SoundGate ZNCBLPAK lets you Connect, Charge, and Play your ZUNE thru your Car Stereo or Radio's AUX 3.5mm Jack. Review

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(More customer reviews)A few years back when I bought a car stereo for my 1998 Nissan Frontier (King Cab) I made sure to get one that could accommodate a CD changer. I did this because I knew if it could accommodate a CD changer it would either have RCA In ports or somewhere on the net I would be able to get an after market adapter to accommodate my needs (as it turned out my stereo just came with the RCA In ports). For years I was happy rollin' along with an iPod until the Zune came out. The only problem was now there was no way to connect the Zune into my car stereo RCA In ports without using the 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone jack at the top of the Zune. As you may or may not be aware when you connect a device this way (Zune, iPod or any other MP3 player) you have to crank up the volume on the MP3 player to the max, then use the volume on your radio to adjust to a comfortable level (very sloppy). Then if you are on a long trip (who can afford the gas anymore) you have to plug a car charger into the bottom of the Zune to keep it charged. This is way too many cables for me and creates a lot of clutter and chaos. Then BAM! along comes Soundgate's ZNCBLPAK Core(tm) Cable Pack for the Zune. It took a lot of searching on message boards to find this little gem (God bless the internet) but it has been the solution to all of my problems. By connecting the unit (see product manual here http://soundgate.com/upload//productdocuments/0606.pdf) directly into my stereo the volume from the Zune is now line leveled and I only have to adjust it at one source (the car stereo). To solve the cord clutter and chaos problem I had someone wire the Discrete Power Harness (included) directly into a power source in my truck. You could opt to use the Cigarette-Lighter Power Adapter (also included) but I prefer to be a bit more organized by having it wired to a dedicated power source. I do notice when I plug the Zune in this way it picks up a little more noise. If the volume is up loud on the car stereo you can hear the drive spin up in the Zune before the music kicks in. You can get something called a ground loop isolator to correct the issue but for me it doesn't bother me enough to worry about it. You never hear it once the music kicks in anyway. The Soundgate ZNCBLPAK Core(tm) Cable Pack for the Zune also comes with a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini-jack cable (because not all car stereos come with RCA In ports). I do not know if you get the same volume line leveling benefit if you connect your Zune this way. Perhaps another review will let us know. Additionally I do not have a video device to connect to so I cannot comment on that aspect of the unit either. I would highly recommend two products if you have a Zune. 1- Speck Dragon Toughskin Rubberized Case for Zune 80 GB (http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Dragon-Toughskin-Rubberized-Black/dp/B0014BQW4M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1216488444&sr=8-1) (I also did a review for this). 2-Flex PED (http://thoughtout.biz/FlexPED) this device can adjust to fit any MP3 player. I have also heard they will be coming out with a Soundgate REMCORE Wired Zune(tm) Remote Control soon (see more info here http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundremcore.html) that will connect directly to the Soundgate ZNCBLPAK Core(tm) Cable Pack for the Zune. Now that I have done your homework, all you have to do is pull the trigger. What are you waiting for?

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Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM Transmitter for Zune Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the second Belkin transmitter I've used. My older car had a tape player, so I was able to use the cassette adaptor with my mp3 player and that sounded wonderful. My new car only had a cd player and no easy way to listen to all my music.
These transmitters are absolutely horrible. You can get sound, but it's definitely not crispy clear sound and it sounds like your old analog tapes or your old transistor radio that lost its antenna.
So, here's my advice: after wasting a bunch of money on two transmitters in addition to portable speakers that also sounded terrible, I finally went to Circuit City and bought a new stereo for only $79 (including installation) that had an auxiliary jack. Now, I can use a cable and plug my mp3 player right into the auxiliary jack and have clear, static-free music!
I highly suggest you don't waste your money on this transmitter or any other one. If your speakers are already good, you just need a new stereo with an auxiliary jack. It will make listening to your player an absolute pleasure. With the transmitter, I even hated to start the player, since I knew I'd have to play around with the transmitter to even hear just a little bit. The new stereo has made everything so much easier!

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The Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM Transmitter for Zune offers you an elegant way to power, mount, and play your Zune while you are on the road. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM for Zune offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution while you ride or drive.
The Belkin F8M026 TuneBase features improved FM transmission that delivers crisp, clean, best-in-class audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your vehicle. The built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo on the full range of FM channels, from 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz, letting you choose the best available frequency so you are sure to find a channel without interference.
This unit uses a bright, backlit LCD display for quick and easy tuning between channels, and features three, single-touch programmable preset buttons that let you set the clearest frequencies, and toggle among them for optimal performance. The TuneBase's holder secures your Zune in place in either portrait or landscape modes making it great for viewing video, holding your Zune at virtually any angle and featuring an innovative, flexible-steel neck construction that allows for easy repositioning inside the car.
Form-fit specifically for your new music and video player, the TuneBase charges your Zune while it plays, and has a built-in 3.5-millimeter audio line-out jack for use in vehicles with MP3 audio line-in ports or cassette adapters. Simple to set up and easy to use, the Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM transmitter comes in a sleek black finish, and is backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box Belkin F8M026 TuneBase FM transmitter system, user's manual and warranty information.

