CAR AUDIO ARTICLE

Planning A Car Audio System Installation

2007-12-20T07:33:00.000+07:00

With such a wide range of components and gadget on the market for car audio systems, the big question is "Where do I start?"

First you must decide what exactly you wish to do. If you are wanting to build a car audio system for a daily driver (the car you drive back and forth to work) with good sounds, but you are not interested in competing, a system can easily be put together for under $1000. However, if you are looking for the all-out bass monster, be prepared to drop in some big bucks into your system.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a car audio system is planning. Get an idea of where you are going to place components, subwoofers, amplifiers, and power distribution. A lot of headache can be avoided with the proper planning!!

For the basic system, lets look at some of the components needed.

Let's first start with the head unit (CD player). Obviously you are going to want a nice head unit. If you start with a good quality cd player, and choose to upgrade your sound system in the future, purchase a head unit that will grow with you. Some
of the features you may want to keep in mind are:

1. CD changer controls

2. XM / Sirius controls (if you decide to add Satellite radio in the future)

3. Dual RCA outputs (carries signal to the amplifiers)

4. Pause button (important for competing)

5. Detachable face, or other security devices

6. High voltage line driver - this will send the sound signal at a higher voltage to your amplifier/s reducing noise and improving overall sound quality.

After you have chosen your head unit, you will want to make a decision on amplifiers and subwoofers. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A $30 subwoofer will be as big as a $300 subwoofer, but the capacities of each will differ greatly. Look at the power handling of each subwoofer and decide accordingly. You will want subwoofers will work with your amplifier/s (see compatibility).

You must also keep in mind the available space in your vehicle. Are you willing to give up your entire cargo area? How many subwoofers will fit? Decide on the size. Sizes will vary from 8" up to 18", some are square (Kicker), but most are round. Also keep in mind the resistance (ohms) of the subwoofer and make sure they are compatible with your amplifier/s (see compatibility). The subwoofer decision will also have an effect on the enclosure you decide to build or buy. For the basic system, I would recommend purchasing a pre-fabricated subwoofer enclosure. This will save you a bit of money and headache (especially if you end up building it two or three times!!). Make sure you take accurate measurement of your cargo area before building or buying an enclosure!!

Other components may be needed depending on the type of system you are building and how elaborate you want your sound to be. For the competition vehicle, figure on upgrading your alternator, adding a battery to your system (maybe more), running high quality RCA cables, power cables, ground cables, and speaker cable. You may need to add a capacitor to provide your amplifier with a reservoir of power for bigger hits from the subs. You may need an electronic crossover, an equalizer, replacement factory speakers, an amplifier for your mid-range and tweeters, additional speakers within your vehicle for staging, etc.

By Will Reece

About the Author
I have been involved in the car audio arena for several years, and have competed locally in the Kansas City are with USACi. You may find me online at http://www.maximumspl.com. For additional information, visit us online at http://www.maximumspl.com

Pioneer Car Audio Video Systems The Top 3

2007-12-20T07:30:00.000+07:00

If you're looking for an in-car Pioneer car

audio video system, there are a number of

options to choose from. First, you must

decide what features you want - just a

basic sound system that plays DVD's, or one

that features a navigation system or other

additions too? Here are the top three

models of Pioneer car audio video they

make.

1. AVH-P7500DVD: This car DVD player has a

large anti-glare screen, and is compatible

with a broad range of Pioneer accessories.

It features DVD audio and video, CD and

MP3. It has surround sound and AM/FM radio,

and is XM radio-ready. It doesn't have a

navigation system, although it's easy to

add on features like navigation or a game

box. The price ranges from $1199-$1680.

2. Pioneer AVIC-N2 Car DVD Player: This

system also has a great deal of improved

features, and in addition to the DVD system

has a navigation system. The in-dash player

and monitor plays CD's, MP3's, DVD's, and

CD-R and CD-RW. The navigation system has

very detailed maps and up-to-date traffic

information for most major cities, and the

very sensitive touch screen ensures accuracy

while searching. It has four channels and

an optional XM radio tuner, as well as an

amplifier. The price is anywhere from $1330

to $2000.

3. Pioneer NAV-SYS620T (includes AVD-W6210

and AVIC-88DVD): This system combines a lot

of features to make an impressive system

that will enhance any car. There is an 8-

channel GPS receiver for excellent

navigation, along with five different

viewing modes for the touch screen. It has

voice recognition software so users can use

voice-control or touch screen mode. It also

features "points of interest" on the map

discs for the US and Canada. It has CD and

DVD, although it doesn't come with an AM/FM

tuner. The price range is $1389 to $1890.

By James Southall Jr

About the author:
10 years of experience with car audio systems from 1986 cutlas supremes to 1995 chevy luminas

http://www.audio-car-pioneer.com

iPod Integration for Mercedes-Benz, Volvo in 2005

2007-12-20T07:16:00.000+07:00

“Almost every car company in the world is working to integrate iPod into their cars in 2005,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPod customers want to take their entire music collection with them everywhere they go, including their car, so we’re excited to be able to work with so many leading automotive companies to provide customers with integrated solutions.”
Volvo and Apple announced in January two iPod connectivity options for Volvo's entire 2005 US model line, allowing iPod users to listen to their music collection through their Volvo audio system. Mercedes-Benz USA also annouced an iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz, offering full iPod music navigation through the Mercedes-Benz audio system as well as the ability to select music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on their instrument cluster.
iPod is the world’s most popular family of digital music players and the best way for Mac® or PC users to listen to music at home, on-the-go and in the car. Apple is working with leaders in the automotive industry to provide the best experience through car stereo systems, as the automobile is a perfect place for iPod users to listen to their music.
The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US ($300 plus installation) with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year. Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to provide full iPod music navigation for drivers to listen to their entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select their music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on their instrument cluster.
Volvo’s two iPod connectivity options for their entire 2005 US model line allow iPod users to listen to their entire music collection through their Volvo audio system. The Volvo iPod Adapter will be available for S60, S80 and V70/XC70 models and will connect by simply plugging the iPod into a cable located in the car’s glove compartment, while S40, V50 and XC90 owners can use a dashboard mounted FM transmitter. The Volvo iPod Adapter allows users to control their music through their Volvo sound system and steering wheel controls, and both options charge the iPod when plugged in.
The Volvo iPod Adapter pricing will be announced at program launch in the second quarter of 2005 for all Volvo models. Authorized Volvo dealers perform installation only. The Volvo iPod Adapter works with all iPods with a dock connector.
For all of your Mercedes Benz Parts needs welcome to the Online Directory for Mercedes Parts, Mercedes Benz Parts and Mercedes Accessories on the Internet.
Search online for the latest Mercedes-Benz breakthroughs and technological parts, accessories & products at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ and you're on your way to a satisfying your Mercedes-Benz car parts needs.

By Jenny McLane

About The Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
jenny@partstrain.com

How To Install Car Speakers

2007-12-19T11:44:00.000+07:00

All cars have their own unique type of car speaker installation issues although installing speakers is a relatively simple process. Most speaker installations can be finished in about an hour or less. The intricacy of the installation will vary depending on the vehicle. And again, depending on the vehicle, speakers may be installed in the dash, doors, or rear deck.

