Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 sport wagon.I had replaced the crappy stock double DIN unit with a different but unfortunately also crappy JVC unit, mostly because I wanted a unit that had an aux port for my iPod.

The attractive points of the 3100UB was not just the aux port but the built-in USB port located right on the front panel, facilitating an amazingly easy install and no need to buy additional adapters or route cables around the dash or glove box.The Pioneer site says you need to pick up their USB cable for iPod functionality, but you don't; my standard iPod sync cable works perfectly for both charging and playing with no problems.I suppose if you have an extra $25 to spend you can get the Pioneer cable, but it isn't necessary.You can use USB flash drives as well - but the iPod/iPhone system integration is seamless, easy, and very satisfying.

I knew that in getting a single DIN I would be giving up interface real estate and the convenience of more buttons.However, the "joystick" control on this unit along with the bezel button functions are very easy to use, and do not take a lot of time to figure out. It gets intuitive after a few hours of use and you're set.Compliments too on the included remote, which does just about everything even easier and quicker than the front panel controls.READ THE MANUAL!It's an easy read and the instructions are simple.Once you've got it - you've got it.

The other wonderful feature is the unit's ability to read every audio file format you can throw at it on a CD.MP3 and WMA are pretty much standard on everything, but harder to find are units that read Apple AAC files.This unit does it without hesitation (unless they are iTunes store DRM files, which you can either skip over, or use iTunes Plus on the iTunes store to convert your protected songs to DRM-free for about $.30 a pop).I can fit about 80-90 tunes on one CD and it makes having a large listening library easily available with just a few discs when I don't have my iPod with me.Pioneer's Sound Retriever processing for compressed files takes the quality of these discs up to near-standard CD fidelity - great stuff!

The unit can be expanded in several ways: a Bluetooth module (about $85) which allows for audio streaming and cell phone functionality, HD radio and/or satellite radio, but I have no interest in any of these at this point.It's also got a pair of rear RCA ports for an amp and/or sub-woofer expansion. The unit itself has a 50 watt x 4 channel MOSFET amp and the sound is pristine and puts out a lot of power.The EQ settings are plentiful with both factory presets, user programmable slots with a 3-band eq as well as frequency based adjustments, bass boost and loudness settings, as well as sub-woofer and high/low pass filter options with a fully adjustable crossover.It's ridiculously multi-faceted and you can really fine tune it for your tastes and speakers.I have stock speakers and this unit really makes them shine.I'm going to replace them next month with four Pioneers and I can't wait to hear it.

The detachable faceplate is, of course, a great security feature.The only con I can come up with for the unit is that the display could be brighter.The 4100UB model (same functions across the board but about $25 more) has a much brighter display, but honestly, it's a real "set it and forget it" unit, so it doesn't bother me much.

This unit sells just about everywhere else for $140 and Amazon had it for $125.I'm so happy to have a high-end, iPod and AAC file compatible unit that can be expanded with a nice array of upgrades in the future if I want.It's flexible, powerful, subtle in appearance, and a joy for iPod/iPhone owners. Just plug it in and go!No need to buy anything else.I can't recommend this unit enough.Pioneer quality and broad functionality at this price point is just ridiculous!

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Product Description:
The Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input, Bluetooth Ready includes advanced Sound Retriever restores the rich, full, dynamic sound to compressed music and Front input for USB devices.


Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input.
Click to enlarge.
The Next Best Thing to Live
Sick of listening to static? CD Players improve sound quality and add features like Bluetooth and iPod control that your built in factory stereo might otherwise not have. Expand your system with digital radio options like HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever
This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
iPod Made Easy
It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist, album, or genre. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod.
Back connections of the Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver.
Wireless remote control to pick that perfect song.
A better way to control your music
Sick of using buttons to search through your songs? Now you can scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset?
Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Note: Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required
What else does this model have to offer?
The DEH-P3100IB also includes these additional features like built-in AUX input for your media devices and Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your mp3s to near CD quality. Features that are designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation.

