Showing posts with label pandora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pandora. Show all posts

Monday, January 30, 2012

Scosche Bfha Bluefusion Interface Module For Factory Hands-Free (Honda) Review

Scosche Bfha Bluefusion Interface Module For Factory Hands-Free (Honda)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm rocking the BFHA in a 2007 Honda Civic Si, and for a phone, the iPhone 4. As an interface for making and receiving calls, it works really really well. The calls are clear and nobody has any problem hearing me. Using the radio buttons to initiate the calls is somewhat confusing, but using the phone itself, it couldn't be easier.
One of the big reasons I got this particular bluetooth unit was to also be able to play music from the phone through the stereo wirelessly. This also works pretty well. it's even possible to advance through tracks using the steering wheel controls, which is really cool. So, for example, I can be driving down the highway streaming Pandora, and skip a song I don't like. That's really neat.
My one complaint (so far) is that the gain on the a2dp seems to be too high. What I mean by this is that the music comes on really loud in comparison to other sources. Which isn't that big of a deal in and of itself, but this also seems to result in the highs being somewhat "blown out" and crackly. Even if I turn down the volume of the phone, when the volume of the headunit is turned up to get to the same volume, some songs seem to have this problem. I've used this phone with a2dp bluetooth headunits from Pioneer and Sony and do not have this problem.
All that said, I haven't spent very much time troubleshooting the problem and I hope to find a remedy with a little work. I had a minor snafu with the install (my mic ended up being defective), but to my pleasant surprise Scosche representatives are easy to reach, even on Saturdays. I'm hoping they might have some thoughts on this gain/volume issue.

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Scosche Bfha Bluefusion Interface Module For Factory Hands-Free (Honda)

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Clarion CZ509 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/iPod Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth Receiver and USB Port Review

Clarion CZ509 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/iPod Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth Receiver and USB Port
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently got a used car and the radio was trashed so I had to replace it. (Approx cost $159 for decent unit)
I HATE the whole blue tooth headset thing because I always forget it or forget to charge it but I needed a new headset. (Approx Cost $60 for moderate unit or $129 for Jawbone)
I also wanted to be able to control my iPod from my stereo.
(Approx cost for iPod stereo module is $75)
The Clarion CZ509 seemed to be the logical choice as it would cost over $290 separately to accomplish what I wanted plus I would not have to worry about remembering to bring or charge that stupid headset!
Installation of the CZ509 cost me $40 plus another $50 for the dash kit, wire harness and antenna adapter bringing my total up to $269.
The blue tooth is GREAT, sound is good and the INCLUDED External Mic really makes it work better than those stereos that have it on the faceplate.
iPod control is good and it charges your iPod while it is connected so you NEVER have to worry about it having a dead battery.
Now the bad.
The manual is obviously translated from another language to English as some things don't have the correct usage or tense.
Some of the features are difficult program like syncing your phonebook with the CZ509 and you almost need a 2nd pair of hands to accomplish these tasks.
For some reason, the AM band does not work well which really sucks if you are trying to listen to traffic radio.
I am pleased with the CZ509 and would recommend.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion CZ509 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/iPod Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth Receiver and USB Port

With Built-in Bluetooth, MP3/WMA/AAC support, direct iPod control, a front USB input, and a wealth of sound-shaping features, Clarion's CZ509 CD receiver is a powerful system to begin with. But with support for SAT radio, OEM steering wheel remotes, and three sets of preamp outputs, it's a perfect bed for expansion.

Detachable Control Panel The CZ509 features an anti-theft, flip-down detachable faceplate featuring a 13 x 10 two-line, high-visibility LCD. Blue key illumination and a massive rotary volume make control in the dark a snap.
Built-in Bluetooth For wireless connection with mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players. Supports Bluetooth profiles A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/OPP for hands-free operation, so you can easily communicate and transfer digital music to your vehicle's audio system. A wired microphone is also supplied.
Rear USB for Direct iPod Control Just connect the USB cable that's included with your iPod to the CZ509's rear USB input and you get complete control of your iPod including genre/album/song title browsing, complete with iPod ABC Search convenience. The functions of iPod's control wheel are emulated on the source unit's control dial, so virtually the same operations are possible from both the iPod or the source unit. The tunes you love to carry can be enjoyed seamlessly in your car.
CDs and Beyond This receiver will play your CDs and CD-R/RWs, but burn a data CD with your favorite MP3/WMA or iTunes AAC files and the fun begins, with hours of music on a single disc. You can also play the files back from an inserted USB thumb drive. The device will display ID3-TAG info like artist or song name for your added convenience.
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.
BBE MP for Better Sounding MP3/WMA/AAC Files BBE MP (Minimized Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) Process improves digitally compressed sound such as MP3/WMA/AAC by restoring the harmonics that are lost through compression, thereby reproducing the warmth, details and nuances that you would otherwise miss. BBE MP enhanced harmonics even serve to make regular CDs sound better.
Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound In addition to providing 3 preset equalization patterns--BASS BOOST, IMPACT, and EXCITE--Clarion's BeatEQ even lets you freely customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. You can tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of music, for a more fulfilling listening experience. (A2DP/ AVRCP compliant).
Built-in High Pass/Low Pass Crossovers Crossover settings of 50Hz, 80Hz and 120Hz are available, letting you optimize the signal for high or low frequency reproduction when a subwoofer or tweeters are part of the system.
Front AUX Input With an AUX input on the front panel, it's easy to plug-in a portable audio device, portable satellite radio, or other external audio gadgets for instantaneous enjoyment.
SAT Radio Ready Clarion gives you the choice of XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio. Choose either system and you can connect a Satellite Radio receiver with Translator connected via Ce-NET. Enjoy over 150 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with CD quality sound.
Ready to Expand The CZ509 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, but if you'd like to add additional power to your system, three RCA preamp outs are provided.
It's also ready for an OEM steering wheel remote. Grow your system at your own pace.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion CZ509, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, microphone, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