Most importantly, remember that safety should be considered when installing speakers. Damage can be caused by not installing speakers properly – this can impose added cost and even possible injury. Protection for hearing/vision should be used as necessary.

Here are fundamental steps to consider for installing speakers. Remember, some vehicles may require extra steps. Although the location of the speakers in your vehicle may vary from the mounting locations noted here, the method should be comparable.

For installation of dash and door speakers, you will need to ascertain if the vehicle has speaker grilles that are removable. If they can be removed, take the grilles off utilizing the appropriate tools, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness that was attached to the speaker, connect the speaker harness to the new speaker, plug the speaker harness which is connected to the new speaker to the harness in the car, set the speaker in the opening and reinstall it using the screws for mounting, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker. If installing speakers in the door, make certain the depth of the speaker will not interfere with the window operation after installation.

If the grilles cannot be removed, the dash pads or possibly the door panel will have to be removed. Be sure to keep an eye on any screws/clips removed should this be the case. Next follow the same steps shown above except you will need to reinstall the dash pads/door panel. If removing the door panel, be aware that screws can be mounted in the armrest or inside the door latch space and may be behind the trim panels. After all the screws are removed from the panel, raise it up so you can disconnect any wiring harnesses.

If installing rear deck speakers, you must determine if the speakers are top-mounted or bottom-mounted as this will determine your steps. If top-mounted, remove the grilles, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness, connect the harness to the new speaker, plug in the harness connected to the speaker to the vehicle side of the harness, place the new speaker in the opening and mount with the screws, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker.

If the speakers are bottom-mounted, reach in the trunk and remove the screws mounting the speaker. Then follow the same basic steps as above.

Eventually, you’d have to turn on the radio and check the operation of the new speakers.

By Sebastian Schneider

About the Author:

Car sound systems and anything related to car audio are dealt with on http://www.car-sound-systems.com
Source: www.isnare.com

Helping Your Car Run The Extra Mile

2007-12-19T11:41:00.000+07:00

A little extra care here and there when it comes to your car, and you'll find yourself saving loads of money - not just on repairs, but on fuel as well!

Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. This means less money in your wallet. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

I know it doesn't always fit into your schedule. You just have to make yourself do it. If the dealer is charging an arm and a leg for a tune-up, get a second opinion at a local reputable car repair shop. They can do the same service schedule, usually at a greater savings to you.

These tune-ups not only keep your car running smoothly, but they’ll help when you’re ready for a newer vehicle. A smooth running car means a better trade in value for you.

Check your tires for proper inflation. Under-inflation actually wastes fuel. It causes your engine to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you will save when you fill up.

Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and the jerky stop-and-go routine. (Pass the barf bag, please!) Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so there's no need to warm your car up for half an hour on cold winter mornings.

Keep your air conditioner in top condition.

Remove extra items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Storing luggage in the trunk rather than on the roof reduces air drag. All these little things add up.

Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Join a car pool. At least, ask if someone wants to share a ride if you're just headed one place and then back.

Remember, how you drive your car, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all affect the environment. So take good care of your baby! Go the extra mile for it, and it will run the extra miles for you!

By John Sanderson

About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-audio-shopper.com

Flash Card When Size Really Matters

2007-12-19T11:38:00.000+07:00

Few years back, we never really imagined how memory storage would evolve into flash cards we know today. It is ever harder to believe that the tiny rectangular piece of plastic could store thousands of pictures, hundreds of songs, and even movies. Remember few years ago when storing files could mean we have to settle for 3.5" and the outrageously large 5.25"? You know what I mean right? Those we have thought the future of memory storage- the floppy disks? With the amazing capacity to store as much as 1.44 MB of files, these floppy disks are really works of technology.

But as we all know technology would not stop to evolve. This is the reason why floppy disks are now the thing of the past. And as the years go by, we have received memory storage cards that are as size of post stamps. We even amaze old folks when we remove in from of them those tiny card out from digital cameras, cellular phones, and computers.

One of the earlier flash cards have the memory capacity not far from floppy drives. 2 MB is enough considering you have the reference point of 1.44MB. Shortly, the 4 MB came out. From then on, several more powerful, smaller, and larger storage flash cards came out. The 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 MB came out. Up to now, the 128 MB flash cards are still being used although much higher memory cards are now in the market.

Today, several digital devices are using 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and even 8 GB and 16 GB flash cards. Those are the capacity of hard drives just year ago. While hard drives are as size of car stereo cut in half, flash cards can fit to your pocket just like having a penny. The benefits of flash cards could be seen more popularly on digital cameras where they can sit peacefully to the camera's size. How about computers? Computers still use hard drives to store memory. And if you want some portable drives, the flash memory sticks are used. Like flash cards, they are small with large amount of memory capacity.

You might wonder how can a single tiny card hold such large files. Let us put it this way: your file cabinet could only store limited amount of files. And large cabinets are big. Big if you are going to store all these filed digitally, meaning using electronic codes, you can store as much files in one tiny storage just like the flash card. Another reason is that flash cards have removed unnecessary components that could enlarge the size of the card.

There are several types of flash cards used today particulry on digital cameras. These came in different sizes depending on the device it is designed to fit in. Here are several types of flash cards used: MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), SmartMedia (SM) and xD-Picture Card (xD).

The sizes also depend on the capacity of the flash card against one another. But the bottom line is, flash cards, no matter what the size is, still carry significantly large amount of files in one tiny square-shaped plastic card. Who knows, in the future we might se 80 GB flash drives that can record and store several hours of video.

By Robert Thatcher

About The Author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides flash card resources on http://www.about-flash-cards.info

DTS Surround Sound Capability For The 2005 Acura

2007-12-07T19:36:00.000+07:00

Several new 2005 US car models will offer audio systems that feature DTS (Digital Theater Systems) 5.1-channel surround sound capability. The 2005 Acura RL will include a DVD-Audio system with DTS multi-channel sound as a standard feature.

The 2005 Acura RL will come standard-equipped with an Acura/ Bose (R) DVD-Audio system, including DTS capability. The 2004 Acura TL was the first car in the U.S. to include an OEM car audio system with DTS as standard.

Major after-market car audio manufacturers today produce systems featuring DTS decoders, including Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sanyo and Sony.

DTS is an innovator in the development of multi-channel digital sound solutions for the consumer electronics and professional audio markets, including home A/V, video games and consoles, broadcast, personal computers and mobile and portable audio systems. Today, every major consumer electronics manufacturer supports DTS technology. Addressing the demand for DTS-encoded content worldwide, DTS also offers hardware and software encoders to the professional audio communities, allowing them to produce DTS audio content directly.

"The automotive industry recognizes how surround sound enhances the entertainment experience in the car, and we will see more and more manufacturers following Acura, Cadillac and Land Rover's lead in introducing entertainment systems featuring DTS and surround sound into their new vehicle models."

"The car is an ideal environment to experience the enveloping nature of surround sound. An automobile typically have four or more speakers, but has only taken advantage of stereo sound," said Brian Towne, Vice President, Consumer/Pro Audio Division at DTS.

