Great news - Autonet has extended their $200 off mail-in rebate offer on the Autonet Mobile Router to December 31, 2009. That means you can turn your car into a WiFi zone for just $169.99 after the mail-in rebate! Imagine having broadband internet to help pass the time on all of those long road trips. If you find yourself stuck in traffic and late for a meeting, the Autonet enables you to send and receive email on your laptop!
Check out our previous blog on the Autonet Mobile Router for more details about this extremely useful wireless internet router. You can use this router to access broadband internet while inside of your vehicle. All of your passengers can access the internet while you drive. In fact, this router creates a WiFi zone of 1000 feet in and around your vehicle, so you can even use the internet while sitting outside of your parked vehicle.
We have also written a guide on how to install the Autonet mobile router in our Knowledge Base section. You can use this article as a guide during your install. Remember, you will need to purchase a monthly subscription to access the internet with this router. Hurry, with a $200 rebate, supplies won’t last!
Immerse yourself in quality home theater sound with Harman Kardon audio and video receivers. They provide a cutting-edge surround sound to deliver exceptional audio to all your movies, music and TV shows. Harman Kardon Receivers provide the user with maximum options with a minimum number of buttons. They use the most up-to-date technology to optimize the clarity of any entertainment source whether it is old or new. Today we are going to talk about two receivers that Harman Kardon offers as part of their line.
The AVR 154 is a 5.1 channel audio and video receiver. It features standard Dolby Digital surround and DTS Decoding along with a Cirrus Logic CS Processor for an extraordinary system sure to blow everyone away. It will also come with three HDMI Inputs, two HDTV Component video inputs, four S-video inputs, a front-panel input for video games and an auxiliary input for portable media players. With all these connections options, you will have no problem hooking up a television, DVD Player, Blu-Ray player or your favorite video game console. The AVR 154 is all about ease of use with an ultra-wide bandwidth design for maximum loyalty.
Now, if you are looking for something with a little more power, the AVR 254 may be what you are looking for. It is a 7.1 channel receiver with Dolby Digital surround sound but also has DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master audio. DTS-HD supports “lossless” audio for the highest, high-definition audio quality. The AVR 254 features Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing to 1080p. The purpose of the processor is to eliminate jagged edges along diagonal lines caused by interpolation. Just like the AVR 154, it will come with three HDMI inputs but will also have connections for external amplifiers. The AVR 254 is the perfect audio and video receiver for any home theater sound system.
Audio and video receivers have become a part of many household home theater systems, but with new technologies coming out, an advancement will surely be needed in the home theater industry.
Harmon International specializes in high-quality audio and electronic products for automotive, consumer and professional use. Infinity is one of Harmon’s many sibling companies and carries its legendary audio quality to the automotive department. Kappa Perfect was introduced in 1998 as a high-end line of car audio products from Infinity. The Kappa Perfect line has really excelled for Infinity, anyone knowledgeable about car audio has heard of the series. Infinity Kappa Perfect have been winning competitions for years while remaining affordable for the average consumer. When you hear the name Infinity, you hear about their products superb sound quality and innovative, sophisticated use of technology. Infinity says it’s not technology for the sake of technology, it’s technology for the sake of music.
Infinity Kappa Perfect subwoofers are built likes tanks, and ooze technology and innovation. The newest Kappa Perfect VQ (Variable Q) subwoofers feature proprietary Magnesium Metal Matrix (M3D) woofer cones that are 20 times “deader” than aluminum with superior stiffness and damping properties. The Variable Q interchangeable pole pieces allow you to tune the woofers Q exactly how you want it, which is unheard of. If Infinity says its Perfect subs can go as low as 23Hz, they mean it. Kappa Perfect subwoofers are also extremely loud and accurate, following close beats is a cinch and it’s nearly impossible to distort them given the right system. These are the first subwoofers that can easily be optimized for tiny sealed boxes, medium sized sealed and vented and infinite-baffle applications. The perfect mesh of sound quality, accuracy and precision is available with Kappa Perfect subwoofers.