PIONEER CNSD-110FM Map Update for PIOAVICZ110BT Navigation A/V Receiver Review

PIONEER CNSD-110FM Map Update for PIOAVICZ110BT Navigation A/V Receiver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was extremely excited to get this upgrade/update and frankly I'm kind of disappointed now that I do. It is an update to the Navi maps, but the new GUI is a bit disappointing. The ipod artist/song/album, etc. scroll is nice, but to get it to scroll you have to apply a "medium" amount of screen pressure in order to not actually select the name. The tile scroll on the right is particularly difficult to use in that regard. Everytime I try and "grab" a tile to scroll, it instead just selects that tile. Very frustrating.
My biggest disappointment was the Pandora Link. As an Iphone user I was pretty happy with the old Bluetooth connecting Pandora Audio. You had to control Pandora from your phone but you could still have it in your pocket or in the cup holder or whatever, you know, wirelessly. Which I think we all know is the way things are headed these days. Well I finally get this update and I'm psyched that this PandoraLink is available, allowing you to fully control Pandora from your Pioneer head unit. Well, I was very disappointed to realized that first you have to plug your Iphone in to the Ipod cable. So if you have a resident ipod, you have to unplug that. Not only that but you have to start the PandoraLink app and then wait for it to start up and recognize the headunit which I've had limited success with. Furthermore, now if you want to switch audio sources, say back to your ipod, you have to the whole unplug and replug thing. This completely defeats the purpose of this "upgrade" if you ask me. Not only that, but like many I assume, you ipod cable is routed to a center console, glove box, etc. So now your phone is in an area that you cannot reach if you wish (since the bluetooth phone aspect of this head unit is so terrible). Personally I paid $167 for this feature. And not I'm back to using the Bluetooth Audio again... just like before. Plus I don't have my onscreen "ipod wheel" controls anymore, which if you ask me, is a pretty tried and true great control interface. Way to try and reinvent the wheel Pioneer. FAIL.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PIONEER CNSD-110FM Map Update for PIOAVICZ110BT Navigation A/V Receiver

PIONEER CNSD-110FM Map Update for PIOAVICZ110BT Navigation A/V Receiver

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Pioneer AVIC-X710BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth Review

Pioneer AVIC-X710BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
- Great all-in-one package: Touch Screen, Hands free phone, Nav System, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, and external audio/video inputs. It even allows for a rear camera if optionally installed.
- Installation: I did have this professionally installed and found only AFTER they opened up my dashboard that the Honda Civic 2000 requires a special-order double-din mounting kit. Not too expensive, but I recommend you CHECK THIS THOROUGHLY BEFORE PURCHASING... This detail is not really made clear, even if you previously had a double-din radio in your car. With the mounting kit, the unit fits and looks great.
- Hands Free Phone: Took a little while to set up with my old bluetooth device, but once it found my phone, it connects automatically every time. Sound quality is good and it allows for voice activated calls. Voice activiation works pretty well, but can have trouble rocognizing some words. Sync'ing with my phone's address book has been problematic, but newer phones probably work better than my old Palm Treo.
- AM/FM Radio: Sound is fine. Provides 24 FM Presets and 8 AM Presets. Changing the station is a bit clunky and can require several menu selections just to change from an FM to an AM station ion the Nav System.
- Navigation System: Some nice advanced features like 3-D Maps & "Smart" zoom which automatically changes the zoom level based on where you are in your route. The Nav System in my Toyota Hilander is more refined and user friendly, but the AVIX is made by engineers to have some nice bells & whistles.
Overall, a great unit and it functions well. I think its extended the useful life of my old car for another 3-5 years. I do wish that changing the radio station did not take so many key presses - it would have been nice to have a one-press feature to change the station from preset to preset even from AM to FM to CD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer AVIC-X710BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth

Pioneer's AVIC-X710BT is an in-dash navigation receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth. Get fast, easy-to-use in-dash navigation, talk hands-free with built-in Bluetooth, and control your iPod or iPhone directly. With a built-in SD Card slot, larger monitor and several other features, it's the next step up from the AVIC-U310BT.

