Apple iPod nano 4 GB Silver (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL Review

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(More customer reviews)Apple 4 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Silver (3rd Generation)

Apple's new nano is designed to improve upon past models and add some functionality. The improved video, smaller thinner body and updated firmware are enough to make it stand out. The slightly lower price tag is also sure to help sell more units.

I think most buyers will opt to get the 8GB, considering it is only $50 more than the 4GB and actually makes the video function more usable. Apple 8 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Blue (3rd Generation)Regardless, the new nano is an improvement in any size.

Pros
+ Small size - so thin!!!!
+ Nice design - shorter, fatter form factor for more reliability
+ Brushed aluminum front seems more durable than plastic composite of 2nd generation nano
+ Many color options - Silver, blue, green, black, etc.
+ Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation
+ Great video option is a nice to have for sample TV shows, clips, etc
+ Works with most traditional iPod accessories (except old A/V cable)
+ Priced to sell!Lowest price Apple video capable player
+ Lower price tag than 2nd Generation nano
+ Unlike iPod classic, all flash memory means less failures and breakage
+ Flash memory also awesome for running / working out
+ Slightly better sound quality than 2nd generation
+ Apple reputation is highly deserved

Cons
-4 GB capacity is very limited for a video player and will require constant reloading via iTunes
- New 2GB Shuffle option provides a workout alternative at about 1/3 the price
- New design not ideal for very big hands due to smaller click wheel
- Universal dock now required for video out (no more A/V cable)
- Slightly shorter battery life than other iPods
- No expandability or SD card slot like Sansa View or Creative Zen
- iTunes software with limited native formats (MP3, AAC)
- Coverflow still buggy / slow
- Features built-in to competing players, like FM radio & voice recording, much be bought as add-ons,
- Competing players now available at 16GB flash at similar body size

The Looks

Some people prefered the gen2 nano's longer body and larger click wheel.The longer nano was prone to bend (and sometimes break) when people put them in their pocket and sat down or moved around. The smaller click-wheel can be awkward, particularly for those with large hands.But it's a worthy trade-off for the smaller size and better durability.Another change motivated by durability is the metal face.The old clear composite face was a magnet for smudges and scratches.The new brushed metal face holds up nicer.Be warned though; it can chip and scratch, so get a cover.

The Sound

Sound quality is not significantly improved from previous models.The slight improvements touted in Apple's marketing are exaggerated.However, let's be fair to Apple here.MP3 and even CD audio have inherent sound quality limitations.

MP3 is a compression technology that does experience quality loss, however minimal.With a lower bitrate your MP3 files will lose more and more of the sound integrity from the original recording.Combine that with the fact many people rip from sources that are not digitally mastered, and you would get inferior sound quality with any device.

Almost no MP3 players are actually designed for audiophiles / musicians / sound engineers; i.e., the people who could tell the difference between good sound and great sound.Fortunately, some of these devices are starting to come onto the market.

Features and Software

Few new features are noteworthy with this device.Changes in the components and software make the screen brighter and allow you to do more things, including watch videos and play games.Some complain there isn't enough memory for video.You can still get enough on here to watch one movie or fit some TV shows with your music.It's a nice extra even if these nanos don't have tremendous memory.

The flash memory in this device could have been a faster speed.However, the main advantages of the flash player are still here: less risk of hardware failure associated with a hard disk drive player (better for running or working out).

The device does seem to have a shorter battery life than advertised.Perhaps because of the smaller body size Apple placed a smaller batter inside.As long as you sync and charge at night, it's ok.You are still likely to get a day's worth of use from a full charge.

Apple's software is still a weakness with very limited direct control over your device library and few native file options.All formats can be converted using iTunes or another software.You can convert pretty much any file to the MP3, MP4, or AAC formats you need for iTunes.This will mean that those of us with other players will have to have 2 versions of our libraries on our computers, eating up hard-drive space.That's because there's no drag and drop adding into the player, you have to add it to iTunes first and then sync.

However, most users have limited needs and will not notice if they are using MP3s.Apple hits the minimum compatibility needs of most of the market.

Coverflow is little more than a gimmick.It's still buggy and covers tend to blank out if you scroll quickly.Cover art has been downloaded with previous software versions and most other video players, so the ability to scroll covers is not really a breakthrough.

Competitors Pros and Cons

Apple's devices are obviously more expensive than other players on a per gigabyte $ cost.In addition, the iPod still has fewer built-in features than most competitive devices.It doesn't have a built-in FM radio tuner, voice recorder, Bluetooth, WMA support, and an SD card expansion slot.Both the Creative Zen Creative Zen 4 GB MP3 Player (Black) and the Sansa View SanDisk Sansa View 8 GB MP3 Player have micro SD slots, FM tuners and voice recording components built in.Both are better priced.The Sansa View comes in a 16GB size for the same price as the 8GB nano.

Still the iPod Nano beats both those players on size as the Creative Zen is much thicker and the Sansa View is taller.Also keep in mind that the Creative Zen has been somewhat buggy, and the View doesn't have as long a track record only being released in November 2007.

The new Sony players have finally abandoned their own bad software, and now provide some good competition to the iPod nano.In typical Sony fashion, they are priced just as high as the nano.But they do have quality components and better sound quality.Sony NWZA816BLK 4GB Walkman Video MP3 Player (Black)

The new 2 GB iPod Shuffle, released in February 2008, probably provides the biggest competition if you don't care about video and your only use is working out.Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Silver (2nd Generation)For 1/3 the price, you get a player with half the capacity that's designed for longer battery life and more active use.

Conclusion

In the end, what the iPod nano does, it does very well.Apple really wins with sleek design and a wealth of accessories.This unit is no different.Not all docks and accessories work with the 3rd generation, but many do.And for that large number of users already using iTunes, moving your music over to the nano is a snap.

Overall this device is an improvement.Apple's entry level video player will continue to be popular due to great features, acceptable pricing and the Apple brand.

Enjoy!!!

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Product Description:
An anodized aluminum top and polished stainless steel back. Five eye-catching colors. A larger, brighter display with the most pixels per inch of any Apple display, ever. iPod nano stirs up visual effects from the outside in.
And it'll wow you for hours. Play up to 5 hours of video or up to 24 hours of audio on a single charge. All that staying power and a wafer-thin, 6.5-mm profile makes iPod nano one small big attraction.
Cover Flow
If a picture says a thousand words, think of what all the album art in your collection might say. With Cover Flow on iPod nano, you can flip through your music to find the album you want to hear. Use the Click Wheel to browse music by album cover, then select an album to flip it over and see the track list.