In addition to playing DTS-encoded DVDs, each of these systems can play more than 100 DTS-encoded surround music titles available through DTS Entertainment, including Sting's Brand New Day, Sheryl Crow's Globe Sessions and The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over. DTS Entertainment titles are also available at many e-tailers and retailers that sell DVDs.

Partstrain provides you the best value for Acura car parts online. It is one of the Internet's most powerful and advanced auto parts shopping systems. Browse through http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Acura and shop comfortably for quality Acura parts within our secure and confidential ordering system.... and, we effectively fulfill hundreds of Acura car parts orders everyday.

By Jenny McLane

About The Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

jenny@partstrain.com

Driving Away Stress

2007-12-07T19:34:00.000+07:00

It's the morning rush hour, and your blood has reached the boiling point. You have exactly five minutes to get to work and you discover a major traffic tie-up along the freeway. You see the orange pylons and suddenly realize that you are stuck in a construction zone. The stress of being late for work seems overwhelming.

Or, perhaps it's 5:30 p.m. and you're rushing to pick your four-year-old up from day care. A car suddenly veers in front of you and you have to slam on the brakes. You barely avoid an accident. Again, your stress level is rising and you're finding it difficult to cope.

In today's world, driving is a major cause of stress. Many of us spend countless hours stuck in traffic jams. There seem to be more cars on the road than ever before. In many American cities, traffic problems are a major public safety issue. And, at times, it might seem as if drivers are less courteous than they've ever been.

Another source of stress is the care and maintenance of your vehicle. You have to worry about paying insurance costs, inspection fees, rising gas prices, and basic maintenance bills. The financial stress involved in keeping a car on the road can seem tremendous. Also, you might be saddled with a car that has constant break-downs. If you feel as if your car is not secure, it can be quite a stressful experience.

For parents, chauffeuring children can be quite a stressful time. You might have to referee fights between children as you drive. Or you might have to find innovative ways to keep children occupied during long commutes. Keeping children well-fed in the car can also be quite stressful. In desperation, you might pull into a drive-thru, where the wait seems intolerable.

Driving stress is a fact of modern life. There will always be potholes, discourteous drivers, cranky passengers. You will inevitably encounter traffic jams on your way to work, to the store, or to school. There will always be times when you grip the wheel, wondering whether you'll be able to make it.

While you cannot eliminate the stress of the road, there are ways to curtail it. For instance, you might consider investing in some restful CDs. Classical music can be quite soothing on a difficult driving day. Or you might like to listen to a CD of nature sounds as you are trying to negotiate your way through traffic. If you don't have a CD player, cassette tapes are another possibility. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase tapes or CDs at a record store, consider purchasing them at a yard sale or church bazaar. You can even borrow tapes and CDs from your local library. You'll find that you're better able to handle the stress of driving with some pleasant sounds emanating from your car stereo.

Another thing you might consider is changing your route. If you inevitably end up in traffic jams on the freeway, consider using residential streets instead. While you might find that your commute time is longer, you might also discover that your stress is reduced considerably when your route is changed.

Another technique that many drivers use is to start out five to ten minutes earlier than they need to. That way, you don't have to operate under such a time crunch. Those five or ten minutes can make quite a difference to your daily commute. In addition, you might enjoy having those extra minutes to yourself once you arrive at school or at work.

Driving is a necessary daily chore for most of us. The trick is to make it as enjoyable as possible in order to lessen our stress levels. Investing in a comfortable seat cushion or a relaxing back rest can do wonders for our frame of mind. Singing or whistling in the car can be another effective stress-reducer. Playing games with your children--such as trying to spot out-of-state license plates--can be yet another effective stress-reducing technique. Chances are you will not be able to reduce your stress level overnight. Many of us have become quite used to stress on the road. However, by trying to make our trips as pleasant as possible, we can go a long way to lessening driving-induced stress.

By Tony Robinson
About the author:
Tony Robinson is a husband, parent, webmaster and international author. Leading a full and busy lifestyle he is fully aware of the needs of a stress free life. For tips, techniques and further information visit http://www.stress-gone.com

Discount Car Audio

2007-12-07T19:17:00.000+07:00

Sell Your Used Discount Car Audio Items Online

When you decide to sell your car after having a new audio system installed in it, some sellers decide to remove the system and put the factory version back into the car before selling it. When you do this, you can often sell the car faster. The question of what to do with the audio you took out can be left unanswered. One of the best things to do is to sell your items to people online as discount car audio. There are several options when it comes to how and where to sell your items online. Take a look at these options and get paid for that used audio equipment you no longer need.

Online Auctions

Online auctions are one of the easiest ways to sell anything online. All you must do is list your item for the lowest price you would accept and let the software do the rest for you. These selling platforms have become more and more popular lately and can help you get the most from your items. You can try any of them, but be sure to understand that if someone wins your bid on your item and pays for it, then you are obligated to ship it to them. The great thing is that the buyer is required to pay shipping as well for any items you sell, unless you note otherwise.

Local Classifieds Online

If you are interested in trying to sell your items online but would rather keep the buyers to the locals in your area, try local classifieds online. The truth is that more people are looking online for items to purchase than they are in the newspaper that is delivered to their home. Adding your classified to the online sites is the best way to reach the most people in the least amount of time. Many online classified sites are free; so take advantage of these great selling arenas.

When selling your discount car audio online, you should choose a selling arena that works best for you. If you would rather not have people call you at home, an online auction forum may be best. If you would rather not have to worry about shipping something and want to only offer pickup for anything sold, online local classifieds will be the place to start. No matter which one you choose, you will likely be very satisfied with your selling experience.

About the Author:

Everything you need to know about car audio, from purchasing the best value to choosing the right speakers.

Read more articles by: John Francis

This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com

Pioneer Car Audio Mp3 What To Look For When Purchasing

2007-12-06T14:32:00.000+07:00

When choosing a pioneer car audio MP3 it's important to address a few key questions.

How much do you want to spend? What features are most important to you?

An MP3 is a way to encode audio that compresses data so it can store a lot more of it while keeping a high standard of quality. Pioneer has a long-standing reputation for quality and also for being one of the easiest car audio systems to install and use. They make a range of car audio that can play MP3's, including the lower end DEH-P3700MP for a little over $100 to the AVICD1 navigation system for about $1,600. If you are looking for a basic system to play CD's and MP3's, a simpler system will be fine. But, if you want more features like navigation or a DVD player you will pay a lot more for a higher end system.

One of the most important things to look for is how you are going to navigate through all of your MP3 files, especially while driving.

If you have a large library of music, you will need to find an MP3 player that makes browsing through the discs as easy as possible. Many discs can hold up to about 250 songs, and it's crucial that you can find exactly what you're looking for as quickly as possible. One of the most reasonably priced MP3 player's Pioneer makes is the DEH-P5500M, which costs around $270 and allows you to organize files by artist, track, folder name, file name, and album. It also has satellite radio and CD changer controls. It's also imperative that you check that the discs you use on your computer for music are compatible with the ones for the MP3 player, otherwise you might end up with a library of music that won't play in your car. ID tags to identify songs must be a certain version compatible with the car's system, or you'll end up with a lot of unusable music. If you figure out what you're looking for, you can make an educated decision about which system will best suit your budget and your listening needs.