Remote Control included
LCD Display with 16-character Text
Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your compressed media to near CD quality
AUX input to easier plug in your portable media devices
USB input (Front)
HD Radio, XM, and Sirius Radio Ready
2 RCA preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion.
Two-Way Crossover with separate High and Low Pass settings.
Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling.
Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception.
Display Off Mode

What's in the Box
Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver, wiring harness, wireless remote control, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

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Sangean H201 AM/FM Digital Shower Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I spent a lot of time reviewing other waterproof shower radios, and this one seemed to have a lot of customer satisfaction.I've been using this radio for about 4 weeks now.Such a big improvement of the previous radio I was using.The sound quality is very good and the signal reception is excellant.I use it in the basement bathroom and even tucked away in the shower in the basement, it manages to pull in the stations I had trouble receiving with the previous radio.Very nice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean H201 AM/FM Digital Shower Radio

Product Description:
People often ask, What makes Sangean better than the rest? This radio is the answer. Stylish design, clean features and station reception to rival any other. But we took it one step further by making it so water resistant it is almost submersible! Meeting water proofing standards that are equal to marine radios. Look, listen, and try for yourself. Uses 2 'D' batteries or an AC power adapter (neither included). Includes. Wall mounting bracket, shoulder style carrying strap, and double sided adhesive squares by 3M.

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TomTom GO 920 Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Edited 10/5/2008
I've had a chance to use the 920 for about 6 months of heavy use and here's an update to my prior review:

1) Mapshare really works.It's great to get updates from users all over the country.What a great idea.
2) Map updates have refined the product over time.I got the 920 when it came with the original 920 maps.Mine had the 1 year map guarantee, so I have now gotten about 3-4 map upgrades (I forget the exact #) and with each update the maps have improved.The application has also improved.The latest 920 app and maps include Lane Assist and Intelligent Routing which come standard on the 930.

Lane assist is like Reality View on Navigons. You get a very nice highway view with clearly delineated flashing lanes that tell you which lanes to stay in.So, if you are on a 5 lane highway and you should stay in any of the 3 left lanes, Lane Assist will clearly show you that.

I have not had a chance to compare the IQ Routes to non-IQ routes as I just figured out how to turn IQ routes off in order to do the comparison yesterday; but the new routes have served me very well in terms of minimizing time. IQ Routes take traffic data from different times and days that are accumulated in a data base and use that to predict the best route.This isn't very intuitive to me, since I would think that the Traffic function would do that better; but maybe this works best for situations where there are no traffic sensors or you can't access the Traffic features.
3) Cell Phone Traffic.Let's you connect the TT920 to your cell phone (mine is Sprint) and downloads traffic in near realtime.I have noticed lately, with the latest mapset, that it is predicting delays, when in fact there aren't any; but don't know if that's because the traffic conditions are changing and there were delays.It is certainly possible because I find that this occurs in construction zones.It might also be a function of IQ routes.I need to investigate this further now that I can turn IQ routes off.

Biggest complaints:

Because of the primitive data entry interface described below, I have found the need to use my cellphone's GPS function to locate POI's and addresses, and then use the TT for routing on many occassions.This is so absolutely ridiculous for such an expensive and premium device in other ways. It's really a shame that TT can't / won't address these issues.

1) You need to know the something about your POI before you can search for it, so you need to enter the city, or the route first.You can't just search for Grand Canyon; you need to know it's in Arizona.

2) Brain dead address entry. This is where Magellan and Garmin are worlds ahead of TomTom.There are millions of address of the form ##A### such as 12W234 and these can't be entered into a TomTom. You won't be able to navigate to these locations; you'll need to know a cross street, perhaps, but how would you know that? Why can't they fix this?

3) Need to know a City to enter an address.Again, an absolutely dumb idea.In suburban areas, a street can pass through multiple communities.Needing to know the City to enter an address makes no sense.Both Magellan and Garmin figured that out years ago.

So, while TT has evolved in many positive ways, it is still very primitive in the way it handles some basic navigation data entry.

Edited 2/14/2008 TT Home reported a new European Map available for the TT920.So, in the process of downloading this I have some interesting observations.

1) A distinct TT advantage, and one I really hadn't thought much about since my 920 is only a few months old, is that Map Updates are downloadable.With Garmin you have to order a DVD.For my i5 it took weeks for the DVD to arrive.

2) But even more interesting than that is that the new Euro maps would not fit on my TT920.It said I needed to delete 110MB to free up enough space, but I didn't have 110MB of stuff to delete. So, now I thought I had a real problem.What I found out is that there is a feature in the TT920 that neither my Garmin 360 or Magellan 4250 have.

