JVC KD-HDR50 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN HD Radio CD Receiver with Remote Control USB 2.0 for iPod/iPhone
JVC KD-HDR50 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN HD Radio CD Receiver with Remote Control USB 2.0 for iPod/iPhone see short title
User Reviews
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Review Date: 2009-11-18
...easy to use, once you take a few minutes to figure out the controls. It has a nice minimal design but sounds great through my stock speakers in a 2000 Corolla. Both AM and FM HD come in clear, at least here in Tacoma, being able to choose from a rainbow of colors is a nice feature. I happen to find the radio preset selection no more difficult then if there were individual function buttons like on most other decks, so I think it maybe a matter of personal preference. I figured most of it out without even opening the manual; Ipod navigation through the deck is good but not mind-blowing. It sounds great, looks great, it's multi-functional. All around no complaints after owning it for a few hours. The value of HD radio I think makes it worth it, seemed to be one of the least expensive HD decks currently available. The only reason I hesitate to give it FIVE STARS is because I only purchased it today ($159)... What else can I say?!
User: Iamlookingood
Rating:
Summary: I REALLY like this receiver... four and a half stars... so far I've found it...
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-16
I bought this unit for few reasons:
1. You CAN select Podcast chapters. If you listen/skip podcasts with chapter frequently, this is a must.
2. HD Radio. I was curious about it. Check [...] for details and station list in your area.
3. Pretty face. Color display (I played with a KD-S36 in a store and liked it)
4. Bluetooth capable with add-on.
5. Price - a bargain.
I liked the unit very much ...
1. HD radio is nice and clear, gives me multicast (2nd station) and scrolling information (some times).
2. TAG feature, allows you to buy songs you listen on the radio from iTunes (if station broadcasts the song name; not always)
3. Color display with different colors for day and night, small remote control, sub woofer RCA output.
4. USB only iPhone connection (no analog cable like on my old Kenwood).
but nothing is perfect ...
1. As noted by another buyer, changing preset stations is a cumbersome. (He gave it a 1 start and returned the unit). I'll keep my unit because I listen to Podcasts most of the time and just 1 or 2 radio stations.
EDIT (11/16/09): I found out that the Remote Control U/D keys allow you to change preset radio stations !!!
It's in the manual but not very easy to find. Look at the remote button guide.
This is the missing feature at the deck 4-way navigation button.
I think they should fix it via software upgrade ...
2. The remote control is IR (infrared) not RF (radio freq). You have to point it to the HU to use it. Other than that, it's a very good remote.
3. I just learned you can not skip podcasts units the 4-way navigation button. You can only skip chapters. This is the opposite of my Pioneer HU where I could only skip podcasts, not chapters...
4. He also noted the display does not have enough contrast and becomes UNREADABLE during the day, under sun light. There is also glare from the shiny plastic face. At night you can see all-pixels, even the ones that are off. The colors are nice and sharp but the overall display is not very good.
5. When the radio changes from analog to digital, the is an echo, i.e. the audio repeats for a second or so. Not bad but strange at first. This happens every time you change stations, turn on the radio, etc (if the station also broadcasts in HD).
User: L. Coutinho
Rating:
Summary: Very good feature set for this price range.
Helpful Votes: 3
Total Votes: 3
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Review Date: 2009-11-11
This stereo installed great, looks great, and sounds awesome. I've been listening to lots of HD radio, so take that Sirius! The only problem is that navigating around the menus is a bit tough as there are not many buttons on the front. Simple things like fading, balancing, etc. take a few menu pushes to get to them. When I want to drown out the kids, I want the fade to be quick! :)
Overall a great value for your dollar.
User: Chris Palmenberg
Rating:
Summary: Great features, a bit hard to navigate menus
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-10-22
After reading several reviews and doing hours of research, I picked this receiver as a replacement for my Sony CD player. I wasn't disappointed in this purchase. I was looking for HD radio and IPod connection, this unit has it all and for under $140.00 is a big plus. The only down side is no preset buttons for the radio, but it's such a minor thing for what you get in the overall features and performance. You can still get to the presets through the menu or the arrow buttons. I'm getting a second for my other car.
User: S. K. Archibald
Rating:
Summary: Great receiver filled with features!
Helpful Votes: 0
Total Votes: 0
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Review Date: 2009-10-04
I have enjoyed the system since installing it in my car. I did quite a bit of research before purchasing the unit and am very satified with the results. Is easy to use and works great with an Ipod and the tagging feature is really cool. Some of the feedback details that ones preset radio stations can be a little difficult to scan through with the dial. I do not see this as cumbersome. If you use the remote to scran through FM preset stations it is quite easy. I use the remote for most general functions without an issue. Unless you are a car stereo enthusist this is a great system for just every day use that will provide great sound with a easy to use features (USB, Ipod, preset stations, tagging, hd radio, and don't forget the fun colors you can create). I would recommend this system to anyone looking for an alternative to their factory system. And best of all you can't beat the price. Lastly, it is really easy to install in yourself. I had never installed a car stereo in my life, but googled how to do it, there is a lot of how-to info online. Purchased the installation materials for less than $40 on Amazon. It tool less than 1.5hrs to install, and presto, looks like it was installed in the factory. You can save $100 dollars and DIY.