By James Southall Jr.
About the author:
I have 10 years experience in the automotive industry from electrical to electronics to bumpers, brakes. I have worked on the chevy, oldsmobile, volvo and ford. http://www.audio-car-pioneer.com

The Incredible Apple iPod - The World’s Most Innovative MP3 Player

2007-12-06T14:23:00.001+07:00

One of the greatest inventions of the 21st century is the iPod, made by apple. An iPod is a small portable, walkman-like mp3 player with a hard disk inside. Hard disk sizes vary but come up to 60 gigabyte. A 60 GB hard disk easily fits thousands of high quality full music albums. Image having all your music at hand, no matter where you go!

Now let’s take a 60GB iPod photo, which has a lovely colour screen. It also allows you to store thousands of photos. It’s easy to use interface allows you to browse through your pictures at an impressive speed. You can connect the iPod photo to your television and use the slideshow. .Imagine what it’s like to always have say a months worth of non-stop music playing in your back pocket. Being able to play this music on your home or car stereo .Or through your headphones in the train or on your bicycle.

If you like an mp3 player at the size of a packet of chewing gum, the iPod Shuffle is the answer. At the moment they come in 512 MB or 1 GB size, and a 2 GB and 4 GB iPod shuffle have been announced. Don’t be fooled by its small size as it sounds just as impressive it’s bigger brothers. The iPod shuffle has no LCD display like the iPod, iPod mini and iPod Photo. The iPod mini is a smaller colourful version of the normal iPod and come in 4GB and 6GB at present.

Not only the iPod itself is fantastic, but there are literally tons of super cool accessories available for this device.

For instance, one accessory called Roadtrip, made by Griffin Technology, is a dock you can fit in your car. The dock has a built in FM transmitter and will send out the music being played by the iPod through an FM signal. My car radio picks up the signal and blasts it out my car speakers.. How cool is that?!! You simply get in your car, slot in your iPod and turn the ignition key and off you go. The Roadtrip draws its power from the cigarette lighter. It can also draw its power from USB. That way you can use it to route the sound of your computer to your home stereo.

Another accessory for instance is AirClick, a remote control for your iPod or iPod mini. You can even get card readers so you can transfer the photos from your digital camera directly to your iPod. How handy is it to have 60 GB of storage with you if you like photography?

Since I bought my iPod I have been enjoying music more than ever before! I would like to recommend it to any music lover, its well worth the money.

By Jacco Noordhuizen
About the author:
iPodshoppers - Europe's leading iPod and accessory stores online
Please visit our website: http://www.ipodshoppers.com

"I love my iPod"

Getting The Best Automotive Service

2007-12-06T14:17:00.001+07:00

Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body, communicating carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car!

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals. If something doesn’t feel quite right, get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way:

“Preventative Medicine”

Follow the recommended service schedules.

Keep a log of all repairs and service.

Check your car for:

• unusual sounds
• odors
• drips
• leaks
• smoke
• warning lights
• changes in acceleration
• changes in engine performance
• changes in gas mileage
• changes in fluid levels
• worn tires, belts, hoses.
• difficulty in handling, braking, steering
• unusual vibrations

When there is a problem…

• Write the information/symptoms down to give to your repairman.
• When did the problem first start?
• Exactly when does the problem occur?
• Is it constant or does it occur now and again?
• Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
• Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake?
• At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, it’s important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what’s really going on.

Stay involved. And don’t be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson.
Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you’re not familiar with.

It’s hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs BEFORE work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

By Hana Lee
About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-audio-shopper.com

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Music Files

2007-12-06T14:05:00.000+07:00

OK, say you've got one thousand of your favorite MP3 songs sitting in your hard disk. What's the best way to enjoy those files? Most of us probably will use the Windows Media Player to listen to those files. but did you know there are other more innovative and interesting ways playback MP3, WMA and WAV files?

Let's take a look at the five methods.

Use MusicMatch Jukebox

If you think most that most PC programs for playing digital music look like the built-in Windows Media Player, think again. There are programs out there that go far beyond the Windows Media Player in functionality. One great example is Musicmatch Jukebox from Musicmatch. Musicmatch Jukebox is quite simply the world's best digital
music player. It supports playback of various music formats like audio CDs, MP3s, Internet streams, WMAs, WAV files and more. You also get CD burning, music ripping and music organizing capabilities. The Plus version even allows you to automatically tag your music files with detailed info and album art!

Use a Portable MP3 Player

Portable music players like the Apple iPod, Creative Nomad and Rio Nitrus have taken the market by storm. You don't have to be confined to your desktop PC or laptop to listen to digital music! The portable music players can allow you to take your music anywhere. The compact size of MP3 and WMA music formats means that you can literally take a jukebox of thousands of songs whereever you go! You may also want to check out my review of the top 5 portable music players here. There are also other portable music options, including handphones with MP3 support.

Use a PDA

The latest Pocket PC or Palm-based personal digital assistants (PDAs) can also act as music players. Pop in a large memory card (e.g. 64 MB) and you can store many MP3 or WMA files. Then hook up a headphone, launch the music software in the PDA and you're good to go! I personally own a HP iPaq 2210 which effectively keeps track of my appointments and doubles up as a music player.

Use Your Car Stereo

This is my favorite way of listening to my MP3 collection. I recently bought a car stereo that can playback native MP3 songs. This means that I can pop in a data CD containing hundreds of MP3 files and the car stereo will play them! This does not work on conventional car stereos. If you own a conventional car stereo, but still want to listen to your MP3 songs, one way is to create an audio CD from your music files first. The car stereo will then have no problem interpreting and playing back the audio CD. Of course, in this case, you'll be limited to about 14 to 17 tracks of music only.

Use Your Home Stereo

If you're a music lover, you probably already have a home stereo. Use it to listen to your MP3 music files! However, take note that Like car stereos, conventional home stereos will not be able to play back native MP3 songs. You will need a newer home stereo set with MP3 playback capability. New models from Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony usually have MP3 support.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy that digital music collection of yours. My favorite methods of listening to digital audio files is via a portable music player or the car stereo. Of course, you may have your own preference - some people like to listen to music off their desktop PC or laptop. Decide which method(s) is suitable for you and go for it!

By Gary Hendricks
Gary Hendricks - http://digital-music-guide.com
gary_hendricks@digital-music-guide.com

Sony MEX-1GP: The Next Generation of Car MP3 Players

2007-12-06T14:01:00.000+07:00

For all of those MP3 music owners, the future of car audio is finally here for you. Gone are the days where you had to burn your MP3s onto a CD for playback in your car audio system. Sony recently released the MEX-1GP CD receiver, a CD receiver that also features a built-in 1 GB flash memory unit. So now your car audio CD receiver behaves in the same manner as your iPod or other type of MP3 player. The 1 GB flash memory unit can store up to 500 of your favorite songs, giving you plenty of playback time for your music. This little device will make even the longest of trips in your car smoother and more enjoyable, since you will not have to worry about changing CDs any longer.