Specifically, I put in a blank 8GB SDHC card into the TT.I selected removable drive from TThome. I then downloaded the update to the TT DOWNLOAD folder on the HDD of my PC.

I then formatted the 8GB card to 4GB while it was inside the TT.I then went to Files on My Computer and ADDED the new Euro Map to the 4GB SD card.I copied the contents of the 4GB SD card to my HDD.I then removed the SD card from the TT and reformatted it to 8GB on my PC.I then copied the the contents on my HDD that I copied from the 4GB card to the 8GB card and inserted the 8GB card into the TT

3) At this point, TT920 recognizes Guam, North America and Western and Central Europe.

4) The real impact here is that I can hold 10GB of maps between the internal and removable flash.This is great news.On my Garmin 360, for example, if the North America maps exceed 2 GB, then you have to split the installation of Upper Canada and Lower 48 US.You can't just switch between them, you have to reload the maps.On the i5, I can drag and drop upper and lower maps, but again, can't have both on at the same time.

5) So, the SD cards on the two Garmins I have really serve no purpose for mapping and navigation, whereas on TT the SD card can be an extension of the internal memory.What a great design.

As you are probably aware, with the release of the 2008 maps, Many Garmin units ran short of internal memory to handle the larger maps, requiring the splitting of Upper and Lower north america.This is far less likely to happen on TT920's.SD cards on the Magellan are for backup only and custom POI's.
------
Edited 2/9/2008The i5 refurb is now $99.The Nuvi 360 is going for $249.Prices are dropping and this is very good!
-----
edited 2/7/08

Well, there is a serious problem with the TTx20's.This may be enough to take them off of your short list.I am debating what to do here.The situation has to do with address numbers.TT does fine with an address in the form of, say, nnn street address.Like 414 Janes Street.What it can't handle is any street number that has something OTHER THAN A NUMBER in it, like 55N123 Anystreet, Anytown, CO.There is no way to enter 55N123, because all you can enter are NUMBERS, not the letter "N".Now this might not be so bad, but I'd guess there are millions of addresses that either have a special character, like a hyphen "-" or a letter N, S, E, W, embedded in the street number.

Both the Garmins and Magellans referenced above, can handle the forms of address numbers that have alpha+numeric combinations.Others who have reported this to TomTom say that the problem is known, but there is no indication as to when or even if TT plans on fixing it.

So, if the TT920 didn't have that nifty Bluetooth Traffic feature, I would go with the Garmin i3... or the Magellan 4250. I can buy 4 i3's or 1.6 4250's for the price of 1 TT920.I should note that the TT720 has the same feature, but I got the TT920 for just about the same price as a TT720.The price has now gone up $90 on the 920 in the last 30 days.=======================================================================
ORIGINAL REVIEW

During a recent illness I think I read nearly every review of the most popular GPS's on the market.I also have had the chance to use

Garmin i5, 200, 360, 550, 680.
Magellan 4050, 4250
TomTom 720, 920
Navigon 2100t

I bought the i5 for my daughter, the 200 for my mother, and the 920 for me.Different markets, different needs.

After reading all reviews and using these products I have concluded that there is a cult-like following for GPS's.There's the Garmin, TOMTOM and Magellan Cults. Probably the Mio, Sony, HP and other cults that I am not following as well.They will banter and chatter on the relative merits and demerits of the various technologies.In the end, the following summarizes my analysis of the comments and products.Note that for the most part when you look at the distribution of Positive and Negative comments, there is almost always a plurality of positive comments for all units.I attribute some of this to the Cult-Status of GPS's

1) They **all** produce goofy routes at times, but overall work about the same.If you had the choice of either having any one of these or not having anything, I'd take any of them.One needs to acquaint ones self with the manual in order to get all of the value out of the products.They all do some things in arcane ways, at times, so it may not be obvious how to make it do what you want it to do.Even the easy to learn Nuvi's have some cryptic functionality.

2) None of the maps are 100% accurate, but all are pretty good. I don't see a big difference between products based on Navteq and TeleAtlas maps, considering all the chatter that is written about Navteq being better than TeleAtlas. There are probably differences in maps, algorithms, routing engines, etc. that all play a part in determining the optimal route, but they all do pretty good on average and badly at times.

