Sony SRF-M37V FM/AM/Weather/TV Radio Walkman with 25 Memory Presets Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had trouble finding a Walkman type radio that works well around Manhattan - FM signal overload and multipath causes noisy reception on most radios in New York City.
The Sony SRF-M37V is the best one I've found so far. It performs better than Sony's previous SRF-M35 model, and it also works better than models I tried from Panasonic and Sangean. While it isn't perfect, the SRF-M37V has a lot less multipath and signal-overload noise than those other models. The local-distant switch does a decent job of cutting down on this kind of interference in the city without killing the stereo separation, and it works much better than the same switch did on the SRF-M35. In "distant" mode, this radio has very good FM sensitivity. However, I'm not able to pull in a couple of my favorite low-powered out-of-town & college stations because those frequencies get overpowered by nearby local signals. I've had the same problem with every other Walkman-type radio I've tried though, so it's not just a fault of this one.
The AM section seems to have good sensitivity too, but the sound quality isn't as crisp as other models, including the SRF-M35. The treble is rolled off so sharply that it sounds rather muffled and you can't hear "S" sounds in normal speech. I know audio quality isn't a priority for AM radio but I've still heard better than this.
Reception on the TV and weather bands seems good, although the audio level is a little low on both. I have to turn up the volume nearly all the way to get a normal listening level.
Overall fidelity is very good at low volume but you can't turn it up very loud before it starts to distort. I expect this is because it runs on a single AAA battery so the headphone amp is probably underpowered. Stereo separation is great. There seems to be a bit of bass boost built in, which is not switchable, so the bass is the first thing to distort at higher volume levels. The supplied headphones sound like typical cheap Walkman phones, and aren't as good as the ones that came with the SRF-M35. This radio will sound much better if you get some better headphones.
There is a battery status indicator, which is useful. There is also a clock but the time won't show in the display unless you turn the radio off.
The bottom line is this is a very good radio. It's small, the presets make it easy to tune, and the TV and weather bands are fun to have. If all you need is a Walkman that does a good job at picking up radio I don't think you'll beat this one, especially for the price.

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Sony AM/FM/Weather Walkman Radio - SRF-M37V Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sony SRF-M37V is a palm-sized Walkman type radio that requires headphones. It uses one AAA battery providing reasonable battery life. It is quite superior for AM listening and has become a favorite with hobby DXers. If you are trying to hear a distant talk show, this radio is a great choice. The FM section is average in both selectivity and sensitivity. Your headphone cord doubles as its FM antenna. You'll hear local stations but don't expect miracles. Weather band reception was an afterthought. Sony's engineers did not add narrowband circuitry appropriate for receiving weather band stations. By using the same broadband circuitry used for broadcast FM, you'll hear nearly all seven weather frequencies at once regardless of which channel you have chosen. Unless you are fairly close to a weather band transmitter, do not expect to hear anything on this band. The radio does include a time-of-day clock, but it can only be read when the unit is off. Finally, all the pushbuttons on the unit are quite sensitive and can be accidentally pressed especially the power on/off button. Learn to use the button lock-out switch on the top of the set. It will cure your aggravation. Instead of the SRF-M37V, I would highly recommend the very basic Sony SRF-59 all-analog Walkman radio. It's half the price, works just as well on AM and sounds better. The only thing you will lose is the convenient pushbutton presets offered on the SRF-M37V. Either way, you can't go wrong. Both Sony models are good values.