Aside from playing MP3s, this CD receiver also plays CDs (as the name implies) along with burned CD-Rs and CD-RWs so that those who wish to play their old CDs can still take advantage of this nifty product. However, the real attraction to this new car audio head unit is the MP3 playability. The flash memory unit is located in the detachable faceplate. Here resides the USB port which allows you to connect the faceplate to your PC (similar to your iPod or other MP3 player). Once your faceplate is connected to your CD, you simply drag and drop the MP3 files onto the flash memory unit of the faceplate. Unfortunately the faceplate is only compatible with Windows operating systems, so all of you Mac owners will have to go to your buddy's house to copy the MP3s to and from the Sony MEX-1GP.

The new receiver is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well. It is finished in a high-gloss black color and features a 13-segment LCD display for simple navigation of track and title information. The screen displays album, artist and track name when playing your MP3 music files. Users can shuffle or repeat tracks, albums or personalized groups through controls on the faceplate or with the supplied remote control. The MEX-1GP unit has a built-in 208-watt power amplifier and a three-band equalizer enabling clear, rich sound. The selectable rear/subwoofer preamp outputs, controls the frequency and output level of an external amplifier.

After installing this receiver and experiencing it for a little over a week, I must say that I am quite impressed with this product. For one, the sound quality when playing MP3s through this unit is nothing less than phenomenal. If you didn't know any better, you would think that you were playing a CD with the crisp and clear playback quality of this head unit. While traveling on a three hour road trip (three hours each way, six hours total) I was able to listen to one selection of songs on the way up and an entirely different selection of songs on the way back, all without the hassle of changing CDs and enduring a pause in play. I'm just a little surprised it took so long for a product like this to hit the market, especially with the increasing popularity of portable MP3 devices such as the iPod over the last several years. While it may have taken awhile for a product like this to hit the market, I'm sure Sony will have plenty of competitors very soon, which will benefit car audio enthusiasts like myself.

By Dwayne Wright

About the author:
Dwayne Wright is an automotive enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. If you decide to upgrade your car audio system with a Sony MEX-1GP car audio receiver, visit his site at http://www.customautosearch.com to find a professional car audio installer in your area to install your new receiver.

Sirius S50: Combine Your Favorite Satellite Radio Programs with Your Favorite MP3s

2007-12-06T13:58:00.000+07:00

Have you ever wanted to combine the benefits of commercial free satellite radio along with listening to your favorite MP3s, all while driving in your car? If so, Sirius Satellite Radio may offer the product that you’ve been looking for. While car receivers that allow you to listen to satellite radio and your favorite MP3 music have existed for some time now, a recent product released by Sirius Satellite Radio takes the satellite radio/MP3 combination to the next level. The Sirius S50 is a satellite radio/MP3 player that you can listen to while you’re either riding in your car or sitting in the comfort of your home or office. The Sirius S50 comes with a car dock that connects the main unit to your vehicle. While the unit is connected to the car dock, you are able to listen to live Sirius Satellite Radio programming as well as any MP3s that you have stored on the 1GB flash memory unit. You can also pause and rewind the live satellite broadcasts as well as record up to 50 hours of your favorite Sirius Satellite Radio programming.
This unit also comes with a full color display which features channel logos and wallpaper so that you can easily identify the station that is currently playing. The neat My SIRIUS Channels feature automatically determines your three most listened to music channels and captures programming from each. Do you like to create playlists of your favorite MP3s? Well, you will find the Sirius S50 suitable to your needs as you can create playlists from your MP3s as well as from songs that you have recorded from your favorite Sirius broadcast channels. Additional features of the Sirius S50 include: game alerts that prompt you when your favorite teams are playing, a sports ticker with up to the minute scores, 30 channel presets, and a one touch channel jump button.
Along with the main unit itself, you also get a USB cable, earbuds, and PC software that allows you to download MP3s to the Sirius S50 from your PC. The software also supports streaming Sirius music channels over the Internet which is free with your Sirius Satellite Radio subscription. Currently the software is only available for Microsoft-based PCs, therefore all of you Mac users will have to go to your friend’s house to download your music if you decide to purchase the Sirius S50. The really neat thing about this unit is that it also doubles as an IPOD-like MP3 player, as you are able to listen to your MP3s and pre-recorded Sirius channel programs with the earbuds that come with the unit. You can clip the Sirius S50 to your hip and listen to your favorite tunes on your way to school or work. The unit supplies up to 6 hours of playback on the rechargeable battery. If you’re in the market for an in-car satellite radio unit, you should definitely give the Sirius S50 a good hard look before you make your final purchase. While it may be a little pricier than your average satellite radio unit (Suggested Retail: $329.95), it really puts those extra dollars spent to good use.

By Dwayne Wright

About The Author
Dwayne Wright is an automotive enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. If you decide to upgrade your car audio system with a Sirius S50 satellite radio/MP3 player, visit his site at http://www.customautosearch.com to find a professional car audio installer in your area to install your new equipment.

MP3s on the Road: 3 Ways to Play your MP3s in your Car

2007-12-06T13:52:00.000+07:00

Let's face it, by now who doesn't own some sort of MP3 player? Whether it is an IPOD or a less popular MP3 player made by manufacturers such as Sony or Creative Labs, everyone that I know has an MP3 player (except for my grandmother, who still doesn't know what an MP3 is anyway). Regardless of the brand, to be able to use any type of MP3 player, you must have MP3s to upload and listen to on your MP3 player. That being the case, many people prefer purchasing single MP3s from sites like iTunes and Napster versus paying ten dollars or more to purchase an entire CD which only contains one or two songs that the individual likes. With all of the MP3s that people have amassed over the few years that they've been extremely popular, it now presents somewhat of a dilemma when they want to play the MP3s they've collected in their car audio system. For those who have a standard in-dash CD player or CD changer, the only solution is to burn the MP3s onto a recordable CD and play the CD in the car. This solution can be both costly and time consuming if you are constantly updating your MP3 collection as you have to continuously buy blank CDs and go through the CD burning process each time you want to play a new collection of MP3s in your car. Thankfully there are several products on the market these days to give MP3 owners more options when it comes to playing their MP3s in the car.

MP3 Car Adapter Kit: The most economical way to play your MP3s directly in your vehicle is to purchase a simple MP3 Car Adapter Kit. These kits are similar to the portable CD player kits that were popular before CD players became standard in automobiles. In fact, many of the MP3 Car Adapter Kits also allow you the ability to still hook up a portable CD player or any other type of portable music device. These kits are very simple to use as well. In most cases you simply connect the adapter to your car's 12v power supply or cigarette lighter and in turn hook up your MP3 player to the adapter. After your MP3 player is hooked up to your adapter, you simply play your music as you normally would on your MP3 player, and the music is broadcasted through your car's speakers.

CD Player w/ MP3 playback: Another option would be to purchase an in-dash CD player that has the capability to play MP3s that are copied to a recordable CD. This type of CD player allows you to copy your MP3s onto a recordable CD instead of having to "burn" them onto the CD. This offers a cost and time advantage as by simply copying the MP3s to a recordable CD, you are able to copy more MP3 files versus burning the MP3s onto the CD. When you burn the MP3s onto a CD, the burning process transform the music file from its MP3 format to a format that is recognizable by traditional CD players. You are able to copy more MP3 files, allowing you to save disk space and in turn save money by purchasing less recordable CDs.