In addition to listening to music you can now enjoy TV shows, movies, video podcasts, and more. View iPod nano dimensions.

The iPod nano comes in a host of exciting new colors.

Play up to 5 hours of video or up to 24 hours of audio on one charge. View larger. Music
Use the Click Wheel to adjust volume, navigate songs, browse in Cover Flow, or explore the Music menu by playlist, artist, album, song, genre, composer, and more. Want to mix things up? Click Shuffle Songs. iPod nano makes your music look as good as it sounds, thanks to its bright color display.
Movies
Buy movies from the iTunes Store and you can sync them to your iPod nano to watch anywhere, anytime. Up to 5 hours of video playback means you can watch two movies back to back. And for your viewing pleasure, the 320-by-240-pixel display--with a whopping 204 pixels per inch--is 65 percent brighter than before.
TV Shows
There's always something good on iPod nano. Browse thousands of episodes of your favorite TV shows on the iTunes Store, buy them for just $1.99 each, then sync them to your iPod nano. Watch last night's episodes this morning, or buy a whole TV series and play a pocket-size marathon.
Podcasts
The iTunes Store features thousands of free video and audio podcasts, including indie favorites and offerings from such big names as ABC News, Comedy Central, ESPN, PBS, NPR, and many more. Browse and subscribe to podcasts, then sync them to your iPod nano. You can even play video podcasts on TV using an optional Apple component or composite AV cable.
Audiobooks
The digital shelves of the iTunes Store are stocked with thousands of audiobooks--including exclusives like the entire Harry Potter series--so you can catch up on your reading wherever iPod nano takes you. iPod nano even recognizes where you left off reading and bookmarks your place.
Games
Put hours of fun at your fingertips. iPod nano comes with three games--Vortex, iQuiz, and Klondike--and you can download more from the iTunes Store for $4.99 each. All iPod games are designed specifically for the iPod interface. And all of them look great on the 2-inch color display.
Photos
iPod nano holds up to 7,000 photos you can sync from your Mac or PC via iTunes. Use the Click Wheel to scroll through photo thumbnails. To see a photo full screen, click the center button. You can even view your photo slideshows--complete with music and transitions--on a TV using an optional Apple component or composite AV cable.
Extras
Calendars, contacts, and a screen lock appear in the Extras menu, along with a few more handy items. Take the world clock, for example. Spin the Click Wheel to choose different clocks for cities all over the world. For workouts, use the built-in stopwatch to log your best times.

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Alpine iDA-X200 In-Dash Radio/MP3 Player (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was surprised there was so little info on the web about the Alpine iDA-x200.It's one of the only car stereos that can control your Creative Zen and other mtp (media transfer protocol) mp3 players like an iPod.When you plug your zen into the usb port, it takes about a minute of searching before it will play music.You can search by playlist, artist, album and others.You can skip to the next song but you can't speed search through a song (this limitation is only with mtp players).Also, when you turn off the car and come back, it will return to the beginning of the track you were listening to (only with mtp players).This means, for practical purposes, you will want to carry your podcasts and any lengthy tracks on a flashdrive or ums mp3 player. The alpine can speed search tracks on ums devices and it even remembers exactly where you left off within tracks when you disconnect the device and reconnect!Plus you can do all the same searching by artist, album, track, file name ect.So you're probably wondering, why not use a ums mp3 player exclusively?Two reasons.First, you won't get playlists.If you want playlists, you have to get a mtp player or iPod.Second there are currently no small ums flash players with large capacity (32 gb) and great sound (Sansa Fuze blows in comparison to Zen V Plus).Two other quick notes, there is no cd player and going to radio presets requires a few clicks.Finally, I want to mention how much better the sound quality is when you allow the Alpine's 24 bit burr brown d/a converter to process the sound (using usb connection) rather than letting the mp3 player decode the sound and send it into the car via minplug aux connection.If you current stereo plays mp3 cds, do a little experiment and listen to the same song on mp3 cd compared to your mp3 player plugged into the aux.Keep an eye on the horizon for when the Microsoft and Ford sync exclusive deal ends.Then you may be able to buy a non-Ford car or an aftermarket head unit that works with mtp mp3 players and has voice command.Should be within a year.One more thing, if you upgrade your Zen V firmware, the Alpine will control it too. Also, I can't tell you about the power of the internal amp because all my speakers have a separate amps.Even though it's the only game in town in aftermarket car stereos that can control mtp music players, it does an admirable job.

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Product Description:
Easy control, super-fast music search and great sound make the iDA-X200 perfect for iPod users. The iDA-X200 and iDA-X100 come with a large Double-Action Rotary Encoder Knob - so you can utilize multiple functions like QuickSearch for finding your songs and adjusting your volume. Plus you get the best iPod sound experience thanks to a digital USB iPod connection. Better yet, go all the way with optional IMPRINT sound for the most ideal sound experience in your vehicle. In addition to the best solutions for your iPod and sound quality- the iDA-X200 features iTunes Tagging - so you can Tag songs you hear on HD radio, then automatically access them later through iTunes for purchase and download.

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Pioneer MVH-P8200BT Multimedia AV Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth Review

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(More customer reviews)I received my MVH-P8200BT yesterday, and installed it.Installation was as normal as any other stereo, except the additional parking brake wire if you want to use the photo or video portion of this radio.Let me first start out by saying the AM & FM portion of the radio work pretty good, you can relatively easily seek to the next or previous station by pushing the knob left or right, or bring up your presets by pushing it up. The radio displays the RDS nicely as well. Changing sources (Radio, ipod/USB, or Aux input requires pressing the SRC button and rotating the tuning knob to the right or left to highlight the source and then pressing the tuning knob in.This in all is relatively easy to do in a timely manner.

Where the problem comes in, is using the ipod interface.it will start playing I believe the last song you had playing, but if you want to jump to another artist or lets say a podcast, be prepared to take your eyes off the road.You have to hit the Home button, and then rotate the knob one to the right and then press it in, and rotate the knob to highlight Songs or podcast or artist, and in my case lets do podcast, then the lost of podcast comes up and you have to rotate to the podcast and press the knob in, then it shows you the episodes, then you push it in.But on top of doing this, the tuning knob which is a 5 way control (left, right, up , down, and in) is very sensitive and plan on registering the wrong menu choice, and then having to hit the previous button on the display to pop out one menu and continue.You have to do this anything you want to change songs that are not the next immediate song that you can just press the right commander button to jump to next track.

