Parrot MKi9100 Advanced Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit Review
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I installed this in our Honda Fit using an aftermarket harness to make it (almost) "plug and play."I decided to purchase this rather than the Bluetooth add-on for the (Pioneer) stereo already installed, as it (Pioneer's Bluetooth unit) received pretty mediocre reviews, cost more, and of course wouldn't work if I eventually decide to put in a different brand stereo someday.
If you're never installed a car radio before, this probably isn't the first thing you should install yourself -- I'd recommend having it professionally installed, since there are a good-sized handful of cables coming out of this thing that need to get routed properly, and you will most likely have to do some minor drilling and/or cutting to count the display and microphone if you want a really "clean" installation.As a yardstick, I probably spent 4 hours total on the installation.
Anyway, then, it does work as designed.The interface is fast and responsive, and I like the quality of the display.The software is pretty well thought out -- perhaps A++-super-nerd programmers don't work at Parrot, but certainly above-average ones do.Pairing works quite nicely, automatically connecting to my phone when I get in the car & turn on the ignition and disconnecting shortly after the ignition goes off.When you're on a call, it asserts the "mute" line to the car's stereo which also pauses CD/USB/iPod playback, which is nice.I haven't had any of the communication failures/lock-ups that another reviewer here did.
Some minor gripes are as follows:
-- While the noise reduction is effective up to ~45MPH (most callers wouldn't be able to guess you're calling from a car), it breaks down at highway speeds: Callers will still find you intelligible, but the occasional piece of a word is cut off and there is noticeable distortion.I attribute this so some degree to the rather noisy interior that is the Honda Fit (and most other inexpensive Hondas, for that matter) -- at some level apparently the Parrot just can't reliably separate your voice from the as loud or louder cabin noise.Those with quieter cabins may not ever experience this problem.(I have tried turning "lateral noise detection" off and it does make things worse.)
-- When hanging up calls, I often have to press the "hang up" button a couple of times.I suspect this is likely to be just as much the fault of the Parrot as my phone (a Sprint HTC Touch Pro 2), but it is a bit annoying.
-- The manual is rather spartan.While it contains information on all the "basics," it does leave out explanations for some menu functions, which you're hence left to guess at.While most have names that make it easy to figure them out, there are a few where it's not quite clear exactly what the option does.
I think that this is a little on the spendy side for what you're getting, but overall I'm happy with it and feel that I've received a reasonable (if not spectacular) value for the money.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Parrot MKi9100 Advanced Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit
Product Description:
The Parrot MKi9100 Advanced Bluetooth hands free car kit is a unique range of Bluetooth hands-free car kits which install in every car. It combines the latest communication technologies with a full set of services dedicated to music.
The Parrot MKi9100 is a Bluetooth hands-free system with an OLED screen. A wireless remote control can be positioned on the steering wheel or dashboard and allows the driver to control all the functions of the MKi9100.
Parrot MKi9100 kit comes with everything you need to be connected and entertained.
Click to enlarge. In addition to conventional telephony functions (pick up, hang up, dual calls) the Parrot MKi9100 boasts cutting-edge telephony functions: automatic phonebook synchronization, training-free multi-speaker voice recognition, speech synthesis of the names in the phonebook, contact management (up to 2,000 per phone) and call records. Its OLED screen displays the phonebook, caller ID, phone information and user settings. The menus and phonebook are also audible for easier, more intuitive use.
Double microphone for crystal-clear calls
To ensure optimal audio quality when on the phone, the Parrot MKi9100 combines double microphone technology with new signal processing software (DSP-3) that eliminates background and surrounding noise, including noise from inside the car. For maximum listening quality, conversations are reproduced over the vehicle's speakers.
Connectors to use your favorite music player are provided.
Mounts right on your dashboard.
Listen to your digital music in the car
The Parrot MKi9100 kit connect to your car audio system and deliver hi-quality conversations whatever the conditions are. Each MKi kit is delivered with it independent RF remote control. Positioned on the steering wheel or placed wherever is convenient, the remote control gives you the total control you need right at your fingertips.
The Parrot MKi kits propose an incredibly efficient combination of an external double microphone and new software which eliminate environmental and in-car noises with full-duplex and zero-echo crystal clear conversations. Another unique feature of the Parrot MKi9100 is that its screen is detachable from its support when you leave your vehicle, for ultimate security.
Once paired with your Bluetooth mobile phone, the MKi enables you to establish in a few seconds any phone conversations in your vehicle without needing to handle the telephone, even leaving it in your pocket. Connection with your mobile is made in a completely transparent way.
The user-independent voice recognition and voice synthesis are now integrated in all MKi car kits, which dramatically ease the way of using them in every situation. And all the connectors for any type of music are provided with each MKi hands-free kit: iPod, iPhone, iTouch, USB keys, USB MP3 players, Bluetooth Stereo devices, CD players, MiniDisc.
