the directions and it should install perfectly within minutes. I used the kit on a 2005 Honda pilot. Unlike the other reviews I did not have any fit issues. The stereo I purchased was a double din alpine unit. You will also need to purchase any necessary wire harness adapters so you do not have to cut the factory wiring.

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Garmin nüvi 850 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Voice Command and FM Transmitter (Soft Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned the Garmin nuvi 850 for a couple of months, and have made several trips with it. I find it to be a mostly reliable GPS navigation unit, and recommend this product, with some reservations.
Its principal benefits are:
* Voice recognition works under most conditions, at least where substantial noise is not an issue. It is necessary to interact at the speed of the unit, waiting for your turn to speak, which is indicated both visually and audibly. The voice-activation remote control is a clever tool for accessing this feature, although placement of the remote on the steering wheel in such a way as to avoid accidental activations is difficult. Once voice recognition is active, the unit does not always understand commands on the first attempt, but I found that reducing fan speed on the vehicle's air conditioner (to reduce background noise) usually helps with this.
* The menus are generally user-friendly, although there is a learning curve that requires some practice for less frequently used areas. The menus are not always intuitive. For example, having user-defined routes as an item separate from favorites, rather than as a sub-menu under favorites adds a memory component when trying to access that feature.
* The directional voice prompts are timely, and match the visual cues provided on screen. I found the male British voice to be the most easily understood under most road conditions.
* The low-glare screen is consistently viewable in a variety of lighting conditions, although somewhat less so in the brightest light. It is, however, difficult to keep clear of fingerprints and smudges that produce their own glare and can interfere with viewing.
* Routing and re-routing is fairly quick. The initial route calculation tends to take several seconds, and slows for more complicated mapping. The closer you are to the destination, the more rapidly the calculation or re-calculation seems to take place. Most routes seem quite efficient, with only an occasional questionable route selection offered.
My principal complaints with the unit are:
* Battery life is short. Expect to run this unit under car power for trips much longer than an hour. Also, removal of the battery between trips was the only means I found to reliably keep the battery from draining with the unit off, even in as little as a couple of weeks on the shelf. The inability to charge the unit via USB with the unit turned off is not a great concern, but does lengthen the charging time requirement.
* Maps that do not reflect current information. Usually this was most noticeable for highway speed limits that had changed, sometimes several years earlier, and for points of interest that did not match actual conditions. Routing can sometimes be misleading as well. For example, when trying to locate a Post Office, I was routed to an adjacent highway from which there was not a direct entrance.
* FM transmission is a feature without much reliability, given the constantly changing nature of radio signal interference on trips of more than the shortest distance. However, the audible prompts are loud enough to be heard from the unit directly, and sound even better over headphones.
* While rare, I have experienced lengthy (several minute-long) delays in satellite acquisition on system start-up. When it happens, it negates the value of the product, but the nuvi 850 still outperforms an earlier GPS unit that frequently dropped satellite connection while in transit. At least I have not experienced that problem with the nuvi 850 yet, and most of the time, it acquires satellite information in a matter of seconds on start-up.


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Simply speaking, nuvi 850 is one advanced navigator. It features voice-activated navigation, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and more. Like the rest of the wide nuvi 800-series, just speak a menu option and nuvi obeys your command. Speak Commands nuvi 850 not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With nuvi's innovative speech recognition, you safely control nuvi's interface with your voice — allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options. nuvi even recognizes shortcut phrases for popular functions. Tell nuvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.
View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color.

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Kenwood Excelon DDX8017 - DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am very satisfied with this unit, it is easy to use, very nice looking and powerful, before buying one i did all the research and went for this one due to the features it offers, the touchscreen is very large and very sharp for awesome video quality, also the remote makes it easy to use, the GPS add-on is also a plus as it comes in very handy. other features such as blutooth, satellite radio, cd changer and ipod connector are also a plus. what i like about it is the sound quality and the power it has, never used an Amp but it does have plenty of power, it will be a while before i replace this unit as it is top of the line Kenwood. I recommend this unit highly, for more info google this model to see more.

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Sony HT-CT350 Virtual 5.1 Sound Bar Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this system because I wanted something simple to improve the sound coming out of my TV speakers. I didn't want to have speakers everywhere and have a receiver that needs to have inputs switched. I didn't want to get one of those systems that has a built-in DVD/Blu-Ray player since I already have one. I just wanted my TV to sound better.
This product does all of that beautifully.
For starters, my setup... I have a new Sony TV (nx800), a cable box and a PS3 slim. All are connected via HDMI to the TV. I have the TV already programmed to control all of the devices, so I didn't want to have that change. All I had to do was attach the soundbar via HDMI to the TV's HDMI ARC port. The TV automatically recognized the speakers and switched the sound output from the internal TV speakers to the soundbar. When I turn off the TV the speakers shut off as well. When I turn on the TV, the speakers turn on too. I can still use my TV remote to control my various inputs and everything plays through the soundbar. I know you can also hook everything up to the soundbar and just run a single HDMI cable to the TV instead. But then you have to use the speaker remote as your main remote, and I already had setup my TV remote and preferred to use that one. But my main point here is that everything integrated perfectly without having to fumble around with anything.
Sound wise, I couldn't be happier. It is such a huge improvement over the TV speakers. The bass is deep and has some rumble to it, and voices/dialog are crisp and clear. I do hear some surround effects when watching things like movies. I definitely feel like I have a home theater now!
Now, I am by no means an audio or home theater expert. So, is there better systems out there? Probably. I would assume having separate speakers placed around the room would give you a more enveloped surround sound field. But I don't really care too much about that. I prefer the simplicity and elegance of this system.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony HT-CT350 Virtual 5.1 Sound Bar

Create the cinematic experience at home with the HT-CT350 3D sound bar. This compact 3.1-channel home theater system is designed to match the stunning look of your monolithic 40" or 46" BRAVIA HDTV while delivering impressive, room-filling audio without the need for rear speakers. In addition to the latest audio decoding technologies, this sound bar can be easily mounted directly to select BRAVIA TVs, hung on your wall, or placed separately on a shelf. Additional features include Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your TV, and 3D pass-through that lets you enjoy 3D content including Blu-ray Disc movies, videogames and more.

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