So, I thought, well the nice remote has a left right up and down, and in feature as well.I will do this from the remote with a little more precision, well turns out 70% of the buttons on the remote don't even do anything.any function that requires you to turn that knob on the radio, still has to be done that way. the up and down will not allow you to scroll through menu items. the only real think I was able to do with the remote was volume, next track and previous track, and radio tuning.

If you thought it would be nice to be able to play videos from your ipod or photos, it requires a $40 cable with a usb and aux cable now hanging out of the front of the radio per the manual.I did put some photos on the SD card, but you cannot play music from SD while you do your slid show, and again its a cumbersome use of the scroll wheel to jog between music and photos on the SD setup. You are able to play the slide show while listening to the radio.

Now for the real good, I think the best integration with this unit is the bluetooth with the iphone or probably many other phones, I was able to easily pull up contacts, and you can quickly choose a letter of the starting letter of the contact and click through to dial the appropriate name and if you want to call mobile or home.And the audio with the included mic is excellent.it will mute your music and continue it when your call is done.

The radio looks really good and thats what lead me immediately to this model, but I am ever so sorry I did not test it out before doing the install.I for sure thought the short comings would be overcome by using the remote, but you had no way to test it that well in the store.The remote is useless for iPod navigation or navigation or any SD media.I did get a chance to watch many tutorials online on the Alpine receiver 305 which was made for iPod and it has the navigation the way I would prefer it, thought it does lack characters and you have to scroll most titles, this pioneer was able to display a good character set.Oh and speaking of a feature that Alpine has, it has a nice readable clock.The clock on this is small, there is a feature you can turn on to show a nice clock, but you have to turn it on every time, it doesn't stay on as an option. Even with the radio in off mode, it should show the nice larger clock IMHO, but it doesn't you have to fight menus again to call this up.

To summarize,much fighting with a poor jog wheel to drill through menus to make common settings to what you want to listen to.They made it simple to change source and volume and next and previous track everything else gets deep in menus that will take usually 6 to 10 seconds to drill through menus to do, this is not safe in a car and the remote which could have assisted in this matter has much less ability.I think if you can do a double din the AVH-P3200 double din touch screen, is sooo much easier to navigate and for not more then $120 more in general, very upgradable and the addition items you get (CD/DVD slot and DVD playback, you wont be trying to convert stuff to Divx, and you can burn your stuff or bring along your DVD's and you have a bigger screen.

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Product Description:
"Mech-free" receivers are all the rage lately, as more and more consumers migrate their music and media collections to hard drives rather than physical media. The MVH-P8200BT from Pioneer is one of the company's first mech-free receivers, and has plenty to offer the digital-centric crowd. Make and take hands-free calls with built-in Bluetooth technology. Enjoy direct control of your iPod, with simple navigation and search features. Play back MP3/WMA/AAC audio files, DivX video, and even JPEG images from USB devices or SD memory cards. You can even tag songs heard on the radio for later purchase. It's all conducted via the simple "Rotary Commander" control and simple user interface displayed on the unit's three-inch display.

Pioneer Car Audio Systems

Pioneer's Mobile Business Group is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.


Rear A/V RCA input, three 4V RCA preamp outputs, steering wheel remote input, and video out for system expansion.
Intuitive touchscreen controls.
Scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.

MVH-P8200BT Features

Built-In Bluetooth
The MVH-P8200BT 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.
Smart Interface for Quick Access
Pioneer's new user interface has a minimal yet powerful design, and scales to accommodate modern media sources easily. Tailor it to your own preferences with the customizable home menu, putting your favorite features right at your fingertips.
USB Input / SD Memory Card Slot
Connect USB thumb drives or other devices and enjoy playback of your digital audio and video files. 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-P5200BT's screen. Say goodbye to the annoying static of FM transmitters and other iPod half-solutions.
Simple Search for iPod lets you quickly search your iPod/iPhone with alphabetical search by Song, Artist, Album or Genre categories.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback
Play back three of the most popular digital audio formats:MP3, WMA, and AAC. The MVH-8200's screen displays track info, and makes navigating directories/folders a breeze.
Video/JPEG Playback for Non-Stop Entertainment
The MVH-P8200BT features a three-inch color display designed to take full advantage of all of your media. Play music videos and more from your iPod/iPhone, or from SD memory cards/USB devices. The MVH-8200 can decode Divx (AVI or DIVX extensions) video. You can even display JPEG photos using the Digital Photo Frame feature.
Auto EQ
Automatically tailors acoustics by fine-tuning frequency bandwidths plus front/rear speaker digital parametric equalization. Result: smooth sound full of subtle nuance and clarity. Requires optional CD-MC20 microphone.
Customize Your Colors
The MVH-P8200BT will accommodate your taste or mood. Select from six colors (blue/violet/red/amber/green/white) for the display, and 112 colors for key panel illumination.
Connect, Tag, and Download
Have you ever heard a great song on the radio, but couldn't remember what it was called or who sang it when you went to go look for it later? Now you don't have to worry about missing out on great music. iTunes Tagging gives you the power to "tag" all of your favorite songs without having to scramble for a piece of scrap paper in the car, then later preview or purchase music at iTunes Music Store. Works with stations transmitting RDS data.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever
This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
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.
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).

MVH-P8200BT Basic Specs

iPod Playback: Audio/Video (Cable Required) DVD Playback: -- USB Input: Yes Sound Retriever: Yes Bluetooth: Built-In Navigation Ready: -- Display: Three-Inch LCD Rear Camera Ready: -- RCA Preamp Outputs: Three Sets (4 volt) HD Radio Ready: Yes SAT Radio Ready: Yes Power: MOSFET 50W x 4
What's in the Box
Pioneer MVH-P8200BT Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Motorola D650 Bluetooth iPod Adapter (89147J) Review

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(More customer reviews)The design of this device is severely flawed. It disconnects extremely easily (try a slight bump, even inside a case) when doing anything even remotely active. Mine came as part of the iPod/S9 "Active" adapter kit...and it is so completely worthless that I am returning it.

