Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Dension Honda ice>Link Plus Back in stock - October 2006!


Good news guys, i've just had confirmation from Dension that the Honda ice>Link Plus will be back in the UK and in stock at iPod Car Kit Direct, early October 2006.

Grab yours quick before the Christmas rush!

Go to iPod Car Kit Direct now!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Aftermarket or Factory Fit Audio Products?

Many customers are confused whether to go for Aftermarket or Factory Fit when selecting in-car products and gadgets! Factory Fit is also known as Factory Fitted, Factory Upgrades or OE which stands for Original Equipment.

Its an important point that must be established before you choose to source your in-car iPod car kit or add-on gadget, on or offline. We hear many stories of car dealers, car dealerships and car audio retailers on and offline that simply give out shocking advice on this subject just to get a quick sale.

Beware of bad advice…

The result = They will sell you a cheap AUX iPod Car Kit or cheap product hoping that you’ll never find out that there is a far better product out there for Aftermarket and Factory Fitted car radios. Read on and i’ll explain more…

Aftermarket:
In simple terms Aftermarket means products manufacturered as a retail product for sale in shops, online, etc. These are branded producs that are universal in design and can be fitted in any car. For example a Sony CD Player can be fitted in any car using the correct additional installation accessories made by Autoleads or Connects2.

Factory Fit:
Factory fit on the other hand are vehicle specific and will only work with the make and model of car they were designed to work with. So for example the Audi Concert radio has specific software and technology that make this unique to Audi and very different to a Ford 5000 radio for example. The term Factory Fit covers all car manufacturers from Alfa Romeo to VW and all in between.


Example using an iPod Car Kit:
As an iPod Car Kit basically acts like a CD Changer in that when the iPod Car Kit is connected to the radio, the radio plays the iPod just as if it had a CD Changer fitted, controllable from the radio or steering wheel controls (if fitted).

Compatibility:
So imagine trying to fit a Ford iPod car kit to an Audi car radio, it simply would not work. With Factory Fit we have to use Audi products and software with Audi electronics. Also they be car model specific as well so you can’t just connect a 1998 3 series BMW iPod car kit into a 2003 Z3 BMW, as again the connections and software used in the radios are different.

The high quality and performance iPod Car Kits like the Dension ice>Link Plus connect into the CD Changer port/socket at the rear of the car radio and this is where these outshine the AUX iPod Car Kits by far! Why?

New Technology:
Simple, because they use the latest technology software specific to your car make and model and car radio fitted, undergo rigourous tests to ensure compatability, quality, performance and basically to ensure they are futureproof meaning they can be updated as technology grows.

If you ever get offered an AUX iPod car kit as i’m sure you will, think carefully as your motoring may be seriously affected, with such a dull and limited product in functionality, quality and performance.

Why? well because AUX iPod car kits are good for when you have no other options and have to use your AUX sockets on your radio. When using the AUX kit you control the iPod from the iPod and not your car radio or steering wheel controls and on top of this you have to sit your iPod somewhere, generally in your glovebox. I think you can see the problem here, how do you then select your song, tunes or audios if its hidden in your glovebox? Good Question, not very easily.

Dension Quality:
The Dension range of products offer many things that the cheap and nasty AUX iPod car kits flying around could ever offer. At this point i have to point out that Dension make an AUX iPod car kit and this is a solid, robust, quality product IF your only option is the AUX option.

Also please note that the new ice>Link Lite product are AUX but these are for brand new cars that use the CAN-BUS wiring system, this is completely different from the conventional wiring system used on the cars we are discussing above. The CAN-BUS system is still relatively new and used only on 2005/2006 vehicles generally and only on specific models. I’ll detail more on this in a future post…

But in 99.9% of cases you can go for the Dension ice>Link Plus, Dension FM Modulator (ideal if your car radio does not have a CD Changer socket) or the ice>Link lite (if your car uses the latest CAN-BUS wiring systems), and don’t forget the imminent release of the multiple device adapter, the Dension Gateway 300, 400 & 500.

The Dension iPod car kits come in 2 designs covering all options, the Cradle mounting option that is like a mobile phone car kit, robust discreet, easily accessible and the dock cable for a more discreet mounting location in any hidden location.

