7/02/2011

Pioneer AVH-P3200BT In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver Review

Pioneer AVH-P3200BT In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver
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I hadn't installed car electronics in ages, and just decided it was time to replace the factory stereo in my 2002 Toyota Highlander. I was sick and tired of juggling with the lousy sound and wires all over the place, cassette adapter, iPhone charger, Sirius radio... it was time for an upgrade. With Amazon running a sale on Pioneer car audio, it seemed it was time to jump. In the process, I learned a few things that I hope will help you make the right decisions.TIPS
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1) Pioneer sells a $35 "Double DIN install kit". I'm sure it's needed in some cars, but the 3200 was a perfect drop-in in my Highlander, at least as far bolting it to the equipment chassis. The screw holes are exactly in the same place as on the Denso factory double DIN stereo it replaced,.
2) Getting a wire bundle adapter (available from Amazon, cost is under $10) simplifies the installation tremendously and makes it easy to put the original stereo back in. It's basically a connector that looks like the one on the factory stereo and has a color coded bundle of wires attached. You solder or crimp these wires to the bundle that comes with your new stereo and you're in business: it's now a perfect drop in substitute for the factory stereo. The bundle adapter is specific to your car, not the stereo you're installing.
3) Lock-out of some features (movie playing, phone number pad dialing...) is done by detecting the state of the parking brake. If you don't connect the parking brake wire, you will not be able to use these features, ever. Of course if you were a bad person you would just attach this wire to the ground somewhere, which would disable the lock-out. I'm just sayin.
4) Why are there so many iPod cables for this family of receivers? It's infuriating! There's the CD-IU50, the CD-IU50V, and the CD-IU200V. The IU50 is just a very expensive iPod/iPhone USB cord like the one that came with your iPhone. Despite what its description says on the Amazon page, it will not provide video. The IU50V will play video from the iPod (it has a USB jack and also a minijack for the video, which both plug into the front). The IU200V is similar to the IU50V but is for the 4200DVD only (according to the manual). If you want to play video from your iPhone on the 3200BT or 3200DVD, get the IU50V.
5) There's a hideous gap of 3/4" to the left and right of the receiver, and a smaller one at the top and bottom. Once again, Scosche to the rescue; they make an inexpensive kit that fills the gap. It was harder to find than I would have hoped.
Now that this is out of the way, how about performance and ease of use? Well, here goes.
PROS
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- Sounds great, lots of equalization options, easy to configure, lots of power.
- Great user interface, very responsive and easy to use.
- Displays all songs in iPhone (I used with iPhone 4), allows browsing by artist, record, song, even displays the album artwork!
- PACKED with features (supports rear view camera, second zone video, HD radio, Sirius/XM, etc...)
- Customizable theme
- Plays DiVX
- Bluetooth phone feature very easy to setup and works like a charm. Loaded the contact list from my iPhone 4 in seconds, and people I have been talking to can't believe I'm using a hands free system in a car, it's just that good.
- Convenient USB and A/V inputs in front.
- Convenient SD memory card reader
- Charges iPod/iPhone during use. You can still use your iPhone while music is playing.
- Available AVIC-U220 navigation option
CONS
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- Screen washes out in sunlight and can get very hard to read
- Must use front connector for iPod/iPhone, so leaving a discrete connector permanently plugged in is not an option with the 3200BT model.
- No stereo bluetooth, if you need that get the AVH-P3200DVD and purchase the pricey CD-BTB200 option
- Remote control is optional
- Options are prohibitively expensive (Navigation, Bluetooth for 3200DVD and Sirius satellite radio options cost way too much)
CONCLUSION
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Love, love, love this receiver. It's a lot of functionality for the price, easy to install, easy to use, iPod integration is top-notch, and the minor flaws don't really warrant not giving it the five stars it deserves, considering its very reasonable price. Highly recommended.