Every time the d650 gets bumped or has pressure put on it (such as when bending over with it inside a case clipped to my waist) it disconnects from the iPod, loses power, and then has to be re-paired with the headset...which requires that you monitor a colored light on the headset...which requires that you take it off.

Every ten or so time it pairs with the headset it requires that you pause and unpause the iPod, which requires that you remove it from whatever case you're using to do something active with it, and putting back in the case can provide enough force to dislodge the d650 and start all over.

In short, it's going back.

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Product Description:
Marketing description is not available.

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Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're looking for info on how well this works with headsets, I'm sorry to say that I don't own a BT headset (yet).This review focuses on the transmitter in conjunction with a Sony BT receiver that I use to connect my iPod to my home receiver, since that was the primary reason that I got one of these.But hopefully you'll still find something useful.

First off, Amazon's two sentence product description is a bit too brief, so here are some specs from the packaging:

Communication System:
- Bluetooth Specification version 2.0 + EDR
Output:
- Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2
Maximum communication range:
- Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)
Freqency band:
- 2.4 GHz band (2.4000 GHz - 2.4835 GHz)
Modulation method:
- FHSS
Compatible Bluetooth Profile:
- A2DP, AVRCP
Supported Codec:
- SBC
Supported Passcode:
- 0000, 1234, 8888
Terminal:
- iPod connector

Compatible iPod models (official):
- iPod nano 1st generation
- iPod nano 2nd generation (aluminum)
- iPod mini 1st generation
- iPod 4th generation
- iPod 4th generation (color display)
- iPod 5th generation (video)

Although the compatibility list does not mention it, this add-on definitely works with the iPod classic, because that's what I'm using.The terminal is the current standard 30-pin connector, so if your iPod is more recent than the above list, chances are that it will probably work... but I can only speak for the classic.CONTENTS:
The package comes with:
- iPod Bluetooth transmitter
- manual
One funny note regarding the packaging:I couldn't believe how HUGE the packaging was for such a small item!!The main photo on the package depicts an iPod with the transmitter cleverly placed in view right below the iPod photo, where it would plug in.It certainly catches the eye.USAGE:
It couldn't be simplerYou just turn on your iPod and connect the transmitter to the port, and in order to activate it, you set your receiving device into pairing mode and then hold down the button on the transmitter for about 7 seconds until the two devices are paired.That's it.SOUND:
Overall, I find the sound quality on the receiving side to be excellent.I base my opinion on headphone comparisons between:
a) plugging directly into the iPod and
b) plugging into my Bluetooth receiver unit
As far as I can tell, the sound is pretty much identical, although a bit lower in volume, but that may due to my Bluetooth receiver.

For reference, I'm using the transmitter in conjunction with the Sony HWS-BTA2W Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter/receiver as my Bluetooth receiver.Both these two devices support Bluetooth 2.0 and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).For audio comparisons, I used a pair of Sony MDR-V700DJ Monitor Series Headphones.

One important thing to note is that you cannot control the volume of the transmitted sound.I'm not exactly sure why that is, but it appears to be by design.All your iPod controls behave as they normally do and you can even move the volume slider up or down, however it has no effect on the transmitted sound.Some functions, however, do still affect the sound, such as "Sound Check", "Volume Limit", and all the "EQ" settings.Since these features still work, I'm assuming that the lack of volume control is by design.The volume output is the max allowed by the Volume Limit setting.

My only guess is that the volume control is to be used in conjunction with AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), but I don't have such a device to confirm.I don't know if this happens on other iPod bluetooth adaptors, but I could see the inability to control the volume via the iPod becoming an issue if you want to use it with a BT headset (unless the headset has volume controls)RANGE:
The packaging states "Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)".I had thought that Bluetooth did not require line of sight, but Sony clearly states so and for the most part, it holds true for this unit.I have tested up to around 25 feet with clear line of sight and the sound remaind crisp and clear.Clothing also did not present any problems.I buried the iPod and transmitter under a pile of ski clothing with no effect.

But once you block the path with walls or other sources of interference, the signal will start to become choppy or completely cut off.Be warned that your body can also block the signal.Cupping my hands completely around the transmitter would pretty much turn the signal to crap beyond only a few feet from the BT receiver.In most cases, as long as I'm witin a one or two feet, the signal still comes through, but the more I block the signal and the further I go, the more the signal would degrade, as is to be expected.

As far as home use goes, as long as I'm in the same room and not actively trying to block the signal, I haven't had any problems.DESIGN:
The design is about as simple as you can get.It has a single big button in the center, which you can use for various functions (turning on/off, pairing) and a bright blue light which signals the unit's activities.It is completely powered by the iPod, so no extra power supply or battery is required.

I have seen similar Bluetooth attachments for the iPod which are little blocks the same width as the iPod.Personally, I prefer the small design of the Sony.One major factor that I like about it is that I can plug it into my iPod without removing it from its protective case.I use a leather casing by INCASE which only leaves me an opening for the 30-pin connector at the bottom.

My main pet peeve that I have about most block adaptors is that while they may blend better with the iPod in overall shape, there aren't any cases (that I know of) available that fit an iPod WITH attachments, so if you use a case and want to connect something, chances are you'll have to remove the iPod from its case before plugging in your accessory.The Sony might make for an odd shape, but for my purposes at least, it works better and I think that it still looks pretty slick.

One thing that Sony could have added, however, is a locking clip for the transmitter.The transmitter sits pretty snugly and doesn't feel like it'll fall out by accident, but it would have been nice to have that extra sense of security.CONCLUSION:
The unit is a bit pricey, but overall I'm quite satisfied with its functionality.The sound quality is good and for my purposes, I haven't had any problems with signal strength.

As an aside, my primary goal was to connect my iPod to my home speaker system.I was originally looking at the iPod Universal Dock, but found it to be completely worthless, since the remote control could only play/pause/skip prev/next and control the volume.For actually selecting music, I still had to go up to the dock in order to browse for my music.And who wants to get up to change music anyway?:)

Using this Bluetooth setup, I can now use my iPod as a fully functional "remote" (except for volume) and have my music come out of my main speaker system.I do wish I could have the option of charging my iPod while it's broadcasting (since the charging port is occupied by the transmitter), but the fact that I can keep my iPod in its protective case and the nice compact size and look of the transmitter makes for a decent tradeoff.Bottom line:If you have a nice home speaker setup, I totally recommend going this route!