3) The best value for a basic GPS is the GARMIN i3 which can be had for $100 refurbed with 1 yr Garmin warranty. The i5 is about $130, also a great deal. If you have expensive nails (ladies) it's nice because it has a touch wheel instead of touch screen. It also runs on 2-AA batteries... slick.

4) For simplicity, the Garmin 200 series is great. Rechargeable, Garmin Lock, nice form factor, fits in pocket or purse. Handy when leaving car with a...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 920 Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator

Product Description:
TomTom's award-winning software and innovative features mean ground-breaking new technology for the ultimate driving experience. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen or with voice prompted address entry and start driving anywhere in the US, Canada or Europe. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names. TomTom has the most accurate maps. With TomTom MapShare technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs on your own device. Branded points of interest and optional daily fuel prices service add even more efficiency to your travels. The GO 920 makes driving even safer with hands-free calling. And now, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers.

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Apple AV Connection Kit for iPod with Dock Connector (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This box packages $135 worth of iPod accessories for connecting iPod to stereo and/or TV. If you do not plan on connecting iPod to stereo and/or TV, purchase what you need separately (you won't need Apple Remote and iPod AV Cable for sure). That said, included accessories are well built and stylish, perfectly complementing all but black iPod models. All that is missing is an S-video cable, which is a shame. S-video connection provides noticeably superior image quality over composite video connection. S-video improves color reproduction while reducing image artifacts, such as dot crawling around edges.

This package includes:

1. iPod Universal Dock provides an elegant way to charge and sync iPod, as well as letting you connect iPod to TV (for models of iPod with color display) or stereo. This accessory, along with the rest, is compatible with all but iPod shuffle and 1G and 2G iPods without dock connector. It includes adapters for discontinued iPod models. This accessory retails for $39.

2. Apple Remote controls the iPod wirelessly. This accessory requires the use of iPod Universal Dock. This accessory retails for $29.

3. iPod USB Power Adapter charges iPod without a computer. It requires iPod USB cable. This accessory retails for $29.

4. iPod AV Cable lets you connect iPod to stereo or TV set. This is a mini-to-analog audio + composite video cable. This accessory retails for $19.

5. iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 cable. Although one is included with iPod, this extra cable is good for connecting Universal Dock to USB Power Adapter for home theater installation. This accessory retails for $19.

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Product Description:
With the Apple MA242LL/A iPod AV Connection Kit, you'll have all the pieces you need to enjoy the entire iPod experience in your living room. This kit includes all components to connect your iPod to your home stereo or television so you can share your favorite tunes, snapshots and movies with friends and family. The Apple Remote combines with the Universal Dock to let you experience your iPod from across the room, and the convenient USB based adapter keeps your iPod charged. The Connection Kit is compatible with all iPod models with a dock connector.
What's in the Box
iPod AV cable, universal dock, dock adapters, Apple remote, USB power adapter, and dock connector to USB cable.
iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video

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iLuv i199 High-Fidelity Bluetooth Speaker System with AM/FM, CD, Dual Alarm, and Dock for iPod (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This sounds like a perfect product, however in function, there are several serious short comings.First and foremost, this has a very poor bass heavy sound.With no tone control, there's no way to compensate.Second, the radio reception with the included AM and FM antenna is very poor.Third, the Bluetooth adapter included with the radio does not work with most Bluetooth phones (including Verizon Motorola KRZR).

Click Here to see more reviews about: iLuv i199 High-Fidelity Bluetooth Speaker System with AM/FM, CD, Dual Alarm, and Dock for iPod (White)

