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Car stereos Session has ended.

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Latest questions and answers

Q: about other "ask the editors"

by Gabwert - 8/16/07 11:53 AM

when is MP3 players going to be on again? I have some major questions that need answering!

A: Other Live Chats

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 12:03 PM

Hey Gabwert--thanks for your interest in the "ask the editors" series. I'm not sure about the next MP3 session, but I do know that next week at this time we'll be hosting a live session on Freeware, DRM, and torrents (
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=260529).

You can also check out the home page for the Live Chats here: http://forums.cnet.com/4520-12548-6748916.html

As for me, my hour is up. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, I hope you found the answers helpful.

Cheers! Kevin

Q: Mass storage for the car

by MoussePad - 8/16/07 11:42 AM

Are there any systems that enable you to bring your whole mp3 collection with you in the car, that would integrate with the factory head unit, or an aftermarket?

A: Mass storage

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:59 AM

Stereos with built-in mass storage are still pretty rare outside of factory-installed units (Lexus, Chrysler, and Infiniti all offer hard drives in some of their 2008 models). In the aftermarket, the JVC KD-NX5000 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/jvc-kd-nx5000/4505-3430_7-32319693.html) , the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/pioneer-avic-z-1/4505-3430_7-31636311.html) and the AVIC-Z2 are the only stereos with buil-in mass storage that spring to mind

Q: MP3 Player use in car

by lyingfriar - 8/16/07 11:36 AM

I use my MP3 in my car by use of a tape cassette adapter. The sound quality is better than the 6-disk in my trunk, but the speakers are emitting less than desirable quality sound. For example, when I listen to "Get Together" by Madonna, one part of the song sounds full of static. I have adjusted the bass/treble on my car stereo and adjusted the EQ on my MP3 (by the way, it's an Insignia 2GB Video). Should I replace the speakers and get nicer ones or is it something I can control?

A: MP3 cassette adapter

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:52 AM

This doesn't sound like its a problem with your speakers--the static is probably a result of the tape adapter's reproduction of your MP3 player's output. You can test this by listening to a different source (eg radio) in your car to see if you get the same distortion. If not, I suggest you change your means of connection between the MP3 player and the car (for some tips, see here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11198_7-6212328-1.html)

Q: Best GPS system?

by whizkid454 - 8/16/07 11:34 AM

I am trying to figure out which would be the easiest to use and is accurate plus is reasonably priced (~$500-600). I have looked at the Garmin Nuvis and the seem to be really highly rated. I have also seen some new GPS systems that look promising. It needs to have a large screen (>3.5") since I have large fingers. What would you recommend that fits me best? I will probably be buying around Christmas. Do you have a personal favorite? Thanks!

A: Best gps system

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:49 AM

Hey Whizkid454--we have a whole channel at CNET dedicated to portable GPS units. For a start, you can check out our editors' top GPS picks here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-10863_7-6509078.html

Q: What is the LAW?

by tonyramosjr - 8/16/07 11:28 AM

What is the law in California for use of a Phone inside a car while driving? I sometimes use the integrated bluetooth that came installed with the car but it has some call and voice quality problems and so many times I just put my Treo to my ear instead. Just want to make sure I am not breaking the law.

Thanks

A: hands-free calling

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:46 AM

I'm not 100 percent sure on this, but as it stands, I think that calling on a cell phone is still permitted in California until some time in 2008, when it will be made illegal. Obviously, it is always safer to use a hands-free interface for making calls when driving

Q: Affordable Nav+Stereo+iPod head unit

by MsCyra - 8/16/07 11:26 AM

I have an Toyota SUV with a Double Size DIN opening for my factory stereo.

What I would really like is a single device that incorporates Navigation, A reasonable Stereo and can also function as an iPod head unit.

Can you make a recommedation on an affordable unit?

A: Affordable all-in-one unit

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:43 AM

Hey MsCyra--I just had a similar question about a Toyota Avalon (see below). My recommendation for a system with the features that you are looking for would be the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 or the Eclipse AVN5500--both have now been updated and so you might be able to pick them up for a bargain price

Q: Voice activated stereos

by ArtDecoAutomaton - 8/16/07 11:23 AM

Are there any good voice activated car stereos out there?

A: Voice-activated stereos

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:41 AM

Voice activation has to date been mainly used for GPS navigation. The best voice-activated systems by far are found in Honda/ Acura factory installed systems. The Pioneer AVIC-Z1 (and the recently released AVIC-Z2) are the only aftermarket systems we've seen with voice activation, but Ford's upcoming Sync (http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9757676-7.html) application will allow drivers to control songs via voice command

Q: Improving a FM transmission for Monster iCarplay

by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 8/16/07 11:21 AM

I bought a Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus FM transmitter for my iPod and living the San Francisco bay area it's difficult to get a good clean channel to allow the transmitter to work efficiently.

Are there any special ways/techniques for using this thing to improve signal strength to my FM radio, so that I don't have to constantly switch to different frequency to get a good transmission? I really hate to resort to disconnecting my antennae?

