Kenwood KTC-HR300 HD Radio Tuner Box with Itunes Tagging Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the KTC-HR300 HD Tuner for an older Kenwood eXcelon radio (the KDC-X790) I have in an antique hot rod. I purchased it outside of Amazon at a higher price because information was lacking concerning older HD compatable Kenwood radios, and I was concerned I might need to return it. Also, Kenwood doesn't warranty anything not sold by their affiliated dealers.
Even the major Kenwood electronics supplier I purchased from was unsure the KTC-HR300 HD would work with my older (2007) Kenwood radio - although it was HD rated by Kenwood. The first tech told me straight out it wouldn't work with my older head unit. Boy, have I got a surprise for him. I later called back and spoke with another tech there, pointing out a few things in the Kenwood USA site item description, and ordered the unit from them with the understanding I could return it if it didn't work.
The only thing that doesn't work is my headunit is unable to do the iTunes "tagging" the KTC-HR300 HD is capable of - big deal. I just wanted HD radio. As it turns out, anything compatable with the older KTC-HR200 HD is also compatable with the KTC-HR300 HD.
Installation couldn't be easier. I might have spent five minutes total - and was taking my time. The KTC-HR300 HD comes with a 57" antenna extention and a patch cord of roughly the same length for connection to the headunit. A "KAB" adapter is also provided for newer headunits using "KAB" instead of the older "5L" connector that my older headunit has. I liked that the "5L" connector has a locking feature that securely holds it to the headunit once connected. As for the antenna, you simply pull the antenna from the headunit and install it to the KTC-HR300 HD connector. As quickly as I turned on the headunit, the KTC-HR300 HD was operating.
There are two switches on the KTC-HR300 HD some may need to set. Default is "Off" for both, and for using the "5L" connector. Using the "KAB" connector requires switch 1 placed in the "On" position.
Those long cables also meant I could easily place the KTC-HR300 HD under a seat or just about anywhere I wanted. Two pieces of included Velcro fasteners also allowed me to secure the small unit (6-1/2x1-3/8x4-5/16 inch) firmly out of the way. My mounting position allowed for some air circulation around the top of the KTC-HR300 HD, and I was worried some as I had read the older KTC-HR200 HD had run warm. After running the unit for two hours in full HD play and use, I was relieved to find my KTC-HR300 HD was still cool to the touch.
In operation, there was a small learning curve, but the eXcelon KDC-X790 is a complicated receiver with many features. Once I was accustomed to using the eXcelon controls and had made my headunit menu settings for HD, which required the headunit manual, operation was simple and my reward was great HD performance. I didn't even notice any sacrifice to standard analog FM or AM - but I could tell the difference in sound (for the better) using HD. What I liked best was I now can listen to many more programing choices - many much better than offered on analog. The KTC-HR 300 HD unit simply made an all around improvement.
The HD tuner station program acquisition was quick, and (40 miles out from stations) my reception lock on HD was very good on all but two. Those two tended to take a second or two, during which my eXcelon's screen displayed it was acquiring the signal, once locked it drifted back and forth some between analog and digital on those two, but the transfer was seamless and the sound quality remained good (this was using my vehicle's fender mounted OEM fixed wire mast antenna). I have to say I'm quite pleased with the performance of this unit in my application - and the "heads up" screen displays for the HD programs and all stations. Using that headunit just became much better with the addition of the KTC-HR300 HD. I'll definitely be purchasing another of these for another older Kenwood "HD Ready" headunit I have in another antique vehicle - and my next purchase of this product will be through Amazon (warranty or not).
Update - Actually, the paperwork that came with my old eXcelon KDC-X790 recommended the even earlier KTC-9090DAB. After reading the manual for that one, I'm glad I waited.

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HD RADIO TUNER, ITUNES Tagging

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Power Acoustik PTID-8310NRB Single-DIN 8.3-Inch Flip-Up Nav-Ready TFT-LCD Touchscreen A/V Source Unit with Bluetooth Review

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(More customer reviews)I just installed my unit after just ordering it last week Oct. 2010. I was filled with so much anticipation because I thought it would be so cool, only to be disappointed by the fact that the DVD player did not work, and when I pay movies on my flash drive they would occasionally skip. Listen I have only had the thing in my car for 4 hours. I am twice disappointed by this company, having purchased the 7 inch model in March 2010 and only to have the motherboard malfunction in June 2010. I purchased the 8 inch unit because I liked the features and thought that it was totally an isolated incident. Guess again!!! Why oh, Why??? Now I have to go through the hassle of returning this thing. I wonder if a replacement is even worth it, because I am tired of taking this thing out of my car, it is a real buzz kill. THIS ONLY LEAVES ME TO ONE CONCLUSION, THIS COMPANY MAKES INFERIOR PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT PURCHASE THIS THING, UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY TO WASTE.

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Power Acoustik's going huge with this receiver--the single-DIN unit boasts an 8.3-inch flip-up screen. Yes, you read that right: The company developed a new ultra-slim transport (only half an inch) and rotational mechanism to give you the big picture. It comes with two cages that will allow for hooded dash installs or a flusher install where no hooded dash exists. Enjoy a superb picture with 800 x 480 resolution, playback of your favorite media, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth technology, and then some. You can also add the optional NaviBox-1 for full NAVTEQ navigation.

Huge 8.3-Inch Screen The PTID-8310NRB boasts an 8.3-inch in-dash screen, for uncompromising entertainment. The motorized, LED-backlit LCD telescopes forward and backward with preset angles. It offers 800 x 480 pixel resolution with a 400 NIT brightness rating, for a picture to rival anything else out there. It's also a touchscreen, for quick and easy navigation of system features.
When not in use, the screen tucks safely away into the receiver, thanks to Power Acoustik's unique rotating mechanism. A standard DOT display picks up the slack when you're not using it.
Integrated Bluetooth Make hands-free calls or stream music with integrated Bluetooth technology. The PTID-8310NRB works with most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, and it includes a built-in microphone.
A2DP profile support means you can stream audio from compatible devices directly to your stereo, with no cable needed.
Enjoy Your Media Play back your favorite discs with support for DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, and VCD formats. You can also enjoy DivX and MP4 video, along with MP3/WMA audio (from disc, SD card, or USB devices).
Dial in the sound with custom or preset EQ settings, along with audio staging controls.
Prefer the radio? The PTID-8310NRB features an AM/FM radio with 18 FM and 12 AM presets, for instant recall of your favorite stations.
50W x 4 MOSFET Amplifier The built-in 50W x 4 amp provides plenty of output to start with; but for those who want a little more system, three sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear, sub) are included. Add some external amps for some chassis-shaking power.
Front-Panel Inputs You get plenty of input options with this receiver. Put your favorite media on SD cards or a USB thumb drive, and plug right into the slot/port on the front of the device.
There's also a standard 3.5-mm auxiliary input, so no matter what your device, chances are you can connect it.
Navigation-Ready Just add the optional NaviBox-1 (sold separately), and you'll have a full-featured NAVTEQ navigation system at your fingertips. Get realistic intersection views, turn-by-turn instructions, 2D and 3D map viewing, and plenty more.
Remote Included Control unit functions with the provided full-featured remote.
What's in the Box PTID-8310NRB receiver, Bluetooth microphone, remote control, wiring harness, and installation hardware.

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