Product Description:
The I199 High-fidelity Audio Multimedia System brings to you is clear quality sound using jAura acoustic speaker technology playing music from your iPod, CDs, MP3 CDs, USB or AM/FM radio. Designed with Bluetooth wireless technology and BluePin wireless audio transmitter & receiver, you can listen to music in your room wirelessly on headphones or speakers equipped. Your music can put you to sleep or wake you up and you can always know the song title and artist on an MP3 track if it has an ID3 tag. With the AV output, you can even send video content from your iPod to a TV. This system gives you a lot and you can give a little something in return. Provides a variety of basic and convenient functions, such as Repeat, Random, Intro and more AM/FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology Programmable presets for 40 radio stations (10 for AM / 30 for FM) Digital clock display with dual alarm Wake to your iPod, USB, CD, radio, or buzzer Fall asleep to your iPod, USB, CD, radio, or AUX Supports 9-minute snooze and 4-step dimmer functions Plays MP3 files stored on a USB storage device, such as USB MP3 players with USB connector Auxiliary line-level input for 1st and 2nd generations of iPod and other audio devices Negative liquid crystal display (LCD) Bluetooth Core - Bluetooth V1.2 compliant Bluetooth Profile - A2DP, AVRCP Operating Frequency - 2.4 - 2.4835GHz Security Features - 128-bit Encryption Transmitting Rate - 721Kbps (Max) Wireless Technology - FHSS

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D-Link MediaLounge High-Definition Media Player (DSM-510) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, I'd like to say that I firmly believe that digital media players similar to this one are the future of digital home entertainment. A simple and inexpensive device like that allows you to stream digital media to your home theater from your laptop, desktop or a dedicated media server located anywhere in your house. This is a great idea. This technology is here to stay. It's just a question of maturity. And, sorry to say, D-Link DSM-510 is not quite there yet.

I truly liked its design simplicity. There are no frills, but all essentials are there - WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI, optical audio and USB port. Exactly what I needed, no more and no less, in a small and neatly done package with clean and straightforward user interface.

However, the device is palgued by fimware bugs that eventually made me take it back to the store where I bought it.

First, the most obvious and the most stupid one is the absence of the on/off indicator. The blue light on the front panel goes on once the power adapter is connected and remanis lit whether the device is turned on or off. So you have to turn your TV on to tell whether it's on or off.

Second, there's no on/off or reset button on the front panel. Well... there's no buttons whatsoever, period. And boy, will you miss that reset button now and then. The only way to turn it on or off is by using remote control.

The most annoying thing is, the device's video output goes completely dark for no apparent reason once in a while and won't come back even if you power cycle it using remote. The device appears to be alive (you can ping it), but video output remains black no matter what you do. The only way to remedy from this is to physically disconnect power supply (there's no reset or power button, remember?)

I upgraded to the latest firmware version (1.01), but to no avail. By the way, firmware upgrade is done via Internet and went very smoothly, although at some point you're left wondering if it's hung up or what? Just be patient and wait for a couple of minutes for it to finish.

I'm really surprised and disappointed that D-Link's QA have not caught this nasty "black screen" problem. Hopefully, it can be fixed with a firmware patch. But until then, the DSM-510 goes back to the store shelf.

And D-Link, take note. If you want to enter consumer market, you have to change your attitude. Consumers are less forgiving than computer geeks you sell your networking stuff to. They won't tolerate bugs that require reaching behind the box and pulling the power cord.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link MediaLounge High-Definition Media Player (DSM-510)

Product Description:
With the DSM-510 enjoy streaming digital media content over an existing network from a PC to a home entertainment center. Access music, photos, and videos stored on a PC and play them on your television. Listen to high-quality digital music on a stereo system, share digital photos with friends and family, and watch your favorite high-definition digital videos on a big screen HDTV. Experience digital media like never before.


Main Features
Manufacturer: D-Link Systems, Inc
Manufacturer Part Number: DSM-510
Manufacturer Website Address: www.dlink.com
Product Model: DSM-510
Product Type: Network Audio/Video Player
Media Support: Not Applicable
Formats Support: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV, XviD, MP3, PCM, AVI, WMA, AIFF, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, JPEG2000, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, GIF
Network: Fast Ethernet , Wireless IEEE 802.11g
Interfaces/Ports: RJ-45 Network, USB 2.0 - USB, HDMI Stereo Audio Line-out, Composite Video Out, Toslink S/PDIF Out
Dimensions: 1.3" Height x 5.5" Width x 5.7" Depth
Weight: 0.6 lb
Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s) Limited

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Clarion VZ309 3.5-Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To put it politely, I have been disappointed by the performance and feature set of this receiver. In fact, I thought it was so bad that this couldn't have been a product developed by Clarion. I think this is a re-badged Clarion which was designed/engineered by a low-tier manufacturer. The fact that the HD Tuner that works with this receiver doesn't work with any other seems to point in that direction too. But this is a review, so I will be specific about it.