To sum up:
If your brain is ready for popping at this point go to iPod Car Kit Direct as the data is the best anywhere in the UK on or offline with regards aftermarket or factory fit? These guys work with the Dension and Connects2 brands of iPod Car Kit all day, everyday and can help to answer any questions. A simple email or phone call to 0845 430 3355 and you will be offered the best advice on the planet! Check it out now: iPod Car Kit Direct

CD & MP3 Changers:
Looking for Aftermarket CD or MP3 Changers?

Looking for Factory Fit CD Changers?

Sony NW-HD Portable MP3 Player Car Kit

Some good news for the Sony NW-HD Portable MP3 fans out there, as i've just had word from Connects2 that their Sony NW-HD Car Kits have been fully updated to work with all of the Sony NW-HD series of portable MP3 players including: Sony NW-HD1, NW-HD3, NW-HD5, NW-A3000, NW-A1200, MD WALKMAN

Sony NW-HD Car Kit overview:

Thanks to Connects2 you can now enjoy listening to the digital music stored on your Sony HDD WALKMAN or MD WALKMAN through your Sony Aftermarket or Factory Fitted Car Radio!

To find out what the difference between Aftermarket and Factory Fit is, see the blog above this one:

This specially developed audio adapter & car kit is compatible with the Sony NW-HD1, NW-HD3, NW-HD5, NW-A3000, NW-A1200 MD WALKMAN and selected Sony Aftermarket . Connecting via push fit to the supplied Connects2 CD Changer Adapter and then seamlessly to your Factory or Aftermarket Radios CD changer socket enabling you to control your Sony NW-HD Walkman through your car radio.


Key Features:

> Converts Sony HDD WALKMAN to a virtual CD changer
> Song information displayed on the HDD WALKMAN screen
> Direct Control of your NW-HD (if radio supports)
> Extensively tested to ensure 100% compatibility
> Seamless integration for easy installation
> Retains the functionality of your radio steering wheel controls (where fitted)
> Prevents Theft: NW-HD can be docked and undocked from the cradle/dock cable in seconds


Find out more about the Sony NW-HD Car Kit

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Inforad Speed Camera Detector

Looking for a GPS Speed Camera Detector for under £100? I know what you're thinking "a speed camera detector using GPS for under a £100, Yeah Right!" Well i'm sorry to disappoint but you're in luck, with this neat little device just released from InfoRad. This is one tasty little gadget and it Works!

The new Inforad Version 3 GPS Speed Camera Warning System is easy to use and completely road legal. It has coloured LEDs and beeps to alert you of approaching speed cameras, so if you're going too fast, the Inforad will continue to warn you until you reduce your speed. So in this ultimately means you can NOT be caught speeding, Period!

For you cool dudes it now comes fully customisable with 6 optional coloured Click-on-Skins.

What exactly is an Inforad?
The all new Inforad speed camera warning system is designed to help protect you and your driving licence. It uses GPS technology to warn you of all speed cameras including these below. It's completely road legal and easy to use - simply place it on your dashboard and plug it in.

Inforad knows your position and exact speed by using the network of GPS satellites.
GPS is short for Global Positioning System. It is a world–wide navigation system that sends out radio signals from 24 satellites orbiting the earth.

GPS receivers such as Inforad use these satellite signals to define their position to within a few metres and to calculate the exact speed of your vehicle.

The technology involved is highly reliable and is used all round the world. Your Inforad is capable of tracking 12 GPS satellites simultaneously and it only needs 3 to get a 'fix'

Inforad continually checks your position against its database of speed camera locations i.e. risk areas.
Your Inforad knows where you are and your exact speed at all times through its radio connection to the GPS satellite network.

Drawing on the database saved in its memory, your Inforad calculates the distance to the next risk area. This enables its alert system to issue a warning before you reach the risk.

Inforad uses the industry standard database of UK (and most of Europe) fixed speed camera locations and accident black spots.

You can add your own locations and you can update its database by a simple internet connection.

Inforad warns you before you enter a risk area.
Your Inforad calculates the distance to the next risk area. As you approach, the alert system issues a warning before you reach the exact location of the risk.

