Zoom-in Online

Welcome to Zoom In Online™'s Tech Friday series. This week, we'll review the XpressRC from XM Radio.

Overview:
Since the conception of satellite radio, devices enabling such services have continued to evolve. Lately, audio equipment manufacturers have been releasing devices focused around the consumer, or more specifically, their convenience.

One such receiver is the XpressRC from XM Radio and Delphi. The device is slim, light-weight, and includes numerous accessories that offer various connectivity options. The box includes: the XpressRC, a car cradle, remote control, cassette adapter, swivel mount, car power adapter, vent mount, car antenna and a preparation kit.
Setup:
Although the device includes numerous connectors, XM also offers other option of using the device in various locations, including using the device with a premium sound system. Unlike many other radio systems, the setup process for the XpressRC is lengthy, but straight-forward. The included manual provides detailed illustrations and instructions regarding this process. The process can be completed in 4 steps:

a) Connecting the XM antenna to the exterior of the vehicle.
b) Installing the vehicle swivel mount.
c) Connecting the device to the swivel mount.
d) Activating the device.

Pros:
- Size: The XpressRC has a small footprint, in terms of size and weight, allowing it to be highly portable.
- Connectivity: For users attempting to mount this on vehicles with tape players, the XpressRC includes a cassette adapter, which increases the compatibility of the device, allowing it to be used with older vehicles.
- User interface: Users are always looking for devices that are powerful and simple to use. The XpressRC achieves both those goals by introducing a unique interface that not only displays the current channel, but also displays three other 'favorites' in the same window.
- Remote: Remote controls have been used with television sets for decades. However, adding a remote control to a car-radio is an important factor, as it reduces distractions and offers complete functionality at your finger-tips.

Cons:
- The device does not come with a wall-charger, which prevents users from listening to the device outside their car. (without additional accessories)
- The installation process for the XpressRC may be daunting to consumers, as the messaging on the box states: "Professional installation recommended. Check with salesperson for self installation options"

Conclusion:
The XpressRC is an innovative product that offers a wide range of features to consumers across the board, proving not only entertainment, but also displays stock quotes and sport scores on the device interface.