Digital CD/MP3 Receiver: Now there is something even better for MP3 owners who want to take their MP3s on the road with them. Sony recently released the first car audio receiver unit with the capability to "drag-and-drop" your MP3s into the unit just like you would normally do with your IPOD or MP3 player. The Sony GigaPanel MEX-1GP is a car audio receiver that features a removable faceplate like most of the other receivers on the market today. However this faceplate also comes with a USB port and a 1GB flash memory drive that allows you store up to 500 MP3 song files. You simply use the USB cable that comes with the receiver to connect it to your PC and transfer the MP3 files just like you would with your IPOD or MP3 player. Once you're done copying your MP3s to the receiver's faceplate, you simple reattach the faceplate and proceed to listen to your MP3s in your car. The receiver also allows you to play regular CDs and CDs with MP3 files copied onto them as well. This revolutionary new product is sure to make an impact in the highly competitive car audio industry. I've already ordered one for my vehicle and I can't wait to install it!

By Dwayne Wright

About the author:
Dwayne Wright is an automotive enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. If you decide that you want to upgrade you car audio system to an aftermarket receiver, visit his site at http://www.customautosearch.com to find a car audio installer in your area to install your new receiver.

Car Video Monitors: There Not Just For Your Kids Anymore

2007-12-06T13:47:00.000+07:00

When car video monitors were first introduced to the market, they primarily consisted of either an overhead or flip down monitor. These types of monitors were geared mainly towards parents who took long trips in the family minivan with their kids. These days, there are quite a few more car video monitor options available to consumers with varying reasons as to what they are used for. Of course the market is still filled with parents looking to keep their keeps occupied during long rides, but now people are installing monitors to entertain business clients, review DVD presentations on the way to a meeting or play the latest Madden football game with their buddies on the way to a pro football game. Aside from the overhead and flip down monitors other types of car video monitors available to consumers include: in-dash monitors, headrest monitors, sun visor monitors, and mirror monitors.

Overhead Car Video Monitors: Overhead monitors are exactly what their name implies. You can attach an overhead monitor to the ceiling of your vehicle. Typically they are installed in larger vehicles such as minivans and sport utility vehicles since they require a good amount of headroom for the overhead installation. An overhead car video monitor often fits over your vehicle's overhead lighting unit. A typical overhead monitor is 7 - 10 inches, but you can buy monitors as large as 20 inches.

Flip Down Car Video Monitors: A flip down monitor is basically an overhead monitor that flips down for viewing. When the monitor is not being viewed it can be flipped up to add more overhead space to the vehicle. This type of monitor is also popular with consumers that own cars, who want an overhead car video monitor for their back seat passengers. Flip down monitors come in the same sizes as overhead monitors.

In-Dash Car Video Monitors: In-dash car video monitors provide video entertainment to the often-neglected front seat passenger (and driver, although I don't recommend viewing the in-dash monitor while you are driving). An in-dash monitor is usually one component of a larger unit that includes a TV tuner and receiver. Most in-dash monitors flip up from the unit when being viewed and flip back down to provide more front seat space when it is not being used. These monitors are usually 7 inches or less.

Headrest Car Video Monitors: Headrest monitors can either be mounted to the back of your vehicle's headrest or mounted into your headrest with the use of a mounting bracket and mounting kit. There are even headrest replacement monitors that are designed to replace your vehicle's original headrest. This allows the consumer to avoid cutting into the original headrest. When you sell or get rid of your vehicle you can replace the headrest monitors with the original headrests. Headrest monitors can be used in conjunction with or as a replacement to an overhead monitor. They are especially popular with car owners, since cars typically do not provide the necessary overhead space for overhead monitors. Headrest monitors are also generally 7 inches or less.

Sun Visor Car Video Monitors: Sun visor monitors can either be mounted into your vehicle's current sun visor or purchased as a replacement to your original sun visor. Manufacturers of sun visor replacement monitors have designed the visors in many different colors and textures to match your vehicle's interior as closely as possible. A typical sun visor monitor is 5 inches in length although they make them as large as 7 inches.

Mirror Car Video Monitors: Mirror car video monitors are LCD displays that are designed to fit over the existing rear-view mirror in your vehicle. Besides being used as a traditional video monitor, mirror monitors are also great for rear view cameras as well. This is the smallest type of monitor available for your vehicle and is generally no more than 4 inches long.

By Dwayne Wright

About the author:
Dwayne Wright is an automotive enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. After you have found a set of car video monitors that meets your needs, visit his site at http://www.customautosearch.com to find a car audio installer in your area to install your new monitors.

Little Things You Can Do To Save Money On Car Fuel

2007-12-06T13:41:00.000+07:00

Nowadays, car fuel prices are on the rise and consumers are suffering. Gone are the days when you can carelessly drive your car without worrying about burning up too much gas.

There are important procedures that you, as a car owner, can take in order to improve gas mileage. The following are practical tips to conserve gas:

Close Windows - Windows that are open can create air drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.

Avoid Bumpy Roads - Rough roads should not be taken as much as possible. Dirt, bumps, rough roads and gravels can cause 30% increase in fuel consumption.

Keep Your Car Light - Take out unnecessary baggage. The trunk should be kept clean, any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. 100 pounds of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent.

Drive Efficiently - Just drive reasonably within the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 60 miles per hour increase fuel consumption. Do not do sudden starts, accelerations and stops. Acceleration should be done gradually. The gas pedal should not be stepped on more than one fourth of the way down. This will allow the engine to function most efficiently. Gas conservation could reach up to 5 percent if sudden stops, jerks and accelerations are avoided. Make use of gears for overdrive and cruise control as needed.

Check Your Car Regularly - The car should always be maintained. The engine should be given a regular tune up, the tires should always have the right air pressure and efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced regularly. Clogged filters can affect gas consumption adversely by up to ten percent.

Don't Burn Gas Unnecessarily - Turn off the engine whenever there is an opportunity. Idle engine wastes fuel. There are instances where the engine could be turned off; stopping for gas, waiting for someone, changing tire pressure, caught in traffic and a lot more.

Don't Warm Up Too Long - Lengthy warming up of the engine should be avoided. 30 to 45 seconds should be enough time. Also check if the automatic check is removed after warming up the engine. This is usually stuck which could usually cause poor gas and air combination.

By following these simple tips, you will be surprised at how much money you can save on your car fuel. And guess what? The money really adds up if you continue to follow these simple practices for conserving car fuel!

By Dr. Drew Henry

About the author:
Dr. Drew Henry owns a network of auto-related websites, including Cars And Trucks Secrets, Car Rim Secrets and Car Audio Secrets. Visit his sites today!