Inforad will warn you in plenty of time by giving an alert further away if you are travelling at a higher speed.

As you enter the risk area, your Inforad warns you if you are travelling above the permitted speed limit.

Inforad is road legal and easy to use, simply place it on your dash and plug it in.
Your Inforad uses GPS technology so is 100% road legal. It is designed to warn you of risk areas to help you observe traffic law.

Your Inforad does not detect the presence of, or cause interference to, Doppler or mobile laser radar speed traps so will remain legal when the new Road Traffic Bill becomes law – unlike many other road safety devices currently on the market.

A series of coloured LED's and audible bleeps (adjustable) inform you that you are approaching a camera location.

Your Inforad also allows you to record any personal risk areas you come across during your travels. If you encounter a new speed camera, simply hold down the right hand function key and the location of the camera will be recorded on your Inforad for future use.

Inforad comes ready to use straight out of the box.
Your Inforad comes ready to use straight out of the box. Simply place it on your dashboard close as possible to the windscreen.

Plug its power cable into your cars cigarette lighter and your Inforad is ready to go. Your Inforad can also change colour to suit your car.

Inforad uses the UK's premier database of fixed speed cameras and is easily updated via the Internet.
Your Inforad comes ready loaded with the industry standard fixed speed camera and accident black spot database. It covers all of the UK and is expanding to cover most of Europe.

The database is updated daily and you can refresh your copy of it by simply connecting your Inforad to your computer.

Updates are free for the first year of ownership and cost £24.99 per year thereafter – or, after the first year free, £49.99 buys you unlimited updates for the lifetime of your Inforad.

Security and Transferability are other plus points for the Inforad. Want to use it another car? Simple unplug it from the lighter socket and connect it in your other car. Security a concern? Take it with you when you leave the car, it's that small and light this is not an issue.

Why is it priced so competitively against other brands?
Inforad choose to invest their resources on revolutionary electronic technology and not on flashy packaging or expensive LCD display screens. The results speak for themselves, a superior product for half the cost of competing products.

Why should you buy an Inforad?
In the UK, about 3 million of us get speed camera fines each year. ...normally a £60 fine and 3 points – and 12 points mean you lose your licence. As the number of speed cameras rise, it becomes even easier to collect points and ultimately loose your licence.

Inforad is designed to help you drive safely by warning you of speed camera locations. Speed cameras are in place to warn you that you are entering a risk area and to encourage you to adhere to the speed limit – both for yourself, other road users and pedestrians alike.

With so many reasons to own an Inforad, order now online and you'll be driving safely, protecting yourself and your licence for years to come.

There are about 6000 speed cameras in the UK, and over half of these are in 30mph zones – so maybe it's only a matter of time before you get points on your licence...

To Sum this little demon device up:
Having tested it for a week under all kinds of motorway and urban conditions i can guarantee you that you will not find a better GPS Camera Detector for any amount of money. This thing works so you will not get a ticket, Period!


You can get yours from this top website where all products are backed by a RISK-FREE 30 Day Money Back Guarantee!

InfoRad GPS Speed Camera Detector (Version 3)

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Autoleads In-Car Installation Accessories

If you are looking to install any product into a car or vehicle be it a car CD Player, MP3 Player, Speakers, Amplifier, etc, you can't do so anymore without the addition of in-car installation accessories, not using these and you'll invlidate your car warranty and that is not good! Autoleads are the ideal choice and solution.

Autoleads manufacture in-car installation accessories that include aerial adapters, fascia adpaters, harness adapters, speaker adpaters, stalk adapters, steering wheel control adapters, plus lots more products that are available in their installation accessory range.

Autoleads installation accessories allow for a seamless connection and integration of a myriad of in-car products and gadgets into your car or vehicle.

Lets say you have a 2003 Audi A4 and you've just treated yourself to a new Sony MP3 In-Dash player and you go to install this and remove your existing Audi Car Radio, you then hit a problem, it won't fit. So you ring Autoleads' Sale Advisory Desk on 0800 783 9125 and quote your car make, model and year of manufacturer and they advice what accessories you'll need.