What's in the Box
Detachable screen, External adjustable double microphone, Six buttons RF remote control keypad, Parrot universal 'mute' BlueBox, Music cable with iPod/iPhone and USB and Line-In, Steering wheel mounting kit for remote control keypad, Dashboard mounting kit for screen, Screen cable, Mute / 12V cable with ISO connectors, USB / mini-USB cable, Set of accessories, Quick Start Guide
About Parrot
Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free kits on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 500 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.
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USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Friday, September 10, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I ordered this from Crutchfield (same price as here) after someone complained, according to their review, that the other leading Honda ipod interface (I forget the name) cut down on the volume.
I had some difficulty locating this particular model.... it's not the easiest to find. Also, if you go to a generic place (like Best Buy), they won't always know exactly what you need. Crutchfield has an online 'quiz' that asks you questions about your particular car, make, model, year, and what options you have installed, and then gives you a list of applicable options.
We have a factory radio with built in CD player, no cassette player, no CD changer, and no navigation system. If you DO have a changer, chances are you will have to unplug it in order to have a space to plug in the ipod adapter cable thingie in its place (the choice is yours - - 6 hours of music, or 16 days of music - - whichever you prefer)
I also like that it has two interface possibilities, depending on the simple flip of a dip switch. Default setting is 'playlist mode.' You set up playlists in iTunes, labeled HONDA1, HONDA2, respectively, up to 5, and control them with the corresponding '1-6' buttons on your radio/CD player. In essence then, your ipod mimics a CD changer, but with each playlist having an unlimited number of tracks (although the display stops counting at 99 - - a limitation of the CD technology, not the ipod's). This is perfect when travelling with persons with diverse tastes in music - - you can program something for everyone. There is no 'HONDA6' because the '6' button plays all tracks on the ipod.
Drawbacks to playlist mode, as far as I can tell, is that if you're addicted to the 'shuffle' feature of your ipod, you're out of luck (as far as I know - - haven't had a lot of time to play around with it just yet).
However, flip dip switch #2 to the off position, and you can directly access all of the ipod's features (according to the installation manual) - - volume, treble, bass, etc. etc. In this particular case, the ipod plays through DISC 5, trk 1 on your radio.
To recap then.... in playlist mode, the adapter completely takes over the controls on the ipod..... buttons don't work, etc. In direct mode, you can control and have access to all of the menu features and settings on your ipod.
Steering wheel controls also work on this model - - volume up or down, and hitting the button in between on the steering wheel will advance to the next track.
I had the installer install the actual interface module in the left side of the glovebox, so that I can have access to the dip switches. Also, the ipod can stay in there with it, out of site.... handy (but don't forget it in there on hot days).
Furthermore, the adapter also features a set of standard RCA audio plug-in jacks, if you want to plug in some other external source of music or video (like a portable DVD player). To use this setting, simply change dip switch number one from on to off.
BTW, I tried virtually ALL of the highly recommended FM transmitters for ipods - - and returned EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. With this, I look forward to many happy hours of music in my Honda. Money well spent, I'm already convinced.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I just got it today..... I'll let you know later if I'd give it 5 stars.
(A bit later):
OK, I just absolutely adore it. 5 stars.
I like the direct setting even better. I confess, I'm addicted to the shuffle setting on my ipod, and I like the 'giant jukebox' aspect of the shuffle play.
Couple of extra notes:
This adapter also charges your ipod. No need for an external charger.
In both modes (direct and playlist - see above review for explanation), the music will start where you left off. In fact, in direct mode, it went back a few seconds and gently faded in when I restarted the car.... very nice.
Sound quality is very good. Your mileage may vary, as they say..... it depends on what you listen to and the quality (or bit rate) at which you import your songs into iTunes. I import my songs at a fairly high rate (224 kbps), because I don't care for Apple's default rate (128, if I remember correctly). Also, and is this is fairly obvious...... Blind Lemon Jefferson is going to sound differently than say, Bruce Springsteen. When listening to some Hank Williams Sr. earlier today, I could have wished for a bit more bass. Fortunately, in direct mode, I can change those settings to my hearts content.
This was installed in a Honda Odyssey 2000 minivan. The above complaint (about wanting a bit more bass) is also a general complaint against the Honda factory stereo system..... it's a pretty good system, but not great. (Sigh) I guess a speaker upgrade from Crutchfield is the next step......
Also, if you order from Crutchfield, they claim to have installation instructions for the do it yourselfer - - in this particular case, they didn't...... only info on how to remove the dash panel from around the stereo. I'm pretty handy, but opted to have someone else do it instead...... $30 bucks cash got it done nice and neatly..... be sure to shop around tho', as prices are likely to vary greatly.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11HON Honda / Acura iPod interface provides direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ?TMs front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory Honda or Acura radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ?TMs preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video.
The PA11 series iPod interfaces have two operating modes available. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging.
Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed.
Honda Applications:
Accord - 1994-2002
Civic - 1994-2005
CRV - 1995-2004
Odyssey - 1995-2004
Pilot - 2003-2005
Prelude - 1995-2004
Acura Applications:
Integra - 1992-2001
Legend - 1991-1997
Vigor - 1991-1997
See PA11HON2y for other 2003-2006 Honda vehicles.
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