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Get your media on the road with Pioneer's AVH-P3200BT, an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver featuring built-in Bluetooth and a 5.8-inch widescreen display. With versatile music and video playback, modern features like USB Direct Control and DivX support, a built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and plenty of expansion options--not to mention the ability to make and receive calls--it's the perfect way to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center.


AVH-P3200BT Features
Built-In Bluetooth The AVH-P3200BT 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.
5.8-Inch Touchscreen Display The AVH-P3200BT boasts a 5.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with 1440 x 240 pixel resolution. Navigating your media and system settings from the touchscreen is a breeze thanks to intuitive touch controls and customizable menus. Tap, Swipe or Drag--exactly the way you expect a touchscreen device to work.
Versatile Multimedia Playback Enjoy your favorite DVDs while parked with the full-featured DVD player, or add a back seat screen for your passengers to watch as you drive. The AVH-P3200BT will play DVDs, DVD-Rs, Video CDs and even DivX files burnt to CD or DVD (or from a USB device). You can also use the rear A/V input to attach external devices like video game systems.
As for music, you can enjoy your favorite CDs, or listen to MP3/WMA/AAC files from either CD/DVD data discs or a USB device.
USB Input / SD Memory Card Slot Connect USB thumb drives or other devices and enjoy playback of your digital audio files or DivX video. 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-P3200BT's screen. Say goodbye to the annoying static of FM transmitters and other iPod half-solutions.
Advanced Sound Retriever Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies.
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.
Dial in Your Sound Use and customize EQ curves, adjust the eight-band parametric equalizer, or change loudness and bass boost settings to get the perfect sound.
AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any digital portable player and other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVH-P3200BT has this A/V input on the front panel.
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).
Rear View Camera Capability Keep an eye on your backside using the optional Rear View Camera (ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA): while you're in reverse the rear-view camera can be in full screen.An unit equipped with the optional rear-view camera adds a level of safety and assurance you can rely on.In addition to keeping you and your family safe, this feature also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
Ready to Expand The AVH-P3200BT is also compatible with Pioneer's XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, HD radio tuner, TV tuner, CD/DVD changers and more.
AVH-P3200BT Basic Specs

What's in the Box Pioneer AVH-P3200BT Receiver, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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JVC KD-AVX77 El Kameleon DVD/CD/USB Receiver with 5.4-Inch Monitor, Proximity Sensor, Touchscreen Controls, Built-in Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone USB 2.0 Review

JVC KD-AVX77 El Kameleon DVD/CD/USB Receiver with 5.4-Inch Monitor, Proximity Sensor, Touchscreen Controls, Built-in Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone USB 2.0
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Like everyone else, I too love the receiver for all the reasons people described. I DID NOT read the lack of support with the IPHONE 3GS before I bought and installed it. I didn't even really realize the lack of support when I used them together until I read the reviews here. I installed mine yesterday with a powered sub and factory speakers for now. The installation was a breeze and everything works well, except for one thing. Here is a description of the features I setup and the success of their function.
- Bluetooth setup: I have an iPhone 3Gs and it paired just fine the first time. I was not able to get the "phone book", as JVC calls it, loaded to the receiver. It didn't recognize the iPhone as a device with a phone book. Not that big of a deal to me as I will always use my contacts in the phone for that. It DOES however, activate the voice feature in the iPhone which I didn't expect, and works perfectly on voice dialing for hands free use. (so why would you need the phone book downloaded to the receiver if the reason you wanted it there was so you could make hands-free voice calling) It also connects via Bluetooth audio to my iPhone for wireless iPod listening and sounds perfect, as if it were plugged in. To summarize, everything actually works the way it was designed except the phone book can not be downloaded in to this receiver.
- Wired features with the iPhone 3Gs: Everything works as it was described in the list of features from the JVC spec sheet. When plugged in to the USB port of the receiver using the standard interface cable that came with your iPhone, it will charge the iPhone, control the iPod via the "head unit" mode so you can listen to music through the receiver (kind of an attached hard drive idea) as well as use the phone to place calls. All of this also works the same when you have the receiver in "iPod" mode.(you can hold the iPhone and use it as you would normally but have the sound come through the receiver)
I do not use any of the options connected to the receiver, i.e. HD radio, Sirius Radio, so I can not comment on those but I will tell you that this is a pretty kick ass receiver and you will enjoy all the rich features it has to offer. Including what I am calling, support for the iPhone 3Gs.
Believe it or not I don't work for Apple or JVC. Just a guy that wants it right.