Infinity’s product quality and excellence stems from its passion for music. This passion shines most bright in their Kappa Perfect series component speaker systems. Car audio has been forever changed by the clarity, quality, and presence of the Kappa Perfect line of speakers. Deep-anodized aluminum woofer cones make up the midwoofers of these speakers for incredible detail and accuracy. A 1” edge-driven aluminum tweeter with a rubber surround produces astoundingly bright, crisp highs. For ultimate speaker control, Kappa Perfect speakers have a Linqwitz-Riley crossover network with 3.5kHz tweeter crossover frequency, and -4/0/+5dB tweeter level control. These speakers are hefty and built to last. They run a unique 3 ohm impedance and just beg for power from a quality external amplifier. Kappa Perfect speakers were created using the most advanced technologies for the most critical of audiophiles, and boy did Infinity deliver, on a magnesium metal platter.
Infinity car audio products are crammed full of high end and trick technology. Engineering at Infinity is state-of-the-art and a great deal of computer aided design software is used to devise their products. This includes FEA(Finite Element Analysis) modeling programs, LEAP CAD software, MLSSA FFT analyzers and the new Klippel analyzer. It takes a lot of guts to describe a product as “Perfect”, but after hearing anything from Infinity’s Kappa Perfect lineup you will understand they chose their words carefully.
Have you purchased a new flat panel television, but the sound just isn’t what you are looking for? Samsung has just what you need in an all-in-one home theater setup. The Samsung HT-BD1250, a 5.1 Channel surround sound system is perfect for upgrading your home theater system. The 5.1 Channel design consists of 2 front speakers, 2 surround speakers, a slim center channel speaker, and a subwoofer. Now, this isn’t your regular home theater system with just speakers and a receiver, it also has a built-in Blu-Ray player. This is a big advantage as it offers full compatibility with the latest features such as BD-Live, Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio decoding. The Blu-ray receiver also features streaming content from Netflix and Pandora. Add the optional Samsung WIS09ABGN wireless adapter and you can have all the online capabilities without having to run cables.
The design of the Blu-Ray player and receiver combo is unique in itself. It features a glossy black finish with the “Red Touch of Color” Samsung is known for, making this system the perfect companion for select Samsung LCD Televisions. The unit has touch sensitive control buttons on the top of the player giving it a sleek, minimalistic look. The volume control, a flat, spinnable disc, on the top of the player is similar to that of an iPod. Speaking of the iPod, this home theater system includes an iPod dock for music and video playback.
Expand your entertainment options by adding a surround sound system to your home theater. The HT-BD1250 system included a full-featured receiver with built-in Blu-Ray, 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer. This provides excellent image quality and great sound on all your favorite movies and shows. So sit back, relax and enjoy full HD picture and sound night after night.
Ever wonder about the differences between coaxial and component speakers? Your host Seth Wilde gives a complete breakdown on component vs. coaxial speakers in the latest episode of SonicElectronixTV, our YouTube channel. This episode is actually part one of an ongoing series on car speakers.
If you are looking to purchase a set of auto speakers, you are probably wondering what the difference is between coaxial and component speakers. Coaxial speakers are essentially one full-range speaker. A coaxial speaker has a midwoofer and tweeter attached. The coaxial speaker has one terminal and one small built-in crossover, which is used to separate the frequencies running to the tweeter and the crossover. The Kicker KS650 is a great example of a traditional coaxial speaker.
Component systems have a mid-range speaker, a tweeter and a crossover. The tweeter does not arrive mounted onto the middle of the woofer, because the system comes with a separate tweeter and crossover. Some component systems allow you to manually mount the tweeter in the middle of the woofer, or you can opt to mount it elsewhere since the tweeter is separate from the woofer. The crossover is also separate from the woofer, so you can choose where to mount it. Unlike the coaxial speakers, the component systems are first connected to the crossover, then to the speaker and finally to the tweeter. While coaxial speakers require one input connection with the speaker wire running directly from the amp, a component system will require three different connections and three sets of speaker wire. Precision Power PPI 356cs is an example of traditional component speakers.
If your car has one speaker per door panel, coaxial speakers are probably the way to go. Component systems require a more advanced install, but for vehicles with separate tweeters, they are a good option. Component systems will likely give you a higher quality sound too.
To learn more about the latest car audio technology, subscribe to SonicElectronixTV or add us as a friend. Our channel offers a plethora of videos designed to keep you up to date with the car audio realm. We appreciate feedback, so please send us your questions and comments. We will do our best to fulfill video requests. Enjoy the videos!
