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Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver

The Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver is the only XM receiver that allows one to enjoy satellite radio at home or in the car.   Whether driving off to work or taking a road trip somewhere across the coast or cruising anywhere between, the Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver transmits one-hundred digital radio channels of sports, talk, news, and music.  And since it works with the radio system already installed in the car, it can be added with an easy “do-it-yourselfer” setting up.

The Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver size is just a little bigger than that of a radar detector; it can easily be pulled out of its docking cradle and stashed away in the glove compartment to avoid theft.  Additionally, it can even be brought inside the house with an optional home gear that makes the change from car to home seamless.

Another feature of the Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver is its two-line, blue backlit LCD monitor that shows a twenty-character précis of current program choice for station identification, artist’s name, song title, and time of day; the three-step backlight enables control for brightness intended for high visibility display at night or in dim lights.

It also has five presets, as well as a Sony Jog Dial navigator designed for searching and finding stations effortlessly.  Other features of the receiver include a line out jack that connects the existing home stereo system or car head-unit; an eight-level contrast control that provides a wide array of contrast alternatives to improve viewing capability of almost all displayed image; and its wireless Remote Commander, controls every main function including channel/category search, power, display adjustments, and menu control.

The system comprises the receiver, RF modulator, car cradle stand, mounting accessories, and a remote control –Remote Commander.  An external antenna (sold separately) is also needed; and if you want the choice of being able to bring the receiver inside the house, the optional Home Accessory Kit is needed.  The kit includes an antenna, audio cable, AC power adapter, home cradle, and home remote control (Remote Commander); the kite is separately sold.   Of course it also requires a subscription of $9.95 per month and one-time activation fee to the XM Satellite Radio Service.

With the Sony XM Satellite Radio Receiver, along with the service of XM Satellite Radio, your listening experience may never be the same with the huge variety content, coast-to-coast coverage, crystal clear digital quality sound, and limited advertisements, as well as commercial-free channels.

Some of the Best Buys in Treadmills

So by now I’m sure you’ve seen the hilarious YouTube video of the guys doing their remarkable choreography on the treadmills (and if you haven’t seen it, I’m sure you’re going to go check it out as we speak). I’d never thought much of these interesting contraptions and the uneventful journey I take on them walking miles and miles to nowhere at all. But after seeing that video I wanted to get some of my friends together, go to the local gym, pray that the facility manager would let us turn them all on then hop gleefully from one to the next in an artful display of acrobatic mastery. Of course this will never happen (and truthfully, it shouldn’t), but getting my exercise on one can (and should). So I decided to check some out that I could fit in my home where exercise is a little bit more eventful, and also that fit into my price range. I was surprised that there are a decent number of them available that seemed to be reliable and cost-efficient and now I feel it is my duty to share them with you!

There are tons of treadmills available to you, the consumer, but determining what you need should be decided by what you plan to do. If you exercise plan is not very strenuous, or you do the majority of your working out outdoors, you may only need a treadmill for rainy days. However, if you tend to do the majority of your workout in the home, you might want one that has more features to accommodate more of your needs. Below is a selection of treadmills that should fit the bill no matter what you’re looking for.

Sole F80

The Sole F80 is marked in the exercise world as a best buy among treadmills. The “residential” models are actually used in the exercise rooms of Hilton hotels and are just as popular in homes. One reason for their popularity is their durability. Some believe that in the midst of a gale-force wind one of these machines would be the only thing left standing (well okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but you get the point). Aside from its durability, its popularity rests in its many features, which include a 2.5 hp continuous duty motor, a wireless heart rate control, and a 55” length deck. The controls for speed and incline are located on the handlebars, which allow you to make adjustments without stopping your workout. But the greatest perk for many is its 2-year service warranty – something unheard of for exercise machines priced at under $3,000. Sounds like a winner to me!

Smooth 6.25 Fold up Treadmill

The Smooth 6.25 Fold up is also ranked as a great buy in the exercise world. This is partially because it is so effective for both walkers and joggers. Slightly edging out the Sole F80, the Smooth Fold up comes equipped with a 2.75 hp continuous duty motor, 2.5” rollers, and an upgraded LED console and display. It weighs slightly more than the Sole at 260 pounds, but is able to handle more weight and is not easy to wear or reduce the life of the motor because of its larger rollers and tread belt. The Smooth Fold up comes with a Swing Arm Suspension System, which is impressive, but the most impressive aspect of this machine is its price – less than $1500!

Gold’s Gym VX 5000 Treadmill

If you’ve ever been to Gold’s Gym then you already know the high quality treadmills they display in their facilities – and now they’re sharing their good fortune with you! The VX 5000 is a remarkable addition to your list of machines to watch for. It has a 2.5 hp motor and is iFit compatible, which allows you to use various workouts, including 10 that are pre-programmed. It also comes equipped with fans to keep you cool while working out, and has heart rate grips and chest sensors to help you monitor your vitals. But all of its perks fall to the wayside of its 12-year warranty – astounding!

Lifespan TR2000 HRC Treadmill

This is one of the treadmills on the list without all of the fancy bells and whistles, but if you’re not looking for fancy-shmancy, then you’re looking for the Lifespan TR2000. This compact machine folds, which makes it great for anyone, whether you live in an itsy-bitsy apartment or a monstrous home but want it stored securely in your bedroom. It also comes equipped with incline and decline features to give you (and your legs) the feeling of trekking up and down one of the steepest hills you can find. But while it is not a standout machine, it gets good quality ratings from reviewers, which is most important, especially when all you want to do is get in shape, not impress the neighbors with you powerhouse machine.

New Balance 1400 Treadmill

If you think your eyes are playing tricks on you, think again! The folks behind the name brand you see on the sneakers you just set in your closet are now in the business of selling treadmills – not that it doesn’t make sense for them to do it. Their sneakers are meant for working out, so why wouldn’t they provide something for you to work out on? Their machine falls in line with the more straightforward workout machines on the market, providing the basics like a simple deck adjustment feature. But its price is right, sitting at about $1,000. The only drawback is that New Balance only offers a 1-year parts warranty; which is something that should seriously be considered before spending your money.

Finding quality treadmills doesn’t have to be a difficult task – especially if you know where to look. But it is always important that you make sure to check your sources, compare prices and ratings, and check for all of the features you’re interested in. Once you do your research, I know you’ll find the perfect machine for you. Then you can join me and my friends on our acrobat journey, hopping across treadmills into the sunset.