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Both innovative and stylish, exclusive El Kameleon technology provides the ultimate anti-theft security advantage. The KD-AVX77's faceplate converts to a stealthy black appearance when the power is turned off--appearing unnoticeable to potential car stereo thieves. Once powered on, El Kameleon comes to life as a full function Multimedia player--complete with a unique electro-static touch panel operation interface and 3-D graphical menu system.

El Kameleon Control Panel The single-din receiver's 5.4" ultra wide monitor is constructed with a high-resolution 192,000 pixel TFT panel capable of over thousands of display colors. This TFT panel can display aspect ratios up to 3:32:1 for a super-wide Cinemascope viewing experience. The ultra wide monitor can also display multimedia video and AV input content at the same time in split screen mode. The KD-AVX77 also boasts a wide viewing angle free of screen glares, making the monitor clearly visible from every angle. Another new feature is full touch screen capability, which allows the entire TFT panel to dual-task as the receiver"s control panel. This receiver also features a built-in electrostatic proximity sensor, which illuminates the screen when the user approaches it with their hand. Otherwise, it's pitch black--El Kameleon.
Customizable Interface The KD-AVX77 lets you make it your own by selecting touch-key layouts and designs, colors, and wallpaper. You can also upload a favorite JPEG picture to use as the wallpaper.
Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology The KD-AVX77 features built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling while driving. Phone calls can be made easily and received directly through the receiver, while voice recognition technology enables immediate dialing from the driver's cell phone without the distraction of handling the phone while driving. Phonebook entries can be stored and accessed on the receiver and text message notification can also be displayed on-screen.
JVC also includes PBAP, or "Phonebook Access Profile" capability. This feature allows direct view and selection of phonebook entries without requiring any additional action or information transfer. PBAP also allows access to all phonebook entries, regardless of how many number entries are stored in the cell phone's memory.
Bluetooth connectivity also allows music enthusiasts to listen to their favorite songs and artists wirelessly from iPod/iPhone, cell phone, or other Bluetooth enabled devices through the receiver.
CD and DVD Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or watch some video on DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW or VCDs. Use the gold-plated video output terminals to send video to a passenger screen.
AM/FM Radio The KD-AVX77 features an AM/FM radio with standards like automatic presetting. You can also add SAT or HD radio with additional accessories.
GIGA MP3 MULTI--Play MP3, WMA, and WAV Files Burned on DVD The KD-AVX77 features GIGA MP3 MULTI, which plays MP3, WMA, or WAV files burned on DVD. With MP3 and WMA files, the 4.7GB capacity of a DVD can store up to 2,500 songs on a single disc--equal to 250 pre-recorded CDs. If you want even more superior sound quality, WAV files can be burned onto a DVD. WAV is an uncompressed PC music file format that delivers CD-quality sound. A single DVD disc can store 100 WAV files--equal to 10 pre-recorded CDs. Now you can enjoy non-stop entertainment with CD-quality sound, without an additional CD changer.
USB Port Stream WAV/MP3/WMA/AAC files from USB thumb drives and other devices via the included USB port.
iPod Connectivity You can also operate your iPod via the USB port. Control your iPod/iPhone from either the player itself or from the receiver's controls, while allowing song and artist information display, play, pause, skip, or back commands from either device.
MPEG 1/MPEG 2 Playback Play MPEG 1 and MPEG 2 video files burned on DVD or CD, TV programs recorded from a PC, or personal footage from digital camcorders, without the hassles of authoring or decoding.
JPEG Pictures JPEG digital still photos can be displayed on their own or as slideshows.
Expandability With its 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier, the KD-AVX11 packs a lot of punch. But if you need more, two sets of preamp outputs (front, rear, and sub) are included.
A/V Input Connect external devices like video game systems with the A/V input.
What's in the Box JVC KD-AVX77 DVD/CD Receiver, external wired microphone, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions

