Radio Pack

Radio Pack

An HD Radio That Plays DVDs - Amazing!

If you don't know what an HD radio is, here's the simple explanation. It's digital radio versus the radio you're listening to today -- which is analog. The advantages of digital radio are many. The two most important are that it produces much better sound than conventional radio. In fact, if you listen to an AM station being broadcast in digital HD, you may think you're listening to an FM station -- that's how clear and static-free the sound is. And listening to HD FM is almost as good as listening to a CD.

The second important advantage of digital HD radio, is that it allows broadcasters to pack more than one channel on the same frequency. These "other" channels are called HD2 channels. As an example of this, we have an FM station in my city that broadcasts easy listening music on its HD1 channel (or primary frequency) and all blues on its HD2 channel.

The Insignia Compact Bookshelf System -- amazing versatility in a small box

While there are a number of tabletop HD radios available, I know of only one bookshelf system. It is the Insignia Compact Bookshelf System, available only from Best Buy. And what this little wonder will do is almost amazing.

Naturally, it does AM/FM/HD radio, including those "hidden" HD2 channels, and, at least to my ears, the sound is just extraordinary. It is one of the few HD radios available with separate speakers so that you can enjoy true stereo sound.

And that's just the beginning

The Insignia unit also plays CDs, including those with MP3 tracks, and DVDs and VCD's. (Note: I currently have an Insignia connected to my HDTV via an S video cable and the picture is outstanding). What's more, there is a dock on the top of the unit for your iPod and a slot to connect USB devices. Plus, it will play MPEG4 discs and JPEG discs.

There are plenty of outputs on the back panel, so you can connect this unit to an amplifier to take advantage of your component system or to other speakers.

A word of warning

I did find some shortcomings in the insignia HD Radio and DVD Player. First, is the users guide. It is fairly helpful, but lacking in certain areas. For example, the instructions for using an MP3 device are missing several important steps. And finding HD2 channels with this unit is more difficult than other units I have experienced. You can set the unit to scan for just HD channels, but you have to look carefully to see when you are on an HD2 channel and then make note of the frequency so that you can come back later to establish a preset. Finally, creating presets is not an easy task. It's a three step process, and you have to have fairly quick fingers to do it correctly.

However, in summation, I cannot think of any other compact system that packs so much versatility in a cabinet measuring just 6.5" x 8.25" x 6.5" and costs less than $150. If you're interested in this unit, do take note of the fact that Insignia is a house brand of Best Buy and available only through the Best Buy website.

About the Author

Douglas Hanna is the publisher of the authoritive website http://www.hd-radio-home.com, a leading provider of news and information about this new technology. He lives in Littleton Colorado with his wife and two dogs, both of whom believe they are actually their children. He is also the author of nearly 200 ezine articles on a variety of subjects.

Squeezebox™ Radio & Accessory Pack Bundle $203.9 Squeezebox™ Radio & Accessory Pack Bundle

Aluminum Radio Tray with battery pack and holder $19.8 Aluminum Radio Tray with battery pack and holder

Camo Exrs Radio Pack $44.99 eXRS digital 2way radio single with the Realtree Advantage Timber HD pattern on the exterior - Includes 2 Tqutsx100 Digital Exrs(tm) 2-way Radios; 900 Mhz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (fhss); 1,000 Channels ; Features Hands-free (vox) Capabilities; Secure Conversationno Eavesdropping; Phone Book Stores Up To 10 Contacts; Backlit Lcd Display; Call/talk With Group Or Individual; Page/call Alert (vibrate Or Tone) ; Silent Mode Operation Roger Beepon Or Off ; License Free; Includes Dual Desktop Charger, Ac Wall Plug Adapter & 2 Nimh Rechargeable Battery Packs Compatible With All Exrs(tm) Radios

Motorola 2way-chestpack-RED 2Way Radio Chest Pack $39.99 "Motorola 2 Way Radio Chest Pack (Red), The Motorola 2Way Radio Chest Pack with zipper pocket, Pen and radio holder allows you to take your 2-Way radio wherever you go. It sits comfortably on your chest, without sagging or swinging. 2 Way Radio Chest Pack Features: 2 Way Radio Chest Pack, Zipper Pocket, Pen & Radio Holder, Sits Comfortably on your Chest, Compatible With The Following Models: RDU2020 RDU2080D RDU4100 RDU4160d RDV2020 RDV2080D RDV5100 XU1100 XU2100 XU2600 XV1100 XV2100 XV2600 CLS1110 CLS1410 CLS1450CB CLS1450CH AXU4100 AXV5100 DTR410 DTR550 DTR2430 DTR2450"