They'll tell you if you need a fascia, harness, aerial adapter, etc, etc to enable you to install your new MP3 player seamlessly without any hassles.

So what are the parts you mention i here you ask?

Aerial Adapter:
You may require an Aerial Adapter, as some cars use a female socket instead of the conventional male plug. The adaptor simply pushes into your cars female socket and the result is a male plug that fits into the rear of your new radio. Conveniently one is included with all new radios.

Fasica Adapter:
Many Factory fitted radios are now a unique shape, design and are integrated into the dash. Removing your factory fitted radio in order to fit a standard sized radio (i.e. Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, etc), will alter your dashboard appearance by leaving a large hole. The Fascia Adapter will reduce this hole enabling your new radio to fit perfectly into the dash reproducing the original look.

Harness Adapter:
Simply connect the Harness Adapter (by push fit) in between your car radio wiring and your new radio/headunit. This will enable you to connect them together safely and seamlessly. This means that you will not have to cut any of your cars existing wiring, therefore not invalidating the warranty.

Speaker Adapter:
As many cars no come with factory fitted (OE) speakers if you decide to change these for a set of aftermarket speakers such as Kenwood, you'll need speaker adapters to allow the aftermarket speakers to fit seamlessly. This simply fill the gap between the door and the aftermarket speaker.

Steering Wheel Control Adapter:
Steering Control Adapters, commonly known as Stalk control Leads, enable your cars' steering wheel radio controls to remain fully functional when you are adding an Aftermarket In-Dash radio/headunit on it's own or as part of a CD changer package.

These connect by push fit to your existing wiring at the rear of your radio that is linked to the steering wheel control.

Where to buy:

The best website i've found that has the biggest range, the best prices, the best delivery, the best guarantee are Car Audio Plus. View the Autoleads In-Car Installation Accessory range now.

By Product:

Autoleads Aerial Adapter
Autoleads Fascia Adpater
Autoleads Harness Adapter
Autoleads Speaker Adapter
Autoleads Steering Wheel Control Adapter

Taurus T123 Parking Sensor! No Ugly Sonic Sensors?

What! a Parking Sensor with no ugly ultra sonic sensors to mount in the bumper? a Parking Sensor with no holes to drill in the bumper? a Parking Sensor with no wires to run at the back of the bumper?

How is this possible, and why i asked myself, being the car gadget nut i am.

I drive a Ford Focus and am constantly cautious when reversing as i always feel like i'm nearer than i am to objects, such as kerbs, small walls, barriers, people and children. You never quite know when you are close or 3 feet away, everytime you under or over estimate.

It was time to put the Tauras T123 Parking Sensor to test!

> Will it work?
> Is it reliable and consistent with the parking feedback to the driver?
> Is it easy to fit?
> Is it worth the money?
> Is there any maintenance?

Well after 2 weeks the results are in:

WOW! that is my review of this Car Parking Sensor Device. The Taurus T123 Parking Sensor is exceptional in design, quality and performance!

Product:
The gadget itself comprises of:
1) An adhesive strip antenna that you stick (literally) on the innerside of your bumper.
2) You also get a magic box that does all the trickery and creats a magnetice field that sends the data of he distance you are from objects you are reversing towards.
3) The speaker to give you the accurate audible data of your distance. This provides 3 different tones, not close, closer and just right and this is adjustable with a screwdriver by turning a button. Trust me this is loud enough and mounts at the back of the car.


Installation:
To kick off you have to release the bumper so you can get access to the rear, this is alot easier than it sounds, a couple of screws and this releases. You then find a suitable location to mount the adhesive anntenna. You then connect (with the connector provided) the wire and this connects to the magnetic field magic box.
2 wires:
1 connects to your reverse wire to get the singal when to work.
2 connects to an earth.

Thats it! Turn your ignition on and test by walking towards the rear of your car and adjust if necessary, how easy is that?

And the technology used in the Taurus T123 Parking Sensor is unique as this device uses a 100% reliable magnetic field whereas the ultra sonic type of parking sensor uses antiquated ultra sonics that aren't 100% reliable. The ultra sonic heads can go faulty, which then means you have to install a whole new unit, they can break, get dirty, etc. Too much hassle for me with the ultra sonics.