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Ricoh G700SE Digital Camera with Bluetooth and Wireless LAN Support Review

Ricoh G700SE Digital Camera with Bluetooth and Wireless LAN Support
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This camera is primarily aimed at industries and companies who need photos fast. I have to say that you can still use this as a creative tool just without the RAW built into it. It will handle pretty much anything thrown at it, and it's the only compact out there with a lens that kills any rivals out there with the way it's made. It's a top notch lens, and the camera may be pricey...but it will never break on you from a drop or from rainy days. You can literally take this thing anywhere and shoot in any condition, plus this company updates their firmwares often and has pretty good customer service I've been reading. I haven't had to deal with them yet, so this is a good sign.

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7/01/2011

Samsung HT-BD7200 Bluetooth Speaker Bar Home Theater System (Black) Review

Samsung HT-BD7200 Bluetooth Speaker Bar Home Theater System (Black)
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Okay, so first lets start with what has not been listed in the product listing:
Blu-ray Profile 2.0 compliant for playback of BD Live material on compatible discs(needs internet connection)
Upconverts DVDs selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p output via HDMI
Plays Blu-ray discs, DVD-Video discs, DVD-RAM, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+Rs, & DVD+RWs
Plays CDs, audio CD-Rs, CD-RWs, CD+Rs, CD+RWs, & MP3 CDs
Plays digital picture CDs (JPEG) and DivX videos
Built-in decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio (No DTS ES Discrete 6.1
DTS 96/24 DTS Neo 6)
3-channel amplifier (133 watts x 2 for front speakers, 134 watts for subwoofer)
Has a USB port for connecting an optional thumb drive or hard drive
Wi-Fi capable (needs optional USB adapter) and Ethernet port
Built-in support for Netflix movie and Pandora music services (you need to subscribe)
Has built-in iPod dock with audio, video, and iPhone support
Bluetooth-enabled (listen to your TV with a wireless Bluetooth headset)
No component or composite inputs
No coax input
No XM or AM radioSo, with all of these features, I can tell you that this is ok if you have a small space and no children. The finish is very glossy and shows every bit of dust and fingerprints and likely will easily scratch. The sound is a bit lacking when compared to a a true 7.1 system with a good (Onkyo) receiver. So, even though this decodes DTS-HD as well as DD True HD, it's kind of useless with this system. While it will decode those, you will not really get to appreciate it. Also, the sub is a bit weak. You have a 3 channel amp to run 2 speakers and the sub. So, if you simply do not have the room and you have to worry about neighbors, this is an okay system. I was thinking about giving this 4 stars, but after all, you can do better without spending that much more.

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Blu-Ray Home Theater

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Blackberry Pearl 3G 9105 OEM Unlocked GSM Smartphone with 3MP Camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BlackBerry Maps--International Version with No Warranty (Black) Review

Blackberry Pearl 3G 9105 OEM Unlocked GSM Smartphone with 3MP Camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BlackBerry Maps--International Version with No Warranty (Black)
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El equipo me llego en buen estado, nuevo, con todos sus componentes y accesorios, no obstante, no me llego con el estuche de cuero que aparece en la foto. Por lo tanto, la foto es engañosa. Por otro lado, este vendedor cobra mucho por enviar los celulares, casi 20$ a cuaquier parte de EU, según dice él, por impuestos y no te lo específica claramente en el precio de venta, de forma tal que el precio del celular no es 204, sino 219 o mas. Y finalmente, no lee los email que uno le envía, así que cualquier cambio de dirección que se tenga que hacer (en caso de emergencia, como me paso a mi), éste vendedor hará caso omiso; y enviará el producto a la dirección que originalmente se registró. Además no atiende preguntas o quejas. En definitiva, un siente que esta comprando un producto a un tipo "novedoso"