Motorola 2way-chestpack 2Way Radio Chest Pack $39.99 "Motorola 2 Way Radio Chest Pack (Black), The Motorola 2Way Radio Chest Pack with zipper pocket, Pen and radio holder allows you to take your 2-Way radio wherever you go. It sits comfortably on your chest, without sagging or swinging. 2 Way Radio Chest Pack Features: 2 Way Radio Chest Pack, Zipper Pocket, Pen & Radio Holder, Sits Comfortably on your Chest, Compatible With The Following Models: RDU2020 RDU2080D RDU4100 RDU4160d RDV2020 RDV2080D RDV5100 XU1100 XU2100 XU2600 XV1100 XV2100 XV2600 CLS1110 CLS1410 CLS1450CB CLS1450CH AXU4100 AXV5100 DTR410 DTR550 DTR2430 DTR2450"

Uniden BPVOY Battery Pack for Voyager Marine Radio $70.9 Battery Pack for Voyager Marine Radio. High quality components. Satisfaction ensured. Able to quickly and easily update your home.

MIDLAND RADIO MIDAVP2 Midland Rechargeable Pack for $28.1 Midland Radio Rechargeable Pack For 2Way Radios. Dual Desk Charger. 2 Rechargeable Battery Packs. 1 AC wall adapter.

Squeezebox™ Radio Accessory Pack $49.99 Take your music from room to room. Control your music from across the room.

Cobra / 22 CH GMRS RADIO VALUE PACK / cxr925 $71.32 Cobra - 22 CH GMRS RADIO VALUE PACK - cxr925

Cobra / 22 CH GMRS RADIO VALUE PACK / CXR825 $66.72 Cobra - 22 CH GMRS RADIO VALUE PACK - CXR825

Midland Nautico 1 Marine Radio Value Pack 5 Watts NAUTICO1VP $56.16 Midland Nautico 1 Marine Radio Value Pack 5 Watts NAUTICO1VP

Midland Radio Action Camera Accessory Pack Include XTAVP2 $39.66 Midland Radio Action Camera Accessory Pack Include XTAVP2

Midland "nautico 3" Marine Radio Value Pack 5 Watt Vhf Marine Radio NAUTICO3VP $63.7 Midland "nautico 3" Marine Radio Value Pack 5 Watt Vhf Marine Radio NAUTICO3VP

Midland Radio Marine Radio NAUTICO 3VP. Each $60.16 Manufacturer: Midland Radio. Each. Midland "Nautico 3" marine radio value pack 5 Watt VHF marine radio Includes USA, Canada, and international marine channels 10 NOAA all hazards/weather alert channels Switchable power levels (1 or 5 Watts) Waterproof to

TriSquare TSX300-2VP eXRS 2-Way Radio Value Pack $68.99 Type: Two-way Radio Frequency Band: ISM Channels: 10 Billion Channels NOAA Weather Radio: 10 Channels NOAA Weather Frequency Range: 900MHz VOX: Yes Keypad Lock: Yes Power Supply: NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack or 3 AA Batteries

Motorola Talkabout MR350R Two Way Radio $253.51 RECHARGEABLE VALUE PACK PERPMOTOROLA TWO -WAY RADIO

Midland Radio Marine Radio NAUTICO 1VP. Each $52.3 Manufacturer: Midland Radio. Each. Midland "Nautico 1" marine radio value pack 5 Watts All US and international marine channels NOAA weather alert Up to 14 mile range Switchable power levels (1 or 5 Watts) Water resistant Emergency channel 16 button Auto

On The Radio $8.99 On The Radio

Radio $11.49 Radio

The Radio $12.49 The Radio

On Radio $14.29 On Radio

MIDLAND RADIO MIDNAUTICO3VP Marine Radio NAUTICO 3VP $82.47 Marine Radio NAUTICO 3VP Midland Nautico 3 marine radio value pack 5 Watt VHF marine radio Includes USA Canada and international marine channels 10 NOAA all hazards/weatheralert channels Switchable power levels (1 or 5 Watts) Waterproof to JIS4 standards Emergency channel 16/9 button Auto squelch eVox Monitor Roger beep Removeable antenna Mic and headphone jacks Keypad lock 3 Call alerts Large high visibility display for daytime/nighttime viewing Battery level indicator Can operate on 4 AA batteries (not included) or rechargeable NiMH battery pack (included) Black 3 Year manufacturer s warrantyPackage Contents: Marine radio Mic headset Rechargeable battery pack AC and DC chargers Mount holder Belt clip ManualMIDNAUTICO3VP

