Plays Mp3 from SD Cards and has a Color LCD Screen!
Written: May 11 '06 (Updated Oct 14 '06)
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Pros: Fun! Cool 2" LCD Screen and SD media slot! Sounds fantastic!
Cons: Plays only 30 seconds of video per clip unless you enter a code.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a car stereo that will play Mp3's, JPEG and Video from SD Media, this is the car stereo for you!
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| covemeetings's Full Review: iLO CA3000V Car CD/ MP3 Player |
Okay, so the critics are being critical. But where on earth are you going to find such an amazing car stereo that does all the stuff that this one does with a sharp, 2-inch color LCD screen? The only thing that compares is an in-dash DVD player with a pop out LCD screen. But here we have a car stereo that plays Mp3 from CD's, Regular Music CD's, is XM Satellite Radio Ready (more later), and plays Mp3's, JPEG Photos, and AVI Video clips from Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards (those little memory cards like in your digital camera). Yes, okay, its not perfect, and I'll be somewhat critical in a moment, but for now the good stuff!
I installed the iLO CA3000V in my 02 Hyundai Accent. I didn't realize how horrible my factory stereo was until I installed the iLO, and this unit's 160 watts sound GREAT, which was my main concern for an off-brand head unit. I have all new speakers in the car (a total of 6), and those aftermarket speakers "lit up" with plenty of "bump". Now, here's where it gets fun, or geeky. This car stereo came packed with SOFTWARE for your Windows PC. The software converts all your favorite media files to the formats that the unit supports (ie Mp3, AVI, and JPEG). The software has so far been able to convert everything I've thrown at it, including Windows Media High Definition clips and Quicktime clips. Mp3's sound fantastic from both CD-R and SD cards and I regularly listen to PodCasts such as the HT Guys Podcast (htguys.com) from SD.
What do I like about this unit? The LCD screen is sharp, easy to read (even in daylight), very colorful, and displays modes and time elapsed for music. Secondly, its been fun to find short video clips online and play them in my car..movie trailers are a blast! Thirdly, I like the idea of media cards instead of CD's and I really think they will become more common on car stereos in the future. Fourthly, the included animated screen savers are fun to display while you listen to music, and the unit will even show a slide show of your JPEG photos from the SD card while you listen to a CD! The unit DOES remember what song you last heard when you turned off the car, but it starts the song from the beginning (CD's only).
What I don't like, and here it comes sports fans: The big control knob on the front that advances tracks and FM stations is too sensitive, you have to turn it carefully or you'll miss the next track. Lastly, you won't see song titles for Mp3's from CD, just track numbers. But you CAN skip folders or albums using the up/down arrow keys. Note: I had originally stated that the unit would only play 30 seconds of video per clip from SD, which is true, HOWEVER if you press the SD button (with the card removed) and then press 2828, the unit will play video clips unlimited until the unit is powered off! The display will show "ACTIVATE", insert your SD card and the playback limitation is removed.
One side note: the unit is XM Satellite "ready" meaning it has a port on the back for an external TUNER which you can control from the head unit. The LCD display will show song titles, channels, signal strength, etc. The XM RCA jack input will also work with an Ipod, although the screen will not display your song titles. There are no RCA outputs.
Update: As of today, October 14th 2006, I purchased the XM Satellite Tuner Model XMD1000 at Target. Retail Price $49.99, Price Paid $12.49. Connected it today and it works great playing the "Preview Channel". Contrary to the instructions, I placed the "Mouse Antenna" on the dash, and so far its getting a signal there. I have not signed up for the service yet, but plan to try it out. I have also added a passive subwoofer made by Sony in my trunk. So at this point, this "cheap" stereo powers 7 speakers.
The ILO was available only from Wal-Mart. This item has been discontinued. Try eBay.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 140
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Epinions.com ID:
covemeetings
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Member: Brad Tompkins
Location: Festus, Missouri, USA
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Brad Tompkins is an Information Technology Manager and Computer Consultant.
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