Advantages: Backs up 4.7GB of your important data Disadvantages: None as yet
On a never ending quest to improve my computer set up I decided I needed to purchase a DVD recorder drive of some sort. Backing up my important data using my CD-R drive was a time consuming operation which used four CD-R`s every time. I had been put off by the high price of DVD recorder drives while they remained fairly new but over the past few months prices have dropped to such an extent that a DVD recorder drive can now be bought for under £100. When I saw the Pioneer DVR ? 106 drive available for £88 at Dabs.com I did not hesitate in ordering the drive which duly arrived just two days later.
Now a problem that faces consumers when they decide to buy a DVD recorder drive is that there is more than one type of blank DVD media that can be recorded upon, these are DVD-R and DVD+R. Many people have argued long and hard extolling ...
Advantages: Very good sound quality, many options, Sound Retriever technology Disadvantages: Interface could be better
That car radio system is a blast. Intuitive controls, usb and ipod control are really adding up to the fun here.
I had a bit of trouble installing because the main problem with aftermarket systems is that illumination wire that you never know where to tie up. I ended up frying my dashboard dimmer switch which is a 65$ value!
Just be careful when installing those things! For the radio itself, the advantages are the legendary Pioneer sound quality. The downside I think is the menu navigation. If you have an iPod filled with music, choosing an artist can soon become a long task to accomplish e.g: you have to turn that button soooo many times. But else it really looks great and as I said, USB control is really cool. Personnaly I installed a 160gb HD powered by my lighter plug directly connected to the unit. Never change the disc again! ...
Advantages: Sexy, packed with features, smart design, easy to use Disadvantages: price?
A month or so ago I purchased a new car, MK4 VW Golf 1.9 TDI. Not being brand new, I wanted to make some changes to make it feel more like mine. First thing I noticed was the out-dated sound system in the car. Despite being a 51 reg, it came with a tape deck of all things and a 6-disc CD changer. Ugly, boring and outdated. I wanted something a bit snazzier. I had seen other Golfs with single DIN units, meaning there was a horrible gap in the dash board. Opting for double-din was the only logical choice. Most double din units are expensive and incorporate a DVD player or sat nav of some sort. I wasn't after that, just something to play MP3 CD's and the radio. When i saw this one though, i fell in love. The sexy fascia, blue lights and jam packed features made it a must buy.
The pioneer FH-P80BT comes with a number of cool features ...
Centre channel speaker : 1 x full-range driver - 77mm
Subwoofer : 1 x subwoofer driver - 160mm
Clock & alarm
Clock
Yes (digital)
Timer
Record
Slot(s)
Type
1 x Common Interface slot
Connections
Connector Type
DVD recorder / HDD recorder : 1 x USB ( 4 PIN USB Type A ) - front
1 x USB ( 4 PIN USB Type B ) - front
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK) - front
1 x composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - front
1 x S-Video input ( 4 PIN mini-DIN ) - front
1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear
1 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - rear
2 x SCART ( 21 PIN SCART ) - rear
1 x composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear
1 x composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear
1 x component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear
Dimensions & weight details
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight
Speaker system : subwoofer : 20 cm x 42.8 cm x 37.5 cm / 9 kg
Speaker system : right/left channel speaker : 10 cm x 10.3 cm x 10 cm / 0.55 kg
Speaker system : right/left rear channel speaker : 10 cm x 10.3 cm x 10 cm / 0.55 kg
Speaker system : centre channel speaker : 10 cm x 10.3 cm x 10 cm / 0.55 kg
Main unit : 42 cm x 28.8 cm x 7.7 cm / 4.8 kg
Manufacturer's product description
The RCS-LX60D is an advanced media center that enables you to play, record and store almost every kind of media format; even your digital photographs, digital music and footage from your camcorder. And of course you can enjoy your entire DVD collection, too. The RCS-LX60D is multi-format, giving you quality playback and recording on every DVD format. You can copy CDs to the hard disk (at a high-speed rate of 6 times the normal speed), store digital images or compressed audio files, from disc or your PC via the front-in USB. Copy and edit footage from your camcorder via the DV-In, and if the need arises, you can even print images via a compatible printer connected directly to the system. The RCS-LX60D enables a scaling option up to 1080p via HDMI. So you're guaranteed the highest viewing resolution, regardless of the source. The RCS-LX60D includes a 'Front Stage Surround Advance' feature. What this means is that you have the option to place the speakers in the traditional 5.1 surround setting around your living room, or alternatively place them alongside your television. This is ideal if you have limited space, or don't want an "invasion" of electronics equipment around the room. Whichever setting you choose, there is no loss of audio quality. In addition, the RCS-LX60D also has unique Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC), which automatically analyzes your room environment and calibrates the system speakers to deliver a sound that it tailor-made to your home.