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SONY's SRF-M37V , Weather/AM/FM Radio Walkman , Weather Band Tuning Function, 25 Station Preset Memory (5Weather/5AM/10FM/), New Ergonomic Design, Direct Weather Button, Stereo Headphone and Belt Clip MODEL:SRF-M37V VENDOR:SONY PERSONAL AUDIOFEATURES: Walkman Digital Weather/FM/AM Stereo RAdioTune in to Sony Style with the Weather/AM/FM Radio/Walkman. Perfect for an intense workout, this product features 25 Memory Preset Tuning (5Weather/10FM/5AM), 5 Direct Key Preset Memory, an LCD Digital Display with a Clock, and a Local/Distant (DX) Switch that provides optimal reception of both close and distant radio stations. So spice up your workout with a new radio station, Sony's SRF-M37V produces the sound you need to get your adrenaline pumping.Includes Player, Belt Clip, MDR-027LP Headphones.New Ergonomic Design Includes innovative features and function controls placed for easy access. Weather Band Tuning Function lets you listen to audio up-to-the-minute weather from your local weather band broadcasts.Direct Weather Button Lets you access weather forecast at the touch of a button.25 Station Preset Memory (5Weather/5AM/10FM) Uses electronic settings for easy one-button tuning for your choice of audio from 5 weather band, 10 FM and 5 AM stations.1 "AAA" Battery Operation Provides hours of listening and helps to make the Walkman Radio compact and inexpensive to use.5 Direct Key Preset Memory Allows you to electronically tune into any 5 stations you set, even if in different frequency bands with the press of a single, easy-to-reach button.Digital Clock and Battery IndicatorImportant Note Regarding TV Reception in This ProductThis product may mention receiving an NTSC-TV or TV-VHF frequency in its product description. However, due to the digital TV transition enacted on June 12, 2009, analog TV broadcasts are no longer supported. Please be aware that no analog TV broadcasts will be receivable by this product

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World Radio TV Handbook 2008: The Directory of Global Broadcasting Review

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(More customer reviews)I started listening to shortwave radio as a kid, currently own five shortwave radios of varying quality, and even produce a weekly baseball program for Radio Miami International. In short, I'm into the medium. In some ways, it's the "last frontier" of radio.
There are basically two annual publications that are geared towards shortwave fans, and this is one of them. However, the book commonly referred to as WRTH covers much more than just shortwave. It is essentially a guide for broadcasting of all types throughout the world. You can find lists for everything from AM radio stations in America to FM stations in Morocco to shortwave stations in Ecuador to TV stations in North Korea (their children's programming must be fun). They're all there. It is as comprehensive a source for international AND domestic broadcasting as you'll find. You also get good reviews of shortwave sets on the market plus articles on various broadcasters.
The only reason I gave the book four stars instead of five is the "miles wide, inches deep" coverage of all the electronic media in WRTH. There's nothing wrong with that, but shortwave listeners like myself are better served by the "Passport to World Band Radio" book, which includes programming schedules. It's just more shortwave specific and costs $US7 less than WRTH. If you're more interested in TV, AM or FM radio, however, this IS the superior book.
In either case, you can't go wrong with WRTH...it just depends where your interest lies.

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Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)After a 1 year delay, Logitech finally released the Harmony 1000 on January 26, 2007.
A warning for Mac users, although Logitech claims this Harmony remote works (can be programmed) using a Mac, and the box clearly shows the Mac logo stamped on it, the Harmony 1000 cannot currently be set-up using your Mac. Plenty of web forum users have reported the same issue. Hopefully a Mac patch will be posted on Logitech's site. Shame on Logitech, especially given the one year delay to get the product right.
Secondly, if you currently own a Harmony web-programmed remote, the web software is EXACTLY the same as your previous experience. In other words, if you hated Logitech's old on-line software, you'll still hate it with the 1000.
The touch screen itself looks and works great, but as with any touch screen remote, you may find yourself longing for tactile rubber buttons after a week or so of touch screen use. DVR users might struggle to get the remote button layout to work to their individual satisfaction, as the colored default touch screen buttons that are professionally laid out by Logitech are in fact permanently labeled. So if you choose to change the function of any colored button, the old default name must remain painted on top of your "custom" button. Strange oversight.
However, you can customize additional pages of ugly buttons to your liking, but they will be black and white buttons laid out in static tic-tac-toe fashion. Hardly what the box cover would lead you to believe. As with all touch screens, you will have to "look before pressing" - every single time - you want to send a command. That's OK when using an ATM, but not so great when watching a TV across the room.
I'd recommend a trip to your local retailer to play with the 1000 for a while before deciding to buy. It does feel solidly constructed, though not as comfortable in your hand as a $45 programmable remote after two hours of commercial busting DVR use. Also keep in mind that while you're shopping for a touch screen remote, there's someone next to you in the store looking to change back to something smaller with real rubberized buttons on it!
To add to the fun, the user manual for this $500 wonder is not located in the box or on the installation disc, but rather it is buried in the online remote software. Once you get the remote's firmware updated from the web (using the online software) the right side of the website screen will have a "Tip Center - More Help" button. Click that, then click "Manuals" to download the 15 page PDF manual for the remote.
A steep learning curve might await buyers new to the Harmony line due to the "Activities" philosophy. Just keep in mind that everything is done with Activities and you'll be way ahead of the game. Don't waste time programming each "device" as you would normally want to do. Harmony remotes don't work that way. You only need to enter your devices (audio/video components in your collection) once during the initial set up to give the database your overall equipment list. After that, concentrate on setting up your activities (Watch Cable, Watch DVD) for two or three days to get everything just right.
If all this sound like fun to you, you'll probably love tweaking this remote to near perfection. But if the thought if spending hours in front of your PC setting up a remote control sounds ominous to you, steer clear.