Usually, people write the positives and negatives when writing a review. I will do the same. So, here's what I like about it:

1. Looks: It is a handsome looking deck. I am not a fan of the flashing LEDs and rotating colors. This has very minimalistic and simplistic, OEM type design that complements the rest of the dash.

2. Build quality is great. Definitely does not look like a made in China item that you can buy at an auto parts store.

3. Nice, large screen - crisp and clear.

4. Sounds is good, although nothing earth-shattering for a 200W amp.

5. HD Tuner works well, get stations fast and clear.

Now, before I list the things I don't like about it, let me explain something. A lot of people will mention a LACK OF FEATURE as a negative. I kind of find it unfair. I mean, before you buy something, you should know what features it has or doesn't have. For example, this receiver doesn't have Bluetooth. Now, it will be unfair for me to say this is a bad receiver because of that.

On the other hand, things that are wrong with it, or designs that are inconvenient can be fairly mentioned in the list of CONS. So, I will start with it:

1. If you start your car before you attach the faceplate, the receiver will remain turned off. You have to press the power button to turn in on - every time. With most receivers, if you turned off your receiver before you remove your car keys, it will remain off until you turn in on manually. Same way, if you left your receiver turned ON, and turned the car off (remove keys), it will come on automatically next time you turn on ignition and put the faceplate. This doesn't do that. Very inconvenient.

2. The "power"/ON button is not lit when the unit is off. So, coupled with the issue #1, it is a major inconvenience at night. You come in, start the car, put the faceplate back on - and nothing. Now you will have to blindly look for the power button to turn it on.

3. If there is a CD/DVD in the drive, it will always start in the CD/DVD source, regardless of last source you were listening to when it was turned off.

4. USB slot is also not lit, so, inserting a USB drive at night takes a few tries.

5. Most of the buttons have more than one functions. One function is printed right on the button, the other function for the same button is printed right below it. However, ONLY the button is lit, not the print below it. For example, the power button also acts as the mute button. But when the receiver is on, only the power symbol is lit, not "MUTE" which is written right below it. It is true for all buttons with more than one functions.

6. The dreaded DVD-loop issue. If you switched to a different source or turned the unit off while playing a DVD, next time it will only loop in the chapter it was last playing. Definitely a bad programming issue.

7. If you "mute" the unit while playing a CD or songs from USB, the mute will be automatically canceled and sound will come back on after the next song comes on. Really annoying - specially if you are on the phone with someone and suddenly the music comes on. I know this is not meant to be or that it is not a feature because the mute symbol stays on the display, even though the sound is heard. Again, bad programming.

8. The faceplate anchor design is merit-less at best. It has two plastic anchors sticking out from the unit where the faceplate latches on. These are plastic anchors about 1" long and they are just sticking out. If one of the breaks, the whole unit is useless. I will post a pic to show what I mean.

9. Absolutely no display customization. What comes with is what you get - and what comes with it is nothing. You can't change the display color/wallpaper/font/size - nothing.

10. USB operation is ridiculous at best. It shows all the songs in one list and the only way to navigate through them without the remote is to go up and down, which is painfully slow. You can go folder to folder using the remote. With the "UP" and "DOWN" symbols being not lit, it's inconvenient at night.

EDIT: I discovered that you can press and hold the up or down button to navigate from folder to folder. No mention of this in the manual.

11. If your mp3 folders have a pic such as an album art, this unit will get stuck at that, and it will ask you to put the parking brake on to view it - instead of just not showing the pic and moving on to the next song. If you have a lot of albums, you will need to manually remove all the album arts from the USB drive.

12. In the USB mode, it "eats" about 1 sec from the beginning of a song when it moves starts the next track. It's not as noticeable with the songs that start slow, but clearly annoying when a song starts out loud or with a beat, for example, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Don't know if this applies to CD tracks too.

13. It will recognize only 512 songs total in your USB drive. Now-a-days people have their whole music collection on a single chip. 512 songs limitation sets you back to 1999.

14. A lot of the DVD operations can only be performed using the remote. There are buttons on the faceplate that are inactive during DVD play which they could have easily put some functions on.

