Pyle PLTV7

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Insurance replacemen

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Pyle PLTV7R

Summary:
I rec'd this model as a replacement when my previous moniter screen was stolen. The unit is a great bang for the buck bargan. The overall appearance, fit and finish, is superb. The 7" wide screen is clear and crisp. Sound quality is very good as well, and does have frequency adjustment. Balance and fade are set by individual volume adjustments for FR, FL, RR, and RL speakers as well as sub (using an external amped sub woofer) The radio interface is simple and easy to use, however: for some reason I cannot manually tune a station. I had to do an autoprogram, and store 30 FM stations which I can search through. The manual does state that you can use channel up and down on the remote to manual tune, but my unit does not respond to that command. Not that big of a deal, just takes getting used to. Attaching a DVD/MP3 player really opens up the system. The picture quality is very good, as well as sound. I'm sure with some high priced units by Alpine and Pioneer (which I have used), you can fine tune the sound settings more, but I've done just fine with this unit. If you are used to various frequency cut offs, user set EQ's, high pass/low pass faders, this unit will dissapoint. Then again, if that's what you are looking for, you should be looking in the 1500 dollar price range. The TV tuner is excellent!!! The diversity antenna required is not included, but even without the antenna, I'm still picking up local stations. Another nice feature is how the unit looks when closed. There is no LCD display on the front, and it appears very stealthy. Although it does not have a detachable face, a would be thief may pass it over as something less than what it is. The unit has Radio, AV1, AV2, AV3 and AV4 (tv) inputs, which makes expanding the sytem easy. I'm using AV1 for DVD/MP3 player, AV2 for playstation, AV3 open, and AV4 for the tv tuner. (my DVD player also has an input, so I can expand further) I'm currently running this radio to aftermarket Infinity 5x7's front and rear door, and to a 820 watt SPL series II amp into 2 10" Bazooka subs. I plan on running a 4 channel amp to the door speakers soon to bring them up to par. I highly recommend using the preout system on this radio to external amplifier's if you are serious about sound quality.

Strengths:
Total bargain. This is not a "get what you pay for item". Considering I've found this model in the 500 to 600 range, it's a great deal for that price if you are looking for a moniter on a budget. Ease of use. Expandable. Screen picture quality is very good. Also, the motorized screen is solid, and the motors are very quiet