Watch the Coaxial vs. Component Speakers video below:
Now you can get all of the features you would expect from a high-end brand at a fraction of the price. The Dual XHD7714 head unit is a single DIN receiver that offers built-in HD radio, Bluetooth and iPod controls, features that typically require expensive upgrades on other receivers. You can connect other media sources to the front-panel auxiliary input or the USB Input to listen to your favorite MP3 and WMA files. The powerful on-board DSP Processor decodes the compressed audio while maintaining near-CD sound quality. An internal buffer provides electronic skip protection to eliminate skipping and allows direct track search even while a song is playing.
The built-in HD Radio tuner delivers enhanced sound quality from FM stations that sound almost as good as CD, while the AM stations sound like regular FM stations. Most HD radio stations have text information so you can view the artist and song right on the display of the head unit. An impressive feature on the XHD7714 is that if an iPod is connected, you can “tag” songs you hear on the radio for downloading later. Just sync up your iPod to the computer and you will instantly be prompted to buy the songs from the iTunes store.
With built-in Bluetooth, you won’t need to purchase a separate adapter to make hands-free calls while driving. Just pair your compatible phone with the head unit and you can make and receive calls through the vehicle’s speakers. After the initial setup, Bluetooth automatically connects to your cell phone every time you get in the car.
The Dual XHD7714 is a full-featured car stereo receiver that provides a great alternative to high-priced head units. With built-in HD Radio, Bluetooth, and iPod controls, this receiver sounds like a winner in the in-dash receiver market. These incorporated features are useful in the real world, which is why this stereo represents one of the best buys out there in terms of value and reliability.
The Eclipse AVN6620 is a new, all-in-one car receiver that can do it all. This 7” LCD Double DIN system features a similar design to the AVN5510/AVN52D as it combines easy-to-use buttons with a touchscreen menu. This design makes it easy to control the built-in GPS navigation system and other audio and video sources. Not only can you use the touchscreen to navigate, but you can also use the simple backlit buttons at the bottom of the screen. These buttons provide easy access to the system’s feature menus as well. A menu button that gives drivers one-touch access to a destination entry, media source, and other system settings is also provided. As usual, Eclipse does an excellent job of making the onscreen menus intuitive and easy for drivers to use while driving. The large, bright buttons make it easy to see options at a glance. The main difference between the AVN62D and the AVN52D is that it features two DVD slots instead of one CD and one DVD slot. The two DVD slots allow you to watch a video or listen to music while simultaneously using the GPS navigation system.
The built-in navigation is DVD ROM based. The maps are provided by Navteq and include building outlines for major urban centers in the United States. The map database has 8.7 million points-of-interest to help you always find what you are looking for. Points-of-interest can be found by street names, addresses, or by using an intersection search. The points-of-interest can be routed by information, detours, stopping points, via a route preview or through freeway assistance. The system has a split-screen design that shows a zoomed-in version of the map on the right-hand side of the display.
As for expandability options, you can add the Bluetooth adapter from Parrot for hands-free conversation that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle. When a call is coming through, the music will mute and then resume playing once the call has finished. Hands-free Bluetooth capability has become very popular in states where talking on your cell phone has become illegal. Not only can you add Bluetooth, but HD and XM or Sirius Satellite Radio can be added to this head unit. Have an iPod? No need to worry, just use the iPod cable to browse and select songs via the touchscreen. When the iPod is connected, the screen will display artists, albums, songs, playlists and genres for easy accessibility to all your favorite music.
The AVN62D is loaded with features including the GPS navigation, digital audio and video playback and advanced acoustic options. This device is for those looking to tech out their car with a single device without a lot of extra modules. This car stereo is different from its competition in terms of the design, controls, iPod interface and audio options.
We the people of SonicElectronix.com, in order to create a more perfect shopping experience, hereby pronounce a California sales tax reform! That’s right, we’re offering free shipping on all orders over $10 shipped within California to help offset the California sales tax. Since our headquarters are located in California, the state government requires us to charge sales tax on any order shipped within California. This sales tax is a fixed percentage based on the order value.
To help reduce costs for our Californian customers, we are issuing a CA sales tax reform of sorts: free shipping on all orders shipped over $10 within California! Please note this offer excludes freight orders and televisions larger than 42″ provided that they do not have an existing free shipping offer. Other terms and restrictions may apply. This is an exclusive offer for residents of California. If you are a Californian, you can learn more about this special offer as you browse our website.