Five Ways to Judge Your Car Stereo Speakers

2007-12-06T13:32:00.000+07:00

Car stereo speakers are very vital for an efficient car audio system. Car speakers are unique in that they are designed for reproducing sound frequencies. You can evaluate your car stereo speakers on the following criteria:

•Frequency response of the speakers should be higher and wider for better sound capturing and reproducing

•Efficiency of the speakers determines the distance sound will travel and is measured in terms of decibels, the higher the better.

•For playing your system continuously, the factor to be considered is the maximum power RMS, i.e., the maximum powers speakers can produce continuously.

•A component speaker set will give a full range and quality of sound in your car and it will be a thrilling experience.

•The car stereo speakers should be power efficient so that it does not eat up the riding power of your car.

A car audio system is comprised of different components. Speakers for your car have unique characteristics to ensure quality audio sound in your car. They are much different from speakers you would buy for your home, office, or computer.

When shopping for speakers, be sure to listen to a variety. Each speaker will have its own sound. Therefore, with the above knowledge gear up your car with better car stereo speakers, which will enhance your musical experience and rock your car.

By David Chandler

About the Author
For more information, visit these sites: www.CarAudioInfoCenter.com
or www.CarAccessoriesInfoCenter.com

Sirius Satellite Radio vs XM Satellite Radio – Which Streams Should You Choose?

2007-12-06T13:13:00.000+07:00

Just as many TV viewers have come to consider cable TV a life necessity, so too is satellite radio becoming a mainstream replacement for traditional AM/FM listening. Yes you have to pay for it, but just as with cable, you get way more channels and edgier, more innovative programming. Plus, you don’t lose your favorite station as you travel across the state or country. And satellite players show the artist and name of the song, which is definitely a plus for those who like to know what they’re listening to. In the U.S. there are just two main players in the satellite radio industry, Sirius and XM. WorldSpace, which has been broadcasting the longest and covers the most area, currently does not offer coverage in the United States. So with just two providers to pick from, one would think that the choice would be easy, but each has its own pluses and drawbacks and the decision usually comes down to budget and personal preferences.

How It Works

In 1992, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the "S" band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). Of the four companies that applied for licenses, only two were granted rights to broadcast; Sirius (formerly CD Radio) and XM (formerly American Mobile Radio). Each company has satellites in orbit above the earth to transmit their programming. Programs are beamed to one of the satellites, which then transmits the signal to the ground, where your radio receiver picks up one of the channels within the signal. Signals are also be beamed to ground repeaters for listeners in urban areas where the satellite signal can be interrupted.
In many ways, Sirius has set the tone for the industry, being the first to offer commercial free programming on all its music channels and has larger selection of receivers, adapters and other products. XM has a cheaper subscription fee, at least for its basic plan, which offers much the same fare as its competitor.

Both providers have partnered with automobile manufacturers to offer satellite radio in new car models. And each has systems that will search the channels for your favorite music and alert you when and where the songs are playing. Choosing between the two companies can be difficult since each has its advantages. Here is some information that may help listeners choose between the two.

XM Satellite Radio

XM satellite radio offers 68 commercial-free music channels, 33 news, sports, and talk & entertainment channels and 21 dedicated traffic and weather channels. XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider of FOX Sports Radio, Sporting News Radio and the world's only 24-hour NASCAR Radio channel. It does not offer NFL programming.

Equipment

XM has several choices in equipment. For just under $120, you can get the Delphi XM Roady receiver. This complete package comes with a micro-antenna, cassette adaptor, 12V power adaptor, and a universal mounting bracket. For another $10, you can upgrade to the Roady2, proclaimed as the smallest satellite receiver available. In addition to the typical satellite radio features, it allows you to scroll up to 20 stock symbols and has 30 channel presets.

The Delphi XM SKYFi is a receiver with a more advanced display. It gives you more information about each song and the five-line display lets you see what's playing on other XM channels before you switch. The SKYFi2, which costs $30 more, gives pause and play functions. It must be combined with an adaptor kit for home, vehicle or audio system. These adapters range from $70-$100 in price.

Coming in November of 2004, the Delphi XM MyFi, touted as the world's first XM2go receiver, becomes available from XM. It comes with car kit, home kit, rechargeable battery, headphones, antennas and more for $349.99.

Sirius Satellite Radio

Sirius satellite radio offers 65 channels of commercial free music, plus more than 50 channels of great sports, news and entertainment programming. They are the only one of the two competitors to offer NFL coverage, including play-by-play action and pre-game gab.

Equipment

Siruis offers a host of equipment options. Customers can choose from over 15 plug and play options. Average receivers sell for $99.95 and can be combined with a car or home adapter, or a choice of different boomboxes. For the same $99.95, the Sirius Sportster adds special features for the sports enthusiast such as Game Alert, which prompts you when your favorite NFL or other sports teams are playing and Game Zone, which lists all of the play-by-play games and scores on Sirius by league.

Or for $149.99 you can cover all your listening needs with the Sanyo CRSR-10 Plug & Play System. It includes home and car kits for use at home, office, truck, RV, boat or car and antennas for home and car. It has 20 presets and a built-in wireless FM transmitter for use on all 100 FM frequencies. If a boombox is not your style, you can go with a home system that integrates with you existing audio equipment. Prices range from $250 up to $2000.

You can put a headunit in your car, throw in a tuner and antenna and you’re wired for satellite in your vehicle without the portable receiver and adapter. Sirius has over 15 headunits to choose from in prices ranging from under $200 to over $1000. Some of the more reasonably priced units come with CD players and removable fronts.

Comparisons

So in the world of XM vs Sirius, it’s a tough call and depends on your budget and listening preferences. The following satellite radio comparison summary consists of information taken directly from the websites of the two satellite radio companies.
Sirius Satellite Radio

Pricing

$12.99/month - with annual & lifetime options available. Extra receivers for an additional fee.

Activation fee

$15 by phone, $10 online

Commercial free

All 65 music channels are commercial free

Online listening

Listen online for free. On any computer. With no extra fee.

NFL coverage

Live play-by-play coverage of every NFL game and the only 24/7-radio channel dedicated to all-things-NFL, all year long.

Available in new cars

Exclusive car partners of Daimler Chrysler, BMW and Ford.

Customer service

24 hour Customer Care by toll free phone number and email.

XM Satellite Radio

Pricing

$9.99 basic package - premium programming, such as Playboy and XM’s own High Voltage are available for an additional monthly fee, as are extra receivers.

Activation fee

$14.99 by phone, $9.99 online

Commercial free

All 68 music channels are commercial free

Costs an extra $3.99 a month.

NFL coverage

No play-by-play. No local NFL coverage. No original NFL programming.

Available in new cars

Exclusive car partner of GM.

Customer service

Customer Care is open 18 hours a day.
Satellite radio appears to be here to stay. The offerings keep getting better and the decision between the two keeps getting tougher. Equipment is available at store locations and websites of retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy and through the providers’ websites. For static free, commercial free radio listening and your favorite stations wherever you go, satellite radio is the choice of millions. Installation and activation are easy. In fact the toughest decision may be deciding which provider to choose.