**UPDATE 12/13/2007**
Just a few more quick notes and clarifications (as if this review wasn't long enough, eh?) since I've been using it for about a month now... and I still LOVE this device!

Usage:
I should clarify my above comment that it only requires pairing with your receiving device ONCE (like most BT devices).After the initial pairing you can unplug it and only plug it back into the iPod when you want to use it.If you're near your previously paired receiving device, all you have to do is plug the transmitter into your iPod and hit play, and the receiver should immediately pick up your audio signal.To preserve battery life, the iPod transmitter only transmits if you're actually playing music, which is pretty good.

Lack of volume control:
After having read other reviews for similar attachments, the fixed volume output appears to be normal.For my purposes, it would have been nice if I could have controlled volume directly from the iPod, but I'll live.At least I know that it wasn't necessarily a design-flaw in this particular device.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black)

Product Description:
Enjoy wireless music with iPod and BT receiver (Headset, speakers, Micro Component, Car Stereo, etc). Operate basic functions of iPod remotely from the BT headset which has AVRCP capability.

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Dual XR4110 AM/FM USB/SD/3.5-mm Mechless Receiver (Gray) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the second xr4110 I have tried (after awaiting a three week return/delivery). The unit sometimes loses the memory during starting of the vehicle. I have read this is a problem for this unit and wish someone had warned me. It is obviously something Dual wants to sweep under the rug, because they do not act suprised when you call with this complaint. They just say to return it, no questions about wiring or anything.

It is a cheap unit, so I guess you get what you pay for.:(

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XR4110 AM/FM USB/SD/3.5-mm Mechless Receiver (Gray)

Product Description:

This "mechless" receiver from Dual Electronics does away with mechanical playback entirely--no discs, no cassettes--just your digital music collection on USB devices or SD cards, your favorite digital music player through the auxiliary input, or some AM/FM radio.


An affordable mechless receiver for music fan with a large collection of MP3/WMA files.
Connect USB devices, SD cards, or via the auxiliary input jack.
View a feature diagram.
Click to enlarge.
USB/SD Playback
The XR4110 features a convenient front-panel USB (1.1) port, for playback of your favorite MP3/WMA files. Connect USB devices with up to 16 GB capacities, and access hours of programming.


Right next to the USB port is a slot for SD cards. Support for SD cards is also 16 GB, giving you yet another storage option for your MP3s and WMAs. SD cards are even more convenient for quickly swapping out, for an almost infinite amount of music right there in your glove compartment.


Auxiliary Input
Of course, most folks with a substantial digital music collection also have a favorite iPod or other MP3 player. The standard 3.5-mm mini jack aux input lets you connect and enjoy it. And yes, you can even hook up a portable CD player if you wanted some good old-fashioned skipping playback.


AM/FM Radio
Listen to your favorite morning show or catch up on the traffic, news, or weather with the built-in AM/FM tuner. Eighteen FM and 12 AM presets let you instantly pull up your favorite stations.


Blue Display
The XR4110 features a brilliant blue four-character display, along with matching blue button illumination.


Preamp Outputs
The XR4110 has 60 watts of total power (15 watts x 4 channels), but if you'd like a little more, a pair of 2V preamp outputs is included for system expansion.


One-Year Warranty
Dual offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box

Dual XR4110 receiver, mounting sleeve, wiring harness, antenna, trim ring, and user's manual.

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Mobile Black Box V6000 FM Transmitter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The manufacturer's web site says this is not capable of stereo."Awesome"review?No one cares that it's mono?I see no mention of stereo, but shouldn't it be mentioned in the description, maybe in BOLD RED LETTERS, that this is mono only?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mobile Black Box V6000 FM Transmitter

Product Description:
We are proud to present the new Mobile Black Box V6000 FM Transmitter. The V6000 outshines all other FM transmitters in its category. The V6000 built on the sound quality and transmit range of our V5000 model and added many new features like an LCD, user adjustable transmit range (power), frequency memory function, 200 frequency range, microphone input option, interchangeable external antenna and removable unit stand. The new V6000 is lighter and smaller than the V5000 yet more powerful and packed with all new features. The transmit range of the V6000 is up to 450 feet depending on the power setting, frequency setting, antenna type and environment. The V6000 offers exclusive features and outstanding performance all in a unit about the height and width of a credit card.

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Philips USA PH-62050 CD/MP3/MD-To-Cassette Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got the Philips Cassette Converter to run my iPod Shuffle in my '96 Saab 900 with factory equiped stereo and it works beautifully. Yes, it is true that the signal is not very strong, so you have to turn the volume up a bit, but even the little Shuffle can compensate for it and by no means do you need to fear forgetting to turn the volume down when you switch to Radio or CD. The sound quality is as good as the iPod delivers and you have no disturbing background noise. I also had no problems that the deck would eject the tape. I can recommend this product and it's good value for money (I didn't try similar one)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips USA PH-62050 CD/MP3/MD-To-Cassette Adapter

Product Description:
The Philips USA PH-62050 CD/MP3/MD-To-Cassette Converter lets you play CD, MP3 or MD players in your car's cassette deck via a direct plug into your portable audio player. It's powered by your car's own electric system so there's no need for batteries, and it produces a clean sound without the static found in most FM transmitters.

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USA-Spec PA15-HON2 Honda to iPod Interface Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered a USA Spec PA15HON2Y to use my iPhone 3G in my 2005 Accord.I looked at multiple products including a parrot MKi9100 and DICE.Ended up choosing going with a USA Spec and a separate Parrot bluetooth unit (MK3000) since it 1) was price right and 2) offered integration with the factory radio.

My Accord has built in Navigation so I wanted something that would play nice.The USA Spec unit does integrate with my nav and radio.You can set up the USA Spec to display using text of what is playing (Artist, name, category).This will scroll through the upper radio display on the Accord as well as on the Audio menu on the navigation screen.If you want text, it will put the iPod menu on the iPhone into accessory mode and will not allow you to select specific songs directly from the iPhone.You will need to use the stereo controls or the steering wheel controls to scroll.There is the option to give you direct access to the iPod screen (you adjust modes by the pre programmed XM stations ie XM station 1 would be Artist, 2 would be by Category, 3, all songs, 6 is direct ipod).If you do choose to toggle to the direct iPod control, you lose the text - it'll just show as iPod.

The USA Spec unit will also allow you to keep XM functionality in the Accord.The XM stations show up on XM2 mode.... I don't subscribe to XM but can still hear their barker/preview stations.