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The essential center of your entertainment system. Say "Goodbye" to the wasted time and endless frustration of multiple remotes controlling multiple devices, and say "Hello" to one single, easy-to-use device with a cool new shape. The Harmony 1000 remote control, with its engaging and logical interface, simplifies even the most complex programming functions. Logitech's patented Smart State technology makes it possible to seamlessly control up to 15 separate components with just one touch. Programming your HDTV? The Harmony 1000's color display makes it easy to control even the aspect ratio and sound modes. And, you can do it all without direct line-of-sight, since the Harmony sends both infrared (IR) and Z-wave wireless home automation standard (also known as radio frequency or RF).

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Sony SRF-M35 Walkman Portable AM/FM Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)My goal was to find a moderate to low cost portable FM tuner to wear for working out, jogging, walks, office, etc.
I evaluated solely on FM reception of two channels of interest, WEMU 89.1 (jazz and NPR, a very strong signal) and WUOM 91.7 (NPR, a moderate signal). Ann Arbor sits in a valley and has notoriously poor FM reception. (Even my high-end receiver with an indoor Terk antenna struggles.)
I tried at least 5 other units within a short period of time of purchasing the SRF-M35. These units are:
RCA RP1667 ($20) - Meijer
Jensen SAB-50 ($25) - Target
Koss PP260 ($30) - Meijer
Panasonic FR-SW200 ($50) - Meijer
RCA RP1876 ($20, with cassette) - Walmart
I have little doubt that among the 6 I tried, the SRF-M35 unit is the best with regard to tuning sensitivity. Sound quality was also very good, but of course very much a factor of the strength of signal.
I did not expect that the Sony would be my first choice. I thought that there was a good chance Sony was trading on its reputation and name. I was wrong. The Sony was the best of the bunch (and the list above is in order of my other preferences).
The SRF-M35 has no mono switch, instead uses a blend-to-mono circuit. This works pretty well on music. However, for talk radio, e.g. NPR (generally a mono program), I would have preferred a mono button to further reduce background noise. The RCA did have a mono switch that I used, and I liked this feature. However, the headphones I use have a mono switch, and this essentially reduces background noise as effectively as if the mono switch on the RCA tuner (I'm not sure I understand why, but that's what I observed.) You could also get a mono mini-plug converter from radio shack to go on the end of your stereo headphones, although this is less convenient.
The Jensen was a very good performer. I disliked its smaller buttons and preferred the one-button-one-preset approach that Sony uses. It also has a bass boost that cannot be disabled. It sounds good on music, but is a little annoying on talk. However, it did hold stations well, was the smallest of the bunch, and has a cool arm-band. If I was a jogger, I might have picked this one instead.
The RCA was a good performer as well. See my review of it. Before I tried the Sony, it was my first choice. It didn't hold stations as well as the Sony, and I wish it had a lock button. Also, there is no clock. It was a good performer, and I think I would have been very happy with it.
I cannot speak to long-term durability of the Sony, as I've only had the unit a week. Also, I am less likely to subject it (or me) frequently to the rigors of jogging.
In short, Sony provided the best in this class. I tried several comparably priced units, and was expecting Sony to be no better than the rest. I was surprised by the improved performance of this unit as compared to its peers. It is slightly more expensive, and in my view, justifiably priced.