By C. J. Gustafson
C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for http://www.1st-Dish-TV.net She frequently writes on topics such as satellite TV and car audio accessories. She vows her next car will come with a factory installed satellite radio.
Copyright 2004 1st-Dish-TV.net

Tunes To Go: Music From Your Computer to Your Car

2007-12-05T13:21:00.000+07:00

(ARA) - The digital audio revolution is in full swing as music lovers worldwide are using their computers as high-tech jukeboxes.
But you're not just limited to listening to songs on your PC while you check your e-mail. It's easier than ever to manage your collection and listen to it in your car, whatever your destination.
"It's great to hit the road and hear hours of the songs you want, when you want them. You're no longer confined to hearing only the radio, or swapping CDs on the front seat," said Dan Hodgson, senior vice president of Merchandising at Crutchfield Corporation, the leading Internet and catalog retailer of consumer electronics.
Several innovative and easy-to-use products help you move music from your PC to your car's sound system. Here are some quick pointers for getting your "tunes to go."
First, get the music you want to your PC. You can download files from the Internet, most commonly in the MP3 format, or copy tracks from your current CDs, using widely-available music management software.
Once you've got your music library, it's time to make it portable. Popular options include using a CD recorder in your computer to "burn" a disc of MP3-encoded songs, or storing your files on memory card devices that link to your computer through a docking station.
• Replacing your car stereo receiver with one that plays MP3-encoded CDs is a popular way to listen to your PC music on the go. Since an MP3-encoded CD holds about 10 hours of music, you won't have to be flipping through endless CD cases in your car.
Many receivers, especially older ones, don't understand the MP3 code. But almost every manufacturer now makes one or more receivers for MP3 CD playback. With these, you can record a CD at home and simply slip it into your car receiver. Most receivers will even flash the titles for you.
• If you have a portable MP3 player (or an MP3-compatible CD player), you don't need a special in-dash receiver. Just look for one that has an "aux in" -- an auxiliary input where you can plug your player directly into the head unit using a mini-jack. You'll hear your music played from your player through your car's sound system, though most systems aren't set up to scroll through song titles.
• For users who prefer even more songs and higher-tech equipment, Sony and Pioneer offer mobile hard drive devices. These products store massive amounts of music on their hard drives, like a computer. To move files from computer to car, they use a cartridge or other removable memory devices.
Another option is to use "mini-computers" that link to your receiver and your PC. For example, the Kenwood Music Keg (KHD-CX910) has a 10 gigabyte storage cartridge that can store and play back roughly 2,500 MP3-encoded songs through Kenwood car receivers. Blaupunkt has a compact MP3 drive (MDP01) that will hold about 18 hours of music. You'll be able to drive halfway across the country and never hear the same tune twice.
Consumers can find complete information on mobile audio at www.crutchfield.com/infolib.

By ARA Content
About The Author
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Alan Rimm-Kaufman, (804) 817-1000, ext. 2301.
Founded in 1974, Crutchfield Corporation is the nation's largest direct integrated marketer (catalog, call center, and Internet) of consumer electronics products. It offers a convenient, full-service shopping destination to buyers of car and home audio/video products. Providing a superior level of customer service, Crutchfield is noted for its high integrity, product expertise, and technical support. Mailed to approximately 8.5 million households, Crutchfield's catalogs include comprehensive explanations of product and technology intended to help consumers make informed buying decisions. Crutchfield was the first vendor-authorized audio/video retailer on the Internet, launching its Web site (www.crutchfield.com) in the summer of 1995.

Choosing a Car Stereo

2007-12-03T13:32:00.000+07:00

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

1. Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.

2. Amplifiers – Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.

3. Speakers – Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.

4. Subwoofers – Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car. Amy Barson works as a contributing editor for http://www.carstereos101.com – a site that offers information on car stereos and car stereo installation.

Should Cars Have High End Audio Cables?

2007-12-03T13:09:00.000+07:00

For years it has been well understood in home audio that cables can have a tremendous impact on a sound system, both good and bad. Choose the right cables and you can expect a system to come to life. Choose poorly designed cables, and you may forever be wondering why you can't get your system to come to life.

Car audio however, has been a different story. While many companies still offer coaxial interconnect cables, most have come to realize that the basic twisted pair design offers far better noise rejection in a vehicle. And then... Nothing. That's it. Innovation seems to have hit a brick wall at the shielded twisted pair interconnect in car audio. This begs the question; Should Cars Have High End Audio Cables?

To begin with, let's briefly go back to home audio. After many years of fighting an uphill battle, the idea that cables make a difference has become a mainstream ideology amongst audiophiles. But it isn't just audiophiles who can hear the difference. In fact, in our own testing, the differences can be heard by just about anybody, even on very modest audio systems. It just takes a willingness to discard any preconceived notions and actually listen to some music.

So, if cables make a difference in home audio, is there a reason why it shouldn't matter in car audio? The quick answer is no. The following outlines some of the reasons why cables matter just as much, if not more, in car audio.

- Cable Length - Longer Cables Generally Do More Sonic Damage

Many people are under the impression that car audio uses shorter cables than home audio, and therefore does not need to bother with high fidelity cables. This is completely incorrect. While the typical interconnect length in a home audio system is about 1 meter, vehicles will frequently use 5 or 6 meter interconnects to put amplifiers in the trunk. In terms of speaker cables, car audio almost always uses cables longer than the 6-8 feet used in most home audio setups.

- Environment - Cables Are Affected By Their Environment

Vehicles represent a far more challenging environment for cables than home audio systems. Two typical sources of noise in cables are Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). In vehicles, the entire chassis is frequently used as the ground return path. This allows noise from car components such as the alternator to be inducted into the audio cables via EMI. In terms of RFI, unless proper shielding is used, the longer cables in cars will act as antennas and pull in more noise. A third source of noise in a vehicle is vibration. This is of course far worse in a vehicle than in a home system. Pear Cable is the first company to bring out a car audio cable that virtually eliminates the noise caused by cable vibration. The TRIBODeadÔ technology present in the Comice Silver Interconnect is an electrically conductive plastic layer that prevents static electrical charges, caused by vibration, from building up in the cable.

- Is Quality Sound Just for Home Audio or does it have a Place in Car Audio Too?

Some people feel that a car audio sound system will never be as good as a home audio system, and therefore high fidelity cables are a waste of money in a car. This is a faulty conclusion. The experience of listening to music in your vehicle while driving down the highway is unique and cannot be replicated in the home audio environment. The bottom line here is that many people spend more time listening to their car audio system than their home system, and they want it to be the best that it can be. The characteristics of bad audio cables (listening fatigue, poor realism, overly bright treble, or general noise) will all still be audible in a car audio system. Just like home audio, the wrong cables in your vehicle will kill the listening experience.

At the end of the day, many people want quality sound in their vehicles. If you are installing an aftermarket system in your vehicle and you care about sound quality, you need to care about cables. If you are only interested in having the loudest car, without regards to accuracy, then high fidelity audio cables probably aren't for you. Otherwise, it simply doesn't make sense to shell out good money on amplifiers and speakers, only to hook it all up with mediocre wire. Car audio enthusiasts are every bit as serious as home audio enthusiasts, and now there is finally a cable company that is serious about serving their needs.

By Adam Blake
About the author:
ArPear Cable, Inc. http://www.pearcable.com