Thanks!
-Lee

A: FM transmission for iPod

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:38 AM

FM transmitters are the lowest-tech way of connecting your iPod to your stereo, but they are getting better. While researching my recent iPod your car feature (URL below) I found this interesting hack for the iTrip transmitter, which might work with your iCarPlay: http://www.surfbits.com/?p=526

Q: XM Satellite

by 1baddoggy - 8/16/07 11:21 AM

I'm considering getting XM Radio in my vehicle. I currently have an XM "Ready" Sony head unit that plays mp3 discs. I'm wondering, is satellite worth it? I've heard from several people that it cuts out a lot. What's your take on it?

A: XM radio

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:34 AM

XM-ready just means that your stereo can be used to play XM radio with the use of an add-on module. In my experience, XM radio is pretty consistent, and I much prefer it to Sirius when it comes to the navigability of its channels.

Q: USB

by alexdesignz - 8/16/07 11:20 AM

Wondering if more stereos will have usb ports for flash drives or MP3 players

A: USB

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:33 AM

stereos with USB support include the
Sony CDX-GT610UI (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-cd-changers/sony-cdx-gt610ui/4505-6728_7-32330347.html), and the Alpine iDA-X001 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-electronics/alpine-ida-x001/4505-3424_7-32425827.html)

Q: What IPOD car Stereo

by tonyramosjr - 8/16/07 11:19 AM

What IPOD car stereo offers the best and most intuitive interface? I am looking for something that will allow me to search exactly as if I was using my IPOD.

A: iPod car stereos

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:30 AM

Lots of manufacturers are trying to give drivers this iPod experience through their car stereos: we recently did a round-up of best car stereos for iPod (http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-3425_7-6580784.html). Since we published this feature, we've seen another couple of good iPod-compatible stereos: the JVC KDPDR30 (http://reviews.cnet.com/satellite-radio-tuners/jvc-kd-pdr30-cd/4514-7873_7-32400290.html) and the Jensen MP6612i (http://reviews.cnet.com/Jensen_MP6612i/4505-6729_7-32559218.html)
We also recently put together a video on how to iPod your car (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11198_7-6212328-10.html) .

Q: Update my Toyota Avalon XLS 1996

by jeffkomori - 8/16/07 11:18 AM

Okay, I want to put in a GPS / Bluetooth / DVD/CD, you know, the works into my Avalon. The factory installed stereo is a cassette & 12 disc CD changer (in trunk).

What are my options?

A: Toyota Avalon update

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:25 AM

Depending on the configuration of the 1996 Avalon's dashboard, you have a number of options. If the car has a standard DIN (2") or double DIN (4") slot, then there are a number of all-in-one GPS/ DVD/Bluetooth options. The benchmark for these devices is the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/pioneer-avic-z-1/4505-3430_7-31636311.html), but there are other options, including the Panasonic Strada CN-NVD905U (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/panasonic-strada-cn-nvd905u/4505-3430_7-32450650.html), the Pioneer AVIC-D3 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/pioneer-avic-d3/4505-3430_7-32319805-2.html) or the Alpine AVN5500 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-audio/eclipse-avn5510-cd-dvd/4505-3425_7-32400486.html). If you want a portable navigation system thrown in, you might want to try the Alpine AVN 2210p

Q: Bluetooth

by Advanced Optics - 8/16/07 11:07 AM

I need bluetooth profiles such as A2DP and AVRCP for my cell phone to listen to music using my car's bluetooth stereo system. The RAZR 2 V9M from Alltel has these capabilities, but would Alltel possibly lock these bluetooth profiles? If so, Why?

A: Bluetooth profiles

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:10 AM

The Bluetooth profiles A2DP (which allows audio streaming via Bluetooth) and AVRCP (which allows you to control the streamed music using your stereo head unit controls) are standards that should be usable from any phone that has them. As Bluetooth is a short-wave radio signal, I can't see any way that Alltel could (or would) lock them.

Q: Media card slots in car stereos

by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 8/16/07 10:58 AM

A member e-mailed me this question to present to you. He was unable to make the event because of work, but didn't want to miss out on this opportunity. So here it is:

I always wanted to know if future in-car stereos will ever have media card slots. I know everyone else is all hyped about having a plug or cable for their iPod, or HDRadio, but what about a simple media card slot built into the head unit? That would be awesome. Just drag and drop your favorite mp3 files onto a 2GB SD card and cruise! If I don't get a chance to chime in on the chat, could you inquire??? I'd be most grateful. Thanks.

From CNET member: gnassif

A: Media card slots

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 11:04 AM

Hey gnassif--

Thanks for your question. As it happens, a number of aftermarket car stereo manufacturers are already offering models with SD card slots, although these systems are still few and far between. Examples of SD-card compatible stereos we've seen include the Jensen MP6612i (http://reviews.cnet.com/Jensen_MP6612i/4505-6729_7-32559218.html) and the Clarion DFZ675MC (http://reviews.cnet.com/Clarion_DFZ675MC/4505-6729_7-31853380.html). Some Audi models also offer SD card-compatible factory-installed stereos

A: Bring on your questions!

by kevinmassy - 8/16/07 10:50 AM

Hi there--we're just about to go live with today's Live Chat on the subject of car stereos and in-car media. Please submit your questions using this dialog box, and I'll do my best to answer them.
Thanks,
Kevin

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