One concern I had was that I definitely did not want to lose my navigation controls... safe to say it all still works... the Nav still shows maps, etc as well as provides voice directions.It will continue to mute (like it normally does) XM, FM, and iPod music when it gives you directions.

Installation wasn't too bad - took awhile to get everything out (and yes you have to take out the factory navigation to get to the right plug). After you pull out the nav unit, it's plug and play (unplug the blue plug from the back of the Honda Nav, plug in the male end of the cable that attaches to the USA Spec unit, plug in the additional adapter, then plug in the original Honda Nav plug right into the additional adapter (the adapter allows you to keep your XM).

I used some heavy duty auto tape to secure the litte USA spec box on top of the nav DVD drive and ran the ipod cable through the empty slot below (had to cut a small opening). I put everything back together and everything is hidden and seamless (except the adapter cord that plugs right into the iPhone).It does charge the iPhone too!

It sounds great.... (at least the same quality of the CD player).A couple of other great things about the USA Spec - it has another set of audio inputs.I plan on using these eventually when I add video through my navigation to get sound in since all of the video adapters still require another sound adapter.Also, it works great with Pandora or streaming podcasts through itunes (if you're in an area that has good AT&T coverage).I added the Parrot CK3000 bluetooth since I didn't want to have to unplug the iphone to answer it... the iPhone plays nice with both at the same time... if I'm listening to my podcasts and get a phone call, the music gradually softens and the phone rings.

The new DICE silverline units looks like it performs the same way but it was $40 more than the cheapest price I could find with the USA Spec.

Overall, I give this 4 stars and would recommend it.... only thing I wish it would do is also show song text even if it was in direct mode.... maybe this is a limitation on apple's part where it doesn't send text data if your using it as an accessory. Also, each time you plug your iPhone in, you get a nag screen about it isn't made for the iPhone and if you want to turn on Airplane mode to minimize interference... I hit no and it works fine.

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Product Description:
New model includes the new #G Cable enables full charging of all ipods including new 3G iPhone, New Nano and new 2nd Gen iTouch

Selected model years of Acura TL, TSX, RDX, and Honda Element, Accord, Civic, CRV, Ridgeline, S2000

Easy Installation - All Cables are Plug and Play for Easy Installation Adds Additional Aux Input Direct Mode Allows You to Control Everything via the iPod Superior Sound Quality - True Digital Quality Sound through Factory Radio Uses CD Changer Function - Operate an iPod Just Like a CD Changer Auto Maintain and Auto Memory Auto Playlist Select - Selects the First 5 Play Lists On Your iPod Other Features, Track Forward/Back/Select Playlist/Shuffle/Random Play Auto Skip - Skip 10+ Songs In Each Playlist Auto Charge - Charges iPod Battery and Auto Stops after 1 Hour of Non-Use

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Pioneer DEH-4200UB CD Receiver with OEL Display and USB iPod Control Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the best single din player I have come across. I used sony xplod series earlier and have also used kenwood but I realized when I used Pioneer that it is a class apart. I have 4X4 infinity reference speakers installed. 1st time I used my pioneer, I thought "Do I have a sub in my car that I dont know about". I mean, I could actually feel the real power of infinity without amp just by installing pioneer!!

This system is amazing. I can tune it the way I want it too. It has HPF and LPF, so if I had an amp or sub, i can make use of it. One of the best thing about this is the blue OLED screen. Though I would have loved it to be 1.5 times or 2 times bigger than what it is but its great. Lot of options to choose from. I can also setup alarm on it (though i've never used it). The sound reproduction is very clear.

Dont buy the pioneer cable for ur iphone. Your regular charging cable will work just fine.

The negative:
Only thing I dont like is the joystick which is little less on grip. But I rarely use it as I am hooked to the remote.

All in all, the best your money can buy for the price. Thumbs up and pioneer again hit jackpot with this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEH-4200UB CD Receiver with OEL Display and USB iPod Control

Product Description:
Pioneer's DEH-4200UB is an ideal way to upgrade your OEM system, offering playback of WMA/MP3/AAC files from disc or USB devices, optional direct iPod control, and plenty more. It also offers big-time opportunity on the upgrade front--easily add Bluetooth and HD/SAT Radio, or use the three pairs of preamp outputs to build a system with external speakers and amplification.

Pioneer Car Audio Systems

Pioneer's Mobile Business Group is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.


Front USB and auxiliary inputs.
Remote control included.

DEH-4200UB Features

Stop straining to see the screen
Enjoy vibrant, exciting displays with the Large Full-Dot OEL display that makes it easier to see what is playing, no matter what the light is like. Scroll through your iPod with greater ease with 3-Line list mode. Even enjoy features like 3D full motion screen savers.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset?
Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required.
CD-R/RW Playback
Play back your favorite CDs and burnt CD-R/RW discs in the slot-loading CD player.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback
Don't let your favorite music downloads languish on your computer hard drive. Burn them to a CD-R or CD-RW and play them right on the car stereo. Enjoy hours of your favorite tunes MP3, WMA, and AAC audio content.
You can also just throw some files on a USB thumb drive and insert it directly in the front panel USB input.
iPod Made Easy
It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the optional CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist, album, or genre. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod.
Connect, Tag, and Download
Have you ever heard a great song on the radio, but couldn't remember what it was called or who sang it when you went to go look for it later? Now you don't have to worry about missing out on great music. iTunes Tagging gives you the power to "tag" all of your favorite songs without having to scramble for a piece of scrap paper in the car, then later preview or purchase music at iTunes Music Store.

A Better Way to Control Your Music
Sick of using buttons to search through your songs? Now you can scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever
This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
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.
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.
The DEH-4200UB is also well-equipped for those who want to expand their system, with three sets of 4V preamp outputs (front/rear/subwoofer) for system expansion with external amps/speakers, and a two-way crossover with separate high and low pass settings.
Get Plugged In
Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the input is on the front panel.
Dial In Your Sound
Tweak the sound to your liking with the on-board three-band graphic EQ. A Loudness feature ensures ample low-end even during quiet listening, and standard balance/fader controls let you adjust the stereo image to suit your vehicle and preferences.