15. It is not compatible with all USB drives. I don't know which ones are okay but I have a USB drive that works fine everywhere but this gives me an error saying "UBS Bad".

16. No dedicated button for "search", meaning fast forward or reverse. So, if you want to FF a song or DVD chapter, you will have to press and hold ">>|" for about 5 secs and then it will do it only at 2x speed. Do the same again (another 5 secs) to go 4x. If you let go before that, it will just skip to the next song or chapter - and you will have to do it again.

17. The internal clock loses time like crazy!! It would be half to a minute behind in just a week.

18. No permanent brightness setting for the screen. All you have is Normal -> Dim -> Off, using the Dim button. You can't set the brightness to your liking. To make matter worse, the setting using "Dim" button is temporary. Once the unit is re-started (turn off/turn on), it goes to full brightness.

19. Finally, THIS UNIT IS SLOW!!! Navigating through songs or tuning stations, skipping songs, switching sources - much slower than even the cheapest receivers out there.

Now, some of things that I would have love to see and I could expect in a $400 receiver:

1. This unit should have been AT LEAST bluetooth ready.

2. It has this huge, rotary volume knob which is also used for Bass/Treble settings by pushing it. I think this would have been more useful is this was programmed to be used as "Enter" button, and putting the "Bass/Treble" settings in the settings menu. Now, the "AS" button acts as enter which is not even lit.

3. When the ignition is on and the faceplate is not on, there is a little triangle blue LED that flashes to show where to enter CD/DVD. I wish this LED would blink all the time so it would act as a theft deterrent.

4. When you enter the "Settings" menu where you can change equalizer/loudness etc, the music stops. So, you have no way to instantly compare the effect of different EQ or loudness settings. Wish the music didn't stop.

5. The faceplate carry-case/box is CHEAP!!! They should have included a little better case.

Like the title says, the only thing that makes things even is the ultra-low pricing of Amazon, which sometimes even include a free HD tuner. Otherwise, for more price I would suggest getting something else.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion VZ309 3.5 Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port

Product Description:
Clarion's VZ309 is a true multimedia station with a DVD/ CD receiver; USB connector that supports playback of MP3, WMA and JPEG files; front AUX inputs for portable audio players; and optional iPod audio and video playback (CCUIPOD2). The brilliant 3.5 inch display lets you control it all. All this in a small one-DIN package.


caption Click to enlarge.
Add the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit.
6 channels of preamp output to grow your system.
Includes full-featured remote.
Enjoy a Wide Variety of Media
The built-in optical disc drive is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, CD-DA, HDCD, CD-R and CD-RW, so you're assured access to a wide variety of visual and musical entertainment.
You can also play back MP3/WMA files from disc, complete with ID3-Tag display of artist/track info on the screen.
3.5-inch LCD Screen
The 3.5-inch LCD displays operational status of your iPod, CD and DVD playback, radio functions and more. It offers maximum usability within minimum dimensions.
iPod Playback
Just connect your iPod to the VZ309 using the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit. Please see the Clarion website for iPod models that can beconnected.
Front USB Input
Grab a USB drive with some of your favorite MP3/WMA tracks and enjoy them right from the front of the unit.
HD/SAT Radio Ready
You can connect optional tuners and enjoy the benefits of high-definition and XM satellite radio.
AM/FM Radio
Catch up on the news or listen to your favorite stations. Get quick access to your favorites with 18 FM and 6 AM station presets.
Auxiliary Input
Use the front 3.5mm auxiliary input to connect external audio devices like MP3 players, etc.
Rear AV Output
A rear AV output allows you to send your signal to a second monitor in the back seat.
Dedicated Rear vision Camera RCA Input
Add a rear vision camera to see the area behind your vehicle, for added safety and convenience.
Room to Grow
With 50 Watts through four channels, and a 24-bit D/A converter, the VZ309 gives you great sound to start. But it also includes 6 channels of preamp output and a subwoofer volume control, so you can easily add external amplifiers and build a monster system.
Remote Included
A full-featured remote control is included.
What's in the Box
VZ309 Source unit, Mounting bracket, Removable face plate case, Trim plate, Remote control unit, Battery (CR2025), Owner's manual, Installation manual, Installation hardware

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