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I can't tell you how much I hate the fuzzy static sound a radio makes when it drifts off the the station. Now I don't have to hear it ever again...and neither do you! This Walkman« Digital Tuning AM/FM Stereo Radio features a Digital Synthesized AM/FM Stereo Tuner to precisely lock in the most powerful signal for virtually drfit-free reception. There's also 15 Station Memory Preset Tuning that lets you instantly switch between memorized stations at the push of a button!

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Griffin TCENTNOFI TuneCenter Home Media Center for iPod Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this simply as a means to have an easier means to connect my iPod to the stereo (easier than the mini-stereo jack). It does this, of course. As a bonus, it also has a perfectly serviceable remote. The remote is not a lot of use if you're scrolling through hundreds of artist or album names as it doesn't approach the speed of moving with the click-wheel but, the for on/off, pause/play, it is terrific. The capability to play video out to the TV or make menu selections via TV isn't really important to me but, I've played with them and they work fine.
Word of note: I had to do a little online research to discover a slight fault in the product. If you turn the volume down to far on the unit itself, you may experience signal distortion. If you keep the volume up on the TuneCenter, and use the volume on your amplifier, the sound is fine (though, I'm no audiophile).
Overall - price/features/function - bargain!

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The Griffin 9802-TCENTNOFI TuneCenter with Wi-Fi Home Media Center for iPod attaches to your television and stereo for viewing photos, watching video, and listening to your iPod music library or Internet radio. With the included 14-button remote, this unit turns your iPod into a complete home media center, requiring only that you dock your iPod in TuneCenter, and let the entertainment begin.
Griffin's TuneCenter features the ability to display iPod playlists and song information on your TV screen, taking music sharing to a whole new level by allowing the whole room to see at a glance the song title, artist, album and progress of the current song. TuneCenter's remote allows you to navigate through your iPod's entire library, as well as choose your preferences such as shuffle and repeat modes, and EQ. You can use the TuneCenter's remote to skip forward and backward, choose the next or previous song, browse playlists and more -- all without getting up off the couch -- which makes this the ultimate solution for taking full control of your iPod.
This Griffin home media center also expands your musical resources by providing access to Internet radio stations. By simply plugging the TuneCenter into your network you can choose from thousands of free channels, ranging from quiet atmospheres to things that don't seem to even qualify as music, all with slick, on-screen navigation. For added convenience, the 9802-TCENTNOFI is Wi-Fi capable, so you can hook it in with your network without the hassle of having to run cables, making it even more portable in case you want to take your media system to a friend's house for a party.
The Griffin TuneCenter, however, makes better use of your TV screen than just through the displaying of song lists. This unit also lets you display your iPod's photos on the large screen, as well as play movies from your iPod video on your home entertainment system. When it comes to movies and photos, bigger really is better, especially when you are talking about your own works of art. The TuneCenter lets you display slideshows of your latest vacation and special events, or provides you with the most compact business presentation system ever. Just choose a slideshow and a soundtrack to go with it and let fly, all while using the convenient remote control to skip forward and backward, or pause to emphasize a special point.
The Griffin 9802-TCENTNOFI is compatible with all dockable iPods, including: 4th-generation iPod and iPod photo, iPod mini, 1st and 2nd-generation iPod Nano, and 5th-generation iPod video models. This system includes an S-video and a composite video output for connecting to your TV, an RCA left and right audio output for connecting to your stereo or home entertainment center's speakers, an Ethernet RJ45 10-100base T connection and an internal 802.11b wireless card for hooking up to your network. The Griffin TuneCenter includes an NTSC/PAL video format switch, measures 3.9 x 4.5 x 3.7 inches (W x H x D), and it's backed by a manufacturer's limited 1-year warranty.

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Sony WM-FS566 S2 Sports Walkman Digital Tuning Radio/TV/Weather Stereo Cassette Player Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great little gadget. My only problem with is that is does not stop automatically when it comes to the end of side two. It continues to play until it is manually switched off and if you forget about it, it will eventually chew up the tape.