User: T. Dutch
Rating:
Summary: Great Sound, Features, and Price
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description The built-in HD Radio on JVC's KD-HDR50 offers a multitude of programming in premium digital sound and an iTunes Tagging feature, which lets you "tag" songs playing on the radio, so you can purchase later from the iTunes store. The front USB port lets you easily play songs from iPod/iPhone and other USB devices, and the 2-way control for iPod/iPhone lets you operate directly from iPod/iPhone or on the headunit itself. Enjoy superior sound with a MOS-FET power amp and 24-bit DAC. And thanks to the Variable-Color Illumination, you can select from 30 existing colors or mix your own to give it the look you want. Other features include front AUX-IN and a 7-band parametric iEQ. Add Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology, SAT Radio, or a CD Changer to take it to the next level. An easy-to-use HD Radio receiver with a bundle of modern features. Click to enlarge. |
 Front panel auxiliary input for external audio devices and USB for music streaming/iPod connection. |
 Control your iPod from the receiver or the device itself, and tag songs from HD radio for later iTunes purchase. |
 Includes full-featured wireless remote. Click to enlarge. |
Discover how good radio can sound
- HD Radio is a Digital technology that allows a radio station to transmit more information in the same radio wave, enabling higher quality sound and additional content. HD Radio technology makes AM Stations have FM Station-like sound quality, while FM Stations are broadcast with CD-like sound quality.
- Unlike typical FM or AM transmission, HD Radio has crystal clear reception with low noise and no audio distortion.
More content, more listening options with Multicasting
- Multicasting allows more channels to be accessed from your radio dial. HD Radio multicast channels can be listened to only by an HD Radio enabled stereo such as the KD-HDR50. These "Stations In Between the Stations" contain additional format options, music genre and talk radio options, and even experimental formats that have, until now, never been heard through other radio broadcast mediums.
- HD Radio broadcasting is completely free of charge--there are no monthly plans or subscription costs for this unique and exciting content.
- National coverage areas--HD Radio content is currently available in close to 200 major markets currently and rapidly expanding. For more information or to find HD Radio stations near you, log on to mobile.jvc.com or www.hdradio.com.
iTunes Tagging
iTunes Tagging allows users to store or "tag" information about that song they are hearing on HD Radio and store it in their receiver. The tagged song information will transfer to their iPod/iPhone and be recalled in iTunes allowing them the option to purchase that song from the iTunes store. How it works:
- When you hear a song you like on the radio, press the "TAG" key to save the information on the headunit.
- Information is transferred to your iPod when you connect to the headunit.
- Information is transferred to iTunes when you sync your iPod to your computer.
- The song shows up on the "Tagged" playlist in iTunes.
- Click on the button to purchase the song from the iTunes Store.
- Enjoy the music!
Conventional Radio
Of course, sometimes you'll want to tune into non-HD content, so you can also dial in standard AM/FM stations. Tune into your favorite stations instantly with 18 FM and 6 AM presets (all of which can be used for HD stations if you choose).
CDs and More
The KD-HDR50 also features a CD player, which will play your favorite CDs and CD-R/RWs.
What's more, you can burn an MP3 or WMA disc and enjoy hours of audio complete with ID3 tagging for displaying track information.
USB Port
Stream MP3/WMA files from USB thumb drives and other devices via the included USB port.
iPod Connectivity
You can also operate your iPod via the USB port. Control your iPod/iPhone from either the player itself or from the receiver's controls, while allowing song and artist information display, play, pause, skip, or back commands from either device.
Input and Output
Two pairs of preamp outputs are provided for system expansion if you want to add a little more power to the KD-HDR50's onboard 50W x 4 amplifier.
A 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input is also included for use with iPods, MP3 players, or other external audio devices.
Room to Grow
The KD-HDR50's is a great system, but there's room to expand your options. Add JVC modules for Bluetooth, CD changers or SAT Radio to take your system to the next level.
Wireless Remote
A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
What's in the Box
JVC KD-HDR50 Receiver, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions
Product Details
- AM/FM radio, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3/WMA, USB, iPod, HD Radio receiver
- 4 x 50 Watts maximum power with two pre-amp outputs
- Detachable face with white-on-black display
- Includes auxiliary input, USB port, iPod control; add JVC modules for SAT radio, CD Changer, Bluetooth
- One-year limited warranty
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