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Zune Car Charger Review

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(More customer reviews)There's really not much to review but I figured I would counter the other (misguided) review on this item. The charger works just as fine for powering the Zune while in the car. I pretty much leave my Zune in the car and this lets me do that without having to periodically bring it inside for charging. The part that goes into the cigarette lighter is rather large so take that into account if you have any kind of obstructions around your power socket. The only other thing I noticed that surprized me a little was that the Zune display stays on when connected to the charger and playing music. There's nothing really wrong with that but I was just expecting the screen to go dark like it does when it is not connected to power. Oh, I also like the coiled cord which makes things a bit tidier than having a lot of loose cable cluttering up the console area. I recommend this product.

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The Zune car charger plugs into a car's lighter adapter so you can charge your Zune while listening to music or using the Zune FM Transmitter (sold separately). An integrated status indicator on the car charger helps prevent any negative impact on the car's battery--an ideal feature for those times when you might be tempted to jam out through the car's stereo while the car is off. The car charger comes complete with a coiled cable for easier storage. The car charger comes backed by a limited 1-year warranty.

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Accessory Power Advanced Car Mount System FM Transmitter and Charger for Microsoft Zune and Zune HD MP3 Players Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an avid Zune user, and I have to say that I'm envious over the breath of accessories that is offered by companies supporting the iPod family of products.
This product, when I read the description, was exactly what I was looking for, FM transmitter, holds my player, done! So, when I got the dock and opened the package, I was very disappointed to so that this wasn't a Zune specific product. It just comes with a shorter Zune USB connection. I guess this is good news if you want to use, say a Samsung player....but I don't.
1) The facts, the arm is too long to support the weight of a Zune120. I just flops over like you shot and killed the thing.
2) The FM transmitter, is ok...but it still is the worst possible connection you can use with a digital device. I was traveling, and had to constantly play with the radio settings. Hint, not something that should be done at 65 miles and hour.
3) Very disappointed that the Zune connection wasn't built into the base of the holder. Instead you have to hook-up the USN connection to keep charged (only way screen will stay lit) and you have to connect a ear phone plug to the player that goes to the FM transmitter. Wires everywhere!
The bottom line, I got this unit to give me a clean solution for my beloved Zune120. What I got was a pole of wires banging all over my dash.
I would love to say that this is the Zune accessory to own, but it is clearly not. Can someone please get Belkin and Griffen back in the Zune accessory business! I'm going to hope, and pray, that the ZuneHD bring some of the manufactures back.


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Zune Car Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)Wasn't really planning on buying one of these, but found one at a decent price and thought I'd give it a try.
First thing, this is a quality, well made product. Unlike a lot of car power adapters, this provides a clean, shielded source of power that doesn't put off a lot of interference. The FM transmitter, like most FM transmitters, isn't overpowering, but does an ok job when you aren't in an area crowded with FM signals.
Any FM transmitter is going to get buried in the middle of a city. These things work best in lesser populated areas where there are empty frequencies. Belkin's website has a tool for their FM transmitters, that can give you an estimate of the best FM frequencies to try in any given Zip code.
This transmitter has a great display and worked well in my local area and in several of the surrounding areas.
A couple things I really liked about this. First, while the power adapter is engaged, the Zune will display the LCD so you can see cover art and song information while keeping the Zune charged. Secondly the FM transmitter has a great digital display that is clearly visible during the day and night.
Only thing I didn't like is that the FM Transmitter just inserts into the player without actually locking. It stays put ok, but not if you have your Zune in a case. (At least not in the Silicone case I was using).
Folks, if you live in a city, your not going to be happy with any FM transmitter. Also, different FM transmitters work differently in various cars. I've tested several, there is no rhyme or reason. Try one out, if it doesn't work ok, return it and try a different one. If you live in a big city, get an adapter to run directly into your stereo. No FM transmitter is going to work. FCC doesn't allow them to have enough signal to drown out the local stations crowding your local airwaves.


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The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to keep the music rolling loud and clear through you car's speaker system. Perfect for use in multiple vehicles, when you buy the Zune car pack, you'll get the FM Transmitter with Autoseek and the Zune Car Charger. Designed to wirelessly stream music from the Zune via the car's FM radio, the included FM transmitter ensures clean and crisp Zune playback without the hassle of complicated and messy wires. Complete with an autoseek feature, the FM transmitter automatically finds an optimally clear radio station to use for streaming.
Just turn it on, wait for the signal to connect, and you're ready to rock and roll. So you can leave battery life worries back at home, the car pack includes a handy cigarette lighter charger for the Zune, allowing you to enjoy music on the move and charge the Zune at the same time. An integrated status indicator on the car charger helps prevent any negative impact on the car's battery--an ideal feature for those times when you might be tempted to jam out through the car's stereo while the engine is off. It even comes complete with a coiled cable for easier storage. The car pack comes backed by a limited 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box FM transmitter with autoseek function and 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter.

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