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HTC Legend A6363 Unlocked GSM Android Based Smartphone with 5 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, gps navigation, Touchscreen and Bluetooth -- International Version with No Warranty (Silver) Review

HTC Legend A6363 Unlocked GSM Android Based Smartphone with 5 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, gps navigation, Touchscreen and Bluetooth -- International Version with No Warranty (Silver)
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I've had my Legend for a week now and can still barely put it down! The integration between apps is amazing. I like the selection of apps from the android market - and the HTC Sense UI makes the whole thing really quite intuitive. This is my first touch-screen phone (I've always had physical keyboard'd phones previously). This is easy to type on, the predictive-text is great.
The cons: With heavy usage, my battery will last me about 12 hrs max. With regular usage then 2 days is typical. The AMOLED screen is awesome, but fairly hard to see outside. I didn't think it would matter that much-- but the place it impacts me is if I'm taking pictures (need to see the screen as the viewfinder). If I place my hand over it for shade, it's generally enough, but still makes me wish I could see it better.
The speed of the device is great. I'm actively recommending it to any of my friends who are in the market right now.l

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Kenwood Dnx-6160 6.1-Inch Multimedia Navigation Receiver with Bluetooth Review

Kenwood Dnx-6160 6.1-Inch Multimedia Navigation Receiver with Bluetooth
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I purchased the DNX6160 about a month ago because it had the features that I needed for my car. I was impressed with the fact that it used the Garmin Navigation system. I was already familiar with the Nav because that is what my old system used and it was a snap to update and load. The other units that I looked at out there were using thier own proprietery navigation systems. The Parrot blue tooth was easy to setup but would not accept my call list, this is a major turn off for me as I have an extensive call list and their is no easy way for me to manually enter all the numbers on the unit. I have to pick up my phone to know who is calling me everytime it rings. It does do a great job answering calls and the communication is clear both inbound and outgoing (so I am told).
The sound on this unit is excellent...even using my stock Ford explorer speakers and sub. There are many ways to shape the sound in the EQ section and I was able to dial the sound right into what sounds great to me. I didn't purchase the iPod connector because I wanted to make sure the unit worked for me first before spending alot of money on the accessories. I did, however by the unit that allows me to use the steering wheel controlers to control certain features on the deck. I strongly suggest this option even though it is not cheap.
The DVD can be modified to play from the front unit's screen while the vehicle is in motion so that your passenger next to you can watch a movie on long trips. One draw back for this is, during daylight hours, the unit can be difficult to see due to glare from the sun bouncing off of everything in the car. I wish they would allow you to tilt the unit up/down left/right just a hair to help with this but.....it doesn't do that.
I have yet to put a disc in the unit that it won't play...even some pretty scratched up discs seem to play just fine. This is a major plus.
One of the negative features for me is...the start up time for this unit seems rather excessive (about 20-30 sec) this is a major hassle when you are entering the car while on my cell or I recieve a call on my cell while starting the car up and getting ready to roll. I have to wait to go anywhere until the unit powers up....probably will help the engine to warm up a little :o#
I did not purchase the Sirius or XM tuner either #waiting to see if I like the unit well enough first.
I like the customizable feature on the unit to change the colors on the back ground lights but wish that I could download more of my pictures on the unit for display...so far I have only been able to load one pic.
MAKE SURE to get the right harnesses to install this unit in specific vehicle first. Mine had to be changed because the wrong one was sold to me and it was a major hassle.
I give the unit an 8 out 10 for my application although it is a bit pricey but....I got what I paid for!

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