Filed under: Portable Audio

We knew XM Radio’s XMp3 handheld was on sale and shipping, but if you’ve been holding back and patiently waiting for some live video action of the UI before biting, have a gander at this. One xzitony managed to acquire the new Pioneer-built device and take it for a spin, but rather than just keeping it all to himself, he decided to host up a six minute clip walking us through the user interface. There are just no words to express our gratitude, but you can leave your thanks on his YouTube page after peeping the vid just past the break.

[Thanks, Anthony]

Continue reading Video: XM Radio’s XMp3 interface shown off

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Filed under: Portable Audio

Ah, ha! So that XMp3 XM Radio player we spotted the other day in Popular Science was more than just a trick played by our eyes. PopSci has come forth with a few more details on the unit, but still doesn’t do it nearly as good as Best Buy’s product page. From the latter, we learn that the Pioneer-built unit plays back MP3 / WMA files stored on your microSD card, records up to 100 hours of XM Radio or digital audio, and comes bundled with a home dock, power adapter, home antenna, remote and assorted cables for $279.99. We’re also hearing that the device alone will go for around two bills when it arrives in under a fortnight, but we wouldn’t bet the farm on that just yet.

Read - PopSci writeup
Read - Best Buy product page

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Transportation

While many of you have likely forgotten all about the retail SCV1 backseat TV tuner that Sirius announced way back in August of last year (and promised for Q4 2007), those hooked from the word go will be elated to know that they can finally get their hands on one. As of right now, Sirius partners are finally stocking (and shipping) the SCV1 Backseat TV System. The pain? $299.99 for the unit itself and $6.99 per month for TV service. In other words, an absolute bargain to maintain sanity on that upcoming 18 hour road trip.

[Via Orbitcast]

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Filed under: Portable Audio

As the constant battle between the National Association of Broadcasters and nearly everyone else continues on over the potential XM / Sirius merger, the entity is now asking the FCC to put a stop on the 180-day clock for considering the junction. Reportedly, all the NAB wants is “time to go through documents it said it is getting through a Freedom of Information Request filed in March,” and it seemingly feels that some of the articles it’s still waiting for contain proof of “serious apparent wrongdoing by XM and Sirius executive and senior-level employees regarding the operation of FM modulators / translators and / or terrestrial repeaters.” Of note, both of the aforementioned sat radio providers shot back by stating that the NAB’s “allegations are unfounded and its recent filing is just an attempt to stall the process.” From the outside looking in, we’d say that sounds just about right. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via BroadcastingCable]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Portable Audio

We’ll admit, the XM XpressRC sure looked mighty nice from a distance, and judging by CNETs take on it, it’s equally fine up close. Quite frankly, this device was hailed as a notch above the alternatives, boasting a full-color display “that not only jumped out at you with its beauty, but could be easily read and understood while driving.” Granted, not everything was entirely peachy, as the reviewer took issue with the knob’s design and the small power button — both grumbles that could certainly be overlooked. Additionally, the unit’s ability to pause / rewind up to an hour of programming was very appreciated, and the other small bonuses (i.e. SongSaver) filled out the feature set quite nicely. All in all, this little gizmo was seen as “the way to go” if you’ve been scouting a device of this nature, but the $170 pricetag could still be a hindrance.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!