So thats it the Taurus T123 Parking Sensor passes my test and gets 10 out of 10. Check it out here: Car Parking Sensor Direct

Where to buy:
I bought mine from Car Parking Sensor Direct and had delivery in 24 hours, and not only that but the product is guaranteed for 2 years and it came with a 30 day money back guarantee. How good is that?

I've also seen them here:

Taurus T123 Car Parking Sensor

Friday, September 22, 2006

Dension Gateway UK Launch!

Just a quick post today as i've had an insider notice that the Dension Gateway 400 is in the UK. Yes this is right the must have In-Car gadget for 2006/07 is almost ready to hit the shelves. This in-car multi device adapter has a slimline design that looks superb and will enable the connection of USB, iPod Car Kits, and other portable devices into your car.

More when they hit the shops but check them out on this UK site that ship to the UK and Europe and offer a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee:

Dension Gateway 400

Audi CD Changer with Interface Adapter

Today we're going to look at Factory Fitted CD Changers when used in conjunction with a CD Interface Adapter. Many Car Dealers like Audi claim that if you want a CD Changer to work directly with their standard factory fitted Audi Radio such as the Concert, Chorus or Symphony you have to buy one from them and they ask prices £400 plus. They try to sell you one when you buy the car, new or even second hand but the truth is this is NOT your only option.

I know this simply because i was looking for an Audi CD Changer and ended up at my dealer as the car radio manual pointed me in that direction. When i was presented with a quote for £429 i nearly passed out and when i got my composure back i swiflty exited the parts department and headed for the net.

I searched the forums and the directories and just by chance came across a site called ADD A CD Changer who were absolutely superb!

I searched the site and directed my way to the Audi section called Audi CD Changers for Factory Fitted Car Radios and within 3 clicks had purchased my Audi CD Changers for £150 delivered!

Heres' the changer i bought: Audi CD Changer

Basically the CD Changer package consists of an Aftermarket Alpine CHM-S630 CD Changer and an Audi CD Changer Adapter.

These 2 products work in synergy to offer a superior in quality, sound and performance to the CD Changer sold by Audi and for more than 50% less.

You get everything you need:

Alpine CHM-S630 CD Changer
Audi Interface Adapter
CD Changer Magazine
CD Changer CD Lead
Universal Mounting Brackets & Screws

They even through in Adhesive Velcro as i chose to mount mine in the boot on the shelf, no drilling and fitted in 10 minutes.

Check these out for youself here: Audi CD Changer for Factory Fitted Car Radios

Hope this helps
Stu

Friday, September 01, 2006

Car Audio Alpine Stereos

It would truly be an understatement to say that Alpine is one of the leading manufacturers of car stereos. Not only in terms of quality but Alpine is has been a pioneer in introducing several aspects to car stereos.

There is a wide range of Alpine car stereos that have some highly prolific features. All the Alpine car stereos have the usual facilities like CD, MP3s, WMA and even audio-visual provisions. Some new additions are the integration of iPods to the Alpine car stereo head units. This feature has been a very apt decision. This is so because Alpine has realized very early that there is a throbbing market for portable digital audio devices. Thus the users must get the best of both worlds and hence the integration has received great success. Many of the recent car stereos by Alpine also have some of the most advanced audio systems and some of the best on-board navigation systems.

The Alpine car stereos can be easily purchased on Car audio Alpine Stereos

Car Audio Alpine Radio Faceplate

All the features of the Alpine car audios are made of the finest technology. Every aspect of the car audios are made with great precision. This includes the Alpine car audio faceplates too. The audio faceplates have a significance of their own.

The Alpine radio faceplates have several important utilities. One very important use is of the controls. The Alpine radios have their controls on the faceplates. The Alpine radio faceplates are designed in such a way that it is very easy for the car owners to access the controls. Especially, while driving the car, the car owners can control the audio system with minimum obstacles. Another very important use of the faceplate is that it can be used to control the iPods too. Those who want to merge their iPods with their Alpine car audios, they can easily access their iPods through the faceplates of the car audios.

To know more about Alpine car audio faceplates and also purchase it is recommended to log on to Car audio Alpine radio faceplates