Remember, items coming from our warehouse in Valencia, CA will reach you within 1-2 days! So even though this offer is for free ground shipping, it’s almost like getting free next day air or 2nd air shipping from a big box retailer. In this economy, that’s almost unheard of! California customers, make sure that you cash in on this deal soon, as this offer is available for a limited time only.
In-dash receivers have become increasingly popular throughout the years, but it has become more difficult to find a decent head unit with the exact features that you want for your vehicle. Motevo, a relatively new company, has solved this problem. Motevo has created a head unit that is custom built to match your car’s interior design and dimensions. They have created a full 7” in-dash receiver with DVD, DivX, VCD, CD and MP3 playback made specifically for your vehicle. These OEM replacement units match your factory dash while upgrading your system, and they also include in-dash GPS navigation. Unlike other aftermarket stereos, these replacements receivers will blend in seamlessly to preserve the factory integrated appearance of your dash.
The built-in navigation is special because it uses Navteq mapping, commonly found in higher level brands. The navigation system allows you to view a map in 2D or 3D display of the complete 50 United States. Points-of –interest search options are included to help you find restaurants, gas stations, and names. This information is very useful if you are in an unfamiliar area. To help keep you safe on the road, the Motevo navigation has text-to-speech that will announce street names, driving directions, and any other text the driver wants to hear. Along with built-in GPS, the Motevo OEM replacement units also come with built-in Bluetooth. Why risk driving while talking on your cell phone when you can converse with the person on the other end through your car speakers and Bluetooth microphone?
Tired of having to change CD’s all the time? Just use the front USB and SD card slot to expand your music options. The Motevo OEM replacement receivers also come with 2 video outputs for connecting optional monitors, such as headrest monitors, so you are able to watch a DVD on multiple sources. This is great way to entertain kids (and your passengers in general) on long car rides.
Overall, the Motevo OEM replacement head units are a great option if you want something that is affordable but has all of the features you want in a receiver. With the integrated design, your passengers will never guess that it didn’t come factory standard.
Before the zBoost, I suffered with horrible cell phone reception at my home. After many frustrating years of dropping numerous calls and missing countless others, I finally found a solution. Thanks to the zBoost cell phone signal booster, I can now make and receive cell phone calls in my home, which was once a dreaded dead zone. If you are experiencing poor cell phone reception in your home or office, installing a zBoost cell phone signal booster will immediately increase the number of bars you get inside of your building. This ingenious device really works, and it is backed by a guarantee to improve the cell phone coverage in your building. With the zBoost in place, I saw an immediate impact. I hosted a weekend BBQ the weekend after installing it, and for the first time I heard no complaints about the lack of signal in my home and neighborhood. In fact, many of my guests mentioned how shocked they were at receiving a cell phone signal at my house, which was once a notorious dead zone! The zBoost YX510 is the answer.
The main components of the zBoost YX510 are the signal antenna and the base unit. The signal antenna should be mounted on the roof of the building in order to enhance the signal transmitted from the nearest cell phone towers. This antenna connects to the base unit, which can be mounted anywhere inside of the building. The base unit connects to the signal antenna via a coax cable. I drilled a hole through the ceiling and ran the coax cable through the attic in order to connect the base unit to the roof-mounted signal antenna. The base unit plugs right into the wall outlet and uses a mini antenna to essentially create a cell phone zone within the building. The results are truly amazing: the zBoost turns a dead zone into a hot zone for cell phone reception. I wanted to keep it discreet so I mounted the zBoost inside of my closet, but you can mount it wherever you like. Even though it is hidden, it works beautifully.
Now every spot in my house is a good spot to place or take a call. I no longer have to remain still in order to keep a signal. Nor do I have to go outside in hopes of finding reception. The zBoost YX510 is truly a godsend. My home is now the envy of the neighborhood, as most of my neighbors have also been dealing with poor reception problems. Of course, now that they’ve seen the instant results of my zBoost signal booster, I am sure that they will be installing their own. As for me, I plan to purchase another one for my vacation cabin. The zBoost is simply the perfect solution for improving your signal, whether you are vacationing outside of the city or residing in a neighborhood with faulty reception, the zBoost will make a difference. The zBoost really works, and it is a must-have for anyone living in or around a dead zone! You will finally be able to enjoy the convenience of making and receiving cell phone calls, as well as sending and receiving text messages. You no longer have to live in the dark ages - get zBoost to get connected!
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