DEH-4200UB Basic Specs

iPod Control: Built-In (Cable Required) iTunes Tagging: Yes USB Input: Yes Sound Retriever: Yes RCA Pre-Outs: 3 sets (4V) Display: Full-Motion OEL Bluetooth: Ready CD Formats: CD/CD-RW, MP3, WMA, AAC HD Radio: Ready SAT Radio Ready: Yes Auxiliary Input: Built-In (Front) Key Illumination: Blue Power: MOSFET 50W x 4
What's in the Box
Pioneer DEH-4200UB In-Dash CD Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Griffin iTrip AutoPilot FM Transmitter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the new iTrip and was hoping to use it in my SUV (a 2007 Chrysler Aspen).You download a free app to your iPhone, let it search for an empty piece of FM bandwidth and you're ready to go.The device is beautiful and very well designed.Unfortunately, with recent regulatory changes by the FCC, the allowed amount of signal strength just isn't enough to get a decent signal.Maybe my car has a lot of metal shielding in it, but I held the cable as close as I could to the external antenna, but it just wasn't usable.I ended up returning it.I don't consider this Griffin's fault but rather the FCC for implementing too strict regulations.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin iTrip AutoPilot FM Transmitter

Product Description:
Griffin innovation and user-centric design makes setup and operation quick and easy. Press the SmartScan button and tune your car radio to the FM frequency that shows up on iTrip's easy-to-read lighted display. That's all you have to do.

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EWOO HandMusic Dock and Two-Way Remote System for iPod and MP3 Players (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The first item I recived was not working. I spent a lot of time to understand, e mailed the web site, but no help came. Finally I decided to return the product. Amazon was excellent in serveice and sent me a new one which works fine. The product actually works fine if you receive the working one. Their customer service is the worst.

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Scosche IU3.5RC 3.5mm Retractable Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm fairly pleased with this little retractable cable.Fortunately, I had read the other reviews, so I was not surprised by the short length and it works for me.Some things you should know:

* As other reviewers mention, this is not a 6' cable.The technical details have the correct 2.5' length, but the description is incorrect.
* The retractor mechanism is a little cheap and I've gotten it tangled a couple of times.That being said, I've always been able to untangle it and it has recovered.
* The rubber around the plug ends is a good size for iPods and most stereo inputs, but it is too wide for the audio jack in an iPhone.I took a sharp knife to one end of the cable and shaved down the sides, then it worked fine even for the recessed iPhone jack.This wasn't too hard to do, though that cable end doesn't look too pretty now.

In spite of these reservations, the cable works well, the audio quality seems fine, and it is small, convenient, and nicely functional.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Scosche IU3.5RC 3.5mm Retractable Cable

Product Description:
Connect your iPod to multimedia speakers, car stereos, and a host of other audio products with this retractable cable. The cord, which includes a single 3.5 mm male connector on each end, measures 2.5 feet long when fully extended. More importantly, the cord offers a fast and easy way to extend your audio player connection beyond a few inches. Simply plug one end into your iPod's 3.5 mm headphone jack and the other into the auxiliary input of your preferred audio device, such as a car stereo or boombox. Once connected, you'll enjoy a full range of audio options. Plus, when you're not using the cord, it retracts into its slim housing for storage. The cable is backed by a 90-day warranty.

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Griffin 4045-TRPAUTOS iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)On my quest to find a FM Transmitter, I bought a different itrip from Griffin, but it did not charge my ipod nano 4th Gen.So I called Grifin and they told me that in order to charge my ipod nano 4th Gen that it needs to be an itrip with Smart Scan technology.So i returned it and bought this one, and i'm very happy with it.

1.This unit charges our ipod nano 4th Gen no problem.The ring of light on the cigarette lighter plug lights up red when initially connected denoting power to FM transmitter, then amber once the ipod is connected (charging), and then it turns green when the ipod is fully charged.

2.I have a sealed radio in my car so therefore don't have an audio input unfortunatley (2005 Volvo s40 2.4i) and so FM Transmitters are a way of life for me.Your not going to get the perfect sound quality from these like you would with a direct input, so check to see if you got an aux input in your car first and then just buy a charger and a double male head phone wire.I have a Sirius Radio has an FM Transmitter so i'm use to dealing with changing frequencys every so often.I live in NJ and am in NYC and Long Island a lot.My car can tune to 87.9 which I use for the sirius radio almost everywhere, but sometimes while in NY I use 93.3 (pretty high on the frequency list, but for some reason it's clear).

3.Check to make sure your car can go into 87.9 range first, these channels are hardly ever used by radio stations, then switch this grifin itrip autoscan to international frequencies just press function, then press AND HOLD mode for roughly ten secons until a new menu appears.It'll give you US, EU, and JP choices above each of the three buttons on the itrip.I picked JP (for japan) which enables all the normal US frequencies plus the lower range, lower then my car can go, my car only goes to 87.3 or something.A funny thing is that when i tune my car and itrip to 87.9 i get static, but if i keep the itrip at 87.9 and tune my car to 87.8 it comes in perfectly clear.It doesn't do that in my wife's car, 87.9 is 87.9.Just set one of your car radio presets to that and your good to go!

4.I took someone else recomendation to adjust the ipods equalizer to "Acoustic" and that definetly sounds better.

5.Long story short, I like this product, I got it for a heck of a lot cheaper then any FM transmitter at the apple store.One downfall which people do mention is that it is a tad bit hard to read the display of the itrip when you got a glare, but you can set your own presets on the itrip.Autoscan function is stupid, but apparently this is the model that'll charge the ipod nano 4th gen. Scan the radio yourself for static/ or free channels and then tune the itrip to those.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin 4045-TRPAUTOS iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod

Product Description:
The Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan wirelessly sends music from your iPod to your car radio so you can listen on your car stereo speakers. It combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger. Designed specifically for use in the car, the SmartScan function makes it easier than ever to find the perfect frequency. SmartScan scans the radio dial for the three best frequencies and saves them to the preset buttons. The high-contrast display is easy to read in any light, and the three-stage light ring changes color to indicate charging status. Compatible with iPod (4G, 5G), iPod nano (1G, 2G, 3G), iPod classic, and iPod touch.

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Sony CXS-GT5416F Bundle with CDX-GT540UI MP3/WMA/AAC/CD Player Receiver and XS-GF1622X 6.5-Inch Speakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this model for my Nissan Versa without doing any homework on it...a local store was offering free installation along with a sale price, and I noticed it had a front panel USB connector so I was hoping it would play my MP3 files from a flash drive.I wasn't expecting much in terms of quality and features...I figured I didn't need to spend a lot of money since I would be using the 4 pre-wired door speakers that came with my car.To say I was blown away by the sound would be an understatement...I can only imagine what this would sound like with a nice speaker setup.In any case, here's my take on the good and the not-so-good.