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Sony WM-FS566 S2 Sports Walkman(R) -- Do you jog in place, or for miles? Is your bike stationary, or can it fly down a mountainside? No matter how you get your exercise, having your favorite music to accompany you makes the experience much more enjoyable. This Sports Walkman(R) from Sony is specifically designed for the active individual, and can entertain you in multiple ways. You can tune into AM or FM radio, Weather, or TV - Or you can choose to pop in your favorite cassette!Digital Volume ControlDigital Auto Preset Scanning1 AA Battery Operation (not included)Up to 35 Hours Extended Battery Life (Tape Playback)Battery Level Indicator on multifunction LCD Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS)Mega Bass Sound SystemAnti-Rolling Cassette Mechanism helps assure smooth play while active Arm Band lets you wear your Walkman(R) unit on your arm during activities, keeping your hands free Sony MDR-011 Headphone Included Unit Dimensions (WHD) -4 1/4 x 3 7/10 x 1 1/2 inches / Weight -7.8 ouncesColor -White/Orange

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Sony S2 Sports Walkman Digital Tuning Weather/AM/FM Stereo Armband Radio (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking forward to recieving this to use while working out at the fitness club. I got it but it was bulkier than I thought it would be. The volume control knob continues to come off. It uses up the single AAA battery very quickly. The controls are far more complex than they need to be and the reception is very poor. Sony has built much better smaller units in the past and should produce a high quality one instead of this unit.

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Slim design; weather/am/fm stereo arm band radio; led display; 25 station preset memory (5 am/15 fm/5 wb); stop watch, split & pitch timer; mega bass sound system; headphone jack; weather resistant; includes micro dynamic receiver, vertical type headphones & belt clip

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Polaroid FCM-0700A 7-Inch Under-the-cabinet LCD TV Review

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(More customer reviews)Since I am the chief cook in the family, I use this TV in the kitchen. It is better than not being able to watch Iron Chef at all while I am chained to the stove, but not by much. I guess you get (at best) what you pay for. The first problem was the mounting template. It was inaccurate and didn't match the screw holes in the TV. To add insult to injury, the mounting screws are VERY fine thread; hard to start unless perfectly aligned, and easy to cross-thread. Once I finally got it mounted, the disappointment continued. It is impossible to set the brightness and contrast and forget it. If you set it so a given channel and program is watchable, odds are it will be washed out or too dark on the next channel, or even the next program on the same channel. By default, the TV comes on in the wide (16:9 aspect ratio) mode. Since 90% of programming is still in the 4:3 mode, you have to change it almost every time you turn it on. The remote requires that you press the "OK" button after entering the channnel number if it less than 100 - the TV is not smart enought to figure out that 027 means channel 27. The remote also uses an expensive and short-lived "button" battery, similar to a watch battery. Sound quality is on a par with a $9.95 portable radio, which pretty much makes the built-in AM/FM radio useless for listening to music. Bottom line: a big disappointment, even at a low price.

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Watch your favorite cooking shows or keep up on the latest TV and radio news while you're in the kitchen with the Polaroid FCM-0700A under-the-cabinet LCD TV. It has a seven-inch color LCD screen with a 16-to-nine aspect ratio that gives you a beautiful and sharp color picture. The LCD screen swivels up to 180 degrees so you can view it easily from almost any angle in the room, and the screen folds flat for convenient storage when you are not using it. This set comes with a 181-channel cable-ready television tuner.
In addition to a TV tuner, the FCM-0700A incorporates a digital AM/FM stereo tuner that comes with 20 preset stations. The two 2.5-watt built-in stereo speakers deliver crisp, clear sound anywhere and everywhere, while the automatic channel programming makes setup incredibly easy. This unit also includes a built-in clock with a battery backup and an alarm and sleep timer.
With variable-height mounting, the FCM-700A will fit in virtually any cabinet and comes with an extremely handy, full-function remote control with a built-in magnet that allows you to store it upright on any metal surface, such as your refrigerator door. This Polaroid TV has a rear A/V input and a rear ANT coaxial input to connect to, allowing you to hook up a VCR, gaming console, or camcorder. Compact and unobtrusive, this unit weighs a modest 4.5 pounds and measures a slim three-inches high (with the screen in the up position), by 14-inches wide and 11.25 inches deep. The FCM-700A also features an on-screen display menu, sub-title selection, language selection, zoom, fast and slow forward/backward and step forward functions, and parental locks to make sure your kids don't watch inappropriate shows.
What's in the Box Under-counter LCD TV, mounting template and hardware, power cord, printed operating instructions

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