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Road Gear: New iPod Docking Stations from JBL
It’s kind of strange these days to see someone walking down the street with a set of earphones connected to a CD player. MP3 players are all the rage now, with Apple’s iPod the reigning “King of the Hill.” Microsoft’s Zune is a nice player, as are the offerings from Sony, San Disk and others. But the iPod rules! Many auto manufacturers now offer iPod interfaces as standard or optional equipment. I’ve got a couple of iPods in my collection, and like to listen to them in my car, my den when I’m relaxing, and my garage when I’m researching new products for Road Gear.
I recently tested two iPod docking stations from JBL, the On Stage Micro and On Time 400IHD. Both are great portable listening solutions that you can plug into an existing stereo system for greater amplification, or just plug them in the wall and enjoy them as standalone units.
Given its small size, the On Stage Micro portable docking sound system is the perfect travel partner for your iPod or other MP3 player. One of its best features is the ability to run on battery or electric power, allowing you the convenience of taking the system on the road or enjoying the sound anywhere you happen to be. The small unit produces amazingly clean, powerful sound. It charges your iPod and also provides a USB pass-through to connect to your computer. The system's infrared remote control gives users the ability to control the sound from another room up to 15 feet away.
The JBL On Stage Micro system is compatible with all docking versions of the iPod. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices, including MP3 and CD players, desktop and laptop computers and Satellite Radio.
Controls for the unit are simple and easy to use. You can browse iPod songs, photos, and playlists; change tracks and settings; and much more.
When running on battery power, the On Stage Micro uses four AAA batteries, giving you up to 24 hours of continuous play at normal listening levels. An amber LED flashes when the battery protection circuit senses that the batteries are low. Built-in AEMS (Advanced Energy Management System) circuitry automatically puts the system into sleep mode when there is no audio input. The system awakens with just a touch and resumes at the same volume level. It’s available in black or white finishes.
The JBL On Time 400IHD loudspeaker dock takes listening to the next level, as it features FM multicasting (better known as HD Radio)--the ability to broadcast multiple program streams over a single FM frequency (e.g., 97.7-1, 97.7-2). With crystal clear reception, HD radio on FM can sound as crisp as CDs, and AM sounds as rich as analog FM stereo. A variety of data, including text-based information (artist name, song title, weather alerts, school closings, etc.), scrolls across the blue glow display. HD digital broadcasts are at the same frequencies as current analog broadcasts so listeners do not need to learn new station numbers. You get local content and the high quality of HD Radio without the subscription fees of Satellite Radio.
Even if your iPod is not docked, this black and silver beauty will store song information, so that the next time your iPod is docked, you can download the stored wish list to your iPod. Then, the next time you connect your iPod to iTunes, it will display your wish list and allow you to easily select the songs. In addition to your wish list storage, you can control your music and videos using the remote. The system also charges your dockable iPod, even when the system is powered off, using JBL’s “Evercharge” technology.
The 400IHD features a dual alarm clock with dual independent alarms to help manage your schedule. You can wake up to your choice of any song on your iPod, an HD or analog radio station, your auxiliary input, or the good old buzzer. The adjustable snooze timer and adjustable sleep timer are additional features. The clock features backup battery power, so that even during a power failure, the alarm functions operate.
Like the On Stage Micro, the On Time 400IHD system is compatible with most docking versions of the iPod, and a stereo mini jack connection allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from MP3 and CD players, desktop and laptop computers, and satellite radio.
There are many quality iPod docks on the market. These excellent offerings from JBL are solid choices.
For more information, visit:
www.jbl.com
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