MIDLAND RADIO NAUTICO3VP Marine Radio NAUTICO 3VP $82.47 Marine Radio NAUTICO 3VP Midland Nautico 3 marine radio value pack 5 Watt VHF marine radio Includes USA Canada and international marine channels 10 NOAA all hazards/weather alert channels Switchable power levels (1 or 5 Watts) Waterproof to JIS4 standards Emergency channel 16/9 button Auto squelch eVox Monitor Roger beep Removeable antenna Mic and headphone jacks Keypad lock 3 Call alerts Large high visibility display for daytime/nighttime viewing Battery level indicator Can operate on 4 AA batteries (not included) or rechargeable NiMH battery pack (included) Black 3 Year manufacturer s warrantyPackage Contents: Marine radio Mic headset Rechargeable battery pack AC and DC chargers Mount holder Belt clip ManualMIDNAUTICO3VP

MIDLAND RADIO NAUTICO1VP Marine Radio NAUTICO 1VP $72.45 Marine Radio NAUTICO 1VP Midland Nautico 1 marine radio value pack 5 Watts All US and international marine channels NOAA weather alert Up to 14 mile range Switchable power levels (1 or 5 Watts) Water resistant Emergency channel 16 button Auto squelch Monitor Scan Keypad lock Call alert 3 Call tones LCD display Battery level indicator Can operate on 4 AA batteries (not included) Black 3 Year manufacturer s warrantyPackage Contents: Marine radio Watertight bag Mic headset Rechargeable battery pack AC charger DC charger Mount holder ManualMIDNAUTICO1VP

Midland Radio Midland Radio Portable Weather Radio HH54VP2 $48.45 Portable weather radio Automatic alert warns of hazardous conditions Portable radio comes with AC power adapter, rechargeable battery pack, or 3 ?AA? alkaline batteries (not included), drop in charger, desk top charger stand, heavy-duty belt clip, and manual Features: S.A.M.E (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology which allows for localized reception 9 programmable counties Alarm clock with date Large, backlit LCD display Black Brand #: Midland Radio HH54VP2 UPC: 046014741560 Keywords: weather alert radio emergency portable

Motorola 2WAY-CHESTPACK - 4 PK 2Way Radio Chest Pack $139.95 "Motorola 2 Way Radio Chest Pack (Black), The Motorola 2Way Radio Chest Pack with zipper pocket, Pen and radio holder allows you to take your 2-Way radio wherever you go. It sits comfortably on your chest, without sagging or swinging. 2 Way Radio Chest Pack Features: 2 Way Radio Chest Pack, Zipper Pocket, Pen & Radio Holder, Sits Comfortably on your Chest, Compatible With The Following Models: RDU2020 RDU2080D RDU4100 RDU4160d RDV2020 RDV2080D RDV5100 XU1100 XU2100 XU2600 XV1100 XV2100 XV2600 CLS1110 CLS1410 CLS1450CB CLS1450CH AXU4100 AXV5100 DTR410 DTR550 DTR2430 DTR2450"

Motorola 2WAY-CHESTPACK - 6 PK 2Way Radio Chest Pack $204.95 "Motorola 2 Way Radio Chest Pack (Black), The Motorola 2Way Radio Chest Pack with zipper pocket, Pen and radio holder allows you to take your 2-Way radio wherever you go. It sits comfortably on your chest, without sagging or swinging. 2 Way Radio Chest Pack Features: 2 Way Radio Chest Pack, Zipper Pocket, Pen & Radio Holder, Sits Comfortably on your Chest, Compatible With The Following Models: RDU2020 RDU2080D RDU4100 RDU4160d RDV2020 RDV2080D RDV5100 XU1100 XU2100 XU2600 XV1100 XV2100 XV2600 CLS1110 CLS1410 CLS1450CB CLS1450CH AXU4100 AXV5100 DTR410 DTR550 DTR2430 DTR2450"