Key reasons to upgrade from AVIC-U310BT:
Larger 5.8" display with higher resolution (WVGA)
12 Million POI (Points of Interest)
3D Landmarks on Map
Voice Control of Bluetooth Phone (call contact from phonebook, dial phone number)
Voice Control of iPod (Artist, Album, Genre or Playlist)
MP3, WMA, WAV, iTunes AAC playback from SD Card
MPEG4 playback from USB or SD Card
RCA Preouts x3
Compatible with iPod Video
Rear View Camera Input
Composite A/V Input


Navigation Beyond Expectation The AVIC-X series of receivers are ideal for those looking for a refined navigation experience with the latest in media and connectivity options. Out of the box, this system comes with 12 million points of interest and an extensive map database to help you find your next destination.
On the Map The easy-to-operate Pioneer Navigation system has built-in maps that put the world at your fingertips. This includes major points of interest, such as restaurants, ATMs, gas stations, entertainment venues and more. The built-in Text-to-Speech engine clearly pronounces turn-by-turn direction and street names to ensure smooth travels. The AVIC-X710BT also offers high-resolution 2D and 3D maps with renderings of nearby landmarks and terrain to help navigate the world around you.
AVIC Feeds The system's database is fully expandable with AVIC feeds, Pioneer's PC application, which lets you create custom trips and your own points of interest.
Voice Control The Z-Series offers convenient voice-activated navigation, which allows you to simply say an address or find nearby points of interest.

AVIC FEEDS for iPhone now available Unleash the power of your Pioneer navigation system with the AVIC FEEDS for iPhone application. Find a destination, then transfer it to your Pioneer navigation system for turn-by-turn routing.
Bridge the Gap Start Planning your route before you even step into your car with the free AVIC FEEDS app. Now you can seamlessly use your iPhone with your Pioneer navigation receiver. Simply find your destination with the built-in Google Maps interface and transfer it via Bluetooth for easy, turn-by-turn directions.
Picture Yourself There The AVIC FEEDS app also allows you to use the geo-tag data in your photos to be routed directly to places you've visited. The built-in GPS feature of iPhone 3G and 3GS has the ability to embed geo-tag information in the photos you take with its camera. AVIC FEEDS allows you to save destinations by reading these geo-tags. You can also use AVIC FEEDS to create destinations from geo-tagged photos that are sent to your iPhone.

Your iPod (and iPhone) Will Thank You On top of being an exceptional navigator, the AVIC-X series delivers an iPod experience that blows away FM transmitters or cassette adaptors. Even at the first glance, you will fall in love with the easy-to-use touch screen controls for your music and brilliant 5.8-inch display for your videos. Album art is also beautifully displayed.
With the optional cable (CD-IU230V) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, videos, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. The AVIC-X710BT also features voice-activated control of your iPod. Simply say the name of an artist, album, playlist, or genre to bring up the next song.

Ditch the Headset with Built-in Bluetooth Take incoming calls through the AVIC-X710BT, and be heard clearly without a headset courtesy of Bluetooth technology. Connecting your compatible phone is easy and gives you instant touch screen access to your contacts. You can also dial a contact with the sound of your voice by simply saying "Call Jack Smith."

The Freedom of Speech Your iPod audio functions and hands-free Bluetooth dialing can all be controlled with the sound of your voice. Voice-activated control over your navigation system not only performs in-car tasks with greater speed, but helps you keep your eyes (and attention) on the road ahead.

Media Mogul Built to navigate, but born to entertain, the AVIC-X710BT offers audio and video playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're listening to WAV audio files on CD, MP3 audio on SD card or iTunes AAC files on a compatible USB device, there are several playback options for your favorite media.
From Disc Play back CDs and CD-RWs, and burn discs with all your digital media, since the AVIC-U310BT also plays back MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV files from CD.
From USB Device If you don't feel like burning CDs just throw the MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files you want on a USB device and enjoy.

Sound Minded Just because the AVIC-X710BT features a robust navigation platform, doesn't mean it holds back on sound quality. With 3 sets of RCA pre-outs, MOSFET50 power and a 3-band parametric equalizer, you can build a massive system with massive sound.

Expanded Listening The AVIC-X710BT gives you plenty of room to expand your broadcast options. With optional tuners, experience the vast channel selection of XM Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio.
What's in the Box AVIC-X710BT Main Unit, Power Cord, Extension Lead, RCA Connector, GPS Antenna, Microphone, User's Manual, Installation Manual

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