Ab Work Outs: Sonic Impact V-55 Portable Speaker System with LCD Screen and Remote for iPod (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)What you should know if you are considering this device:

1) The screen is REALLY REALLY GOOD but not quite AMAZING. The case, however, is exceedingly rugged and well designed. It "feels" well built, if you know what that means.

2) Tactile button response can be a little frustrating at times. Sometimes you have to hit a button twice to get it to work. But this isn't a video game. You get it right once and then you don't touch any buttons at all for at least half an hour. Definitely not a deal breaker.

3) This device INCLUDES a stereo 8mm to three-way FEMALE RCA adapter. Very handy if you want to watch stuff on the "real" TV. In this setup, the much belittled hide-away remote is actually very useful.

4) The battery life is really good. Often better than your iPod video. That can get frustrating when your iPod Video dies but your V55 is still good to go.

5) HOWEVER, it does charge your iPod when it is plugged in so if you are in the car using the INCLUDED cigarette lighter adapter or are near a power outlet using the INCLUDED AC adpater, the above complaint does not apply.

6) Several reviewers have faulted this device for failing to properly select between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect rations. Unsuprisingly, the fault is ACTUALLY with the operator and not the device.

As it is described in the (admittedly somewhat lengthy but intelligently written) instructions, the 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio selection is actually on the iPod and not in the V55.

I could cite several technical reasons why it HAS to be this way given the way the iPod handles video output, but suffice it to say that this one "tiny hink" is clearly explained in the little book that comes with your purchase if you choose to read it.

7) Next, the guy who said this product is for 2.35 aspect ratio videos doesn't know how aspect ratios work. Movies come in 1.33 (like your TV); 1.85 widescreen, and 2.35 (Panavision, etc) widescreen aspect rations. This product -- like widescreen HDTVs -- is designed in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Why? To make professional cinematographers (who rallied for a 2:1 aspect ratio) angry. No, really. I'm not actually kidding.

Anyhow, when you watch a 4:3 (old-style TV) video on this product, it pillarboxes the image. This means there are black vertical bars on either side of the correctly proportioned image.

Unlike some TVs, this product does not allow you to digitally zoom in to remove those side bars or allow you to perform a "cinema-wide" expansion. I believe this is because iPod video does not contain enough information to digitally (straight bicubic expansion) zoom in a pretty way and the chip that widescreens a 4:3 image (the aforementioned cinema-wide conversion) or performs an intelligent scalar algorythm would make this device ridiculously unaffordable.

8) All that said, in my opinion, this product plus iPod + iTunes plus free downloadable Handbrake software is really, bar none, the ultimate portable video set up. While the "menu-challenged" may experience a minor learning curve figuring out how to use the aspect ratio setting, the end result of these three products combined is nothing short of miraculous.

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Product Description:
Completely portable and rechargeable, the Video 55 speaker/display systemfrom Sonic Impact gives you the power to decide where, when, and how you watch andlisten to your iPod. The Video 55 is distinguished by a carefully engineered hardcasethat holds a crystal-clear, 7-inch widescreen LCD display on the inside with a 480x 234resolution, letting you watch extended-length videos with friends or just enjoy TVshows on a larger, laptop-like screen. The hard case also doubles as a speakercabinetfor the pair of 1.25-inch aluminum cone neodymium drivers, which team with theClass Ddigital amp and advanced Maxxbass technology to deliver an enhanced bass response,minimal distortion, and an overall frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz. Theresultingaudio sounds terrific whether you're listening to the latest OutKast album orwatching abig-budget music video.
Users will also dig the Video 55's contemporary yet timeless design, which offersaperfect fit for just about any home or office decor. The Video 55 is alsouncommonlyrugged, making it an ideal companion for such outdoor activities as camping tripsorbackyard barbecues. And thanks to the efficient three-phase rechargeable battery,theVideo 55 delivers a remarkable four hours of battery life. Other details include aconvenient battery charge display light, which lets you easily keep track of theremaining power; a built-in docking station that works with any iPod with a 30-pindockconnector; an auxiliary input for older iPods, MP3 players, and other audiodevices with3.5 mm headphone jacks; such charging options as an AC adapter and a car charger;dual headphone jacks for long plane trips; and an infrared remote control.
The all-black Video 55 measures 8.7 by 1.7 by 6.5 inches (W x H x D), weighs 2.4pounds, and is backed by a one-year warranty.
** Due to a recent change in Apple iTunes software, the 3rd-generation iPod nano and the 6th-generation iPod classic no longer will broadcast a video signal to the Video 55 when docked in the docking connector. With Apple's software change, the only way to view video on any existing video player, including the Video 55, is to purchase Apple's iPod Composite Video Cable, available at Apple retail stores and Apple online.
What's in the Box
Video 55 system, AC adapter, car charger, video cable, carrying bag, remotecontrol,iPod insert adapters, cleaning cloth, quick setup guide, user's manual.

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