Pros:- Detaching the faceplate is easy.Attaching it can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice most
should be able to get it on in under 20 seconds.

- It's loaded with many of the same features of Sony's higher-priced players.There are several
ways to locate a specific track when playing CD-Rs or USB devices containing a lot of files.

- While playing regular audio CDs sounds amazing, this unit really shines in its ability to make
compressed (MP3) audio sound as good as the real thing; an improved sound processor
(compared to the model it replaced), a feature called Digital Music Plus Advanced, plus a
customizable equalizer all combine to give your data files excitement you've likely never heard
before.

- For FM radio stations that comply with the standard, the Radio Data System (RDS) will provide
song information, help you find particular types of stations (News, Sports, Top 40, Rock, etc.),
and can even set the clock for you.The radio can also store the stronger stations
automatically (BTM), but I prefer setting them manually...otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of
presets you're not interested in.

- Although I can't comment on its capabilities with an iPod, it does play my USB flash drives
without a hitch and has several shuffle and repeat play options.

Cons: - The user interface and manual could be confusing and frustrating for some.Most of the
buttons and the dial have to control multiple functions, so finding your way around the different
features and displays requires patience and learning.I still find myself accidentally
changing a setting I didn't want to or just plain getting stuck.Since the displays are different
depending on the source (CD, Tuner, USB, Aux-in) selected and how much information is
contained in the source, you won't always see what you might expect to see.

- The preset buttons are smaller than I would like.Some, like the source/off button and the
seek+ button, are together (like one big button), and it's easy to push the wrong one.The
included remote doesn't seem to help control the unit any better and doesn't include the
ability to access all of the track finding features.It seems best suited for a backseat
passenger.

- Whether it's day or night, you may run into a problem seeing everything clearly.The blue key
illumination takes care of the buttons while driving at night, but the printed lettering above the
keys is almost impossible to read.During the day, bright sunlight can cause glare problems
and wash out the LCD display (in certain vehicles).

- When Daylight Saving Time ended Nov. 1st, even though I had the unit set up to automatically
change the clock, I had to go back into the setup menu, turn it off, then turn it back on again
before the time reset itself (at least it was accurate).

- When using the Zappin feature to hear short clips of songs to find a track to play, you have to
wait about 2 seconds in between each preview on a regular audio CD and at least 5 or 6
seconds on an MP3 Data Disc or USB flash drive loaded with songs.

For me, the pros far outweigh the cons...after all, you don't have to use all the bells and whistles just because they are there.The sound quality of the CD player and music played through the USB port is outstanding, and anyone desiring more from the radio at least has the option of expanding to HD or SAT radio.I recommend this receiver for anyone (including audiophiles), as it offers tremendous bang for the buck.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony CXS-GT5416F Bundle with CDX-GT540UI MP3/WMA/AAC/CD Player Receiver and XS-GF1622X 6.5 Inch Speakers

Product Description:

Make the most of your commute with the CXS-GT5416F Xplod CD receiver and speaker package. This bundle features a GT Series receiver with Sony's 1-Wire, which allows you to connect, control, and charge your iPhone/iPod or MP3 player. In addition to being satellite radio and HD radio ready, you can play your CDs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC songs. Plus, searching for songs is a snap thanks to Quick-BrowZer with Jump Mode and Zappin technology. You'll also get a wireless remote and a pair of Sony two-way speakers--drop it in and hit the road.


A great receiver and speaker combo for your vehicle.

CDX-GT540UI CD Receiver

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback with DM+ Enhancement Technology
Multi-format playback lets you play CDs, CD-Rs, or CD-RWs loaded with hundreds of MP3, WMA, or AAC audio files. Hear the music on your recorded CDs and files in its original vibrancy, thanks to DM+ (Digital Music Plus), an original Sony codec enhancer that reproduces detailed and high-frequency sound from compressed audio.


Passenger Control with iPod Display Function
Passenger Control lets your co-pilot control the music playing from your iPod device via a connected USB 1-Wire. As they scan through your music, artist and album information is conveniently shown on the receiver display.


EQ3 Stage 2, DSO, and 52 Watts x 4 High Power
The Sony Xplod GT540UI delivers 52 watts of peak power to all four speakers (208 total watts) for increased sound levels.


Sony's DSO uses proprietary circuitry to induce subtle phase shifts, simulating a sound source that is placed higher than the actual speakers in the vehicle.


Customize the sound with Sony's EQ3 feature, which includes seven preset tone curves and a 3-band equalizer.


Front-panel auxiliary and USB inputs.
Includes RM-X151 wireless remote. Click to enlarge.
Two XS-GF1622X speakers are also included. Click to enlarge.
Supplied Wireless Card Remote Included
The included wireless card remote allows you to control the basic functions of your Sony Xplod system while keeping your eyes on the road.


USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone and other USB Digital Music Players
This feature 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.


SAT Radio/HD Radio Ready
The GT540UI integrates seamlessly with the optional Sony HD Radio tuner or satellite radio receivers via built-in Sony Bus control so you can receive digital radio broadcasts.


Front, Rear/Sub Preamp Output With Selectable LPF/HPF
A built-in LPF (Low Pass Filter) and HPF (High Pass Filter) work to deliver overall better sound, and the LPF features a phase shift function that reduces low-end reverberation.


Blue Key Illumination
Illuminated keys help you find and select control functions in low light and complement the CDX-GT540UI's blue backlit display.


Quick-BrowZer Feature With Jump Mode and Zappin Feature
Quick-BrowZer feature 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 the Zappin feature, you can play music in 6-, 9-, or 30-second clips until you find the song you're looking for.


Front Auxiliary Input
The front auxiliary input lets you connect almost any portable audio device to your car's sound system.


Radio Data System (RDS)
Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations.

XS-GF1622X Speakers

Speaker Type
Coaxial two-way speaker with 16-cm HOP woofer cone and 4-cm aluminum diaphragm tweeter.


Speaker Power Handling
The drivers deliver 190 watts peak power (40 watts rated).

What's in the Box

CDX-GT540UI Receiver, two XS-GF1622X speakers, two grilles, installation/connection hardware, RM-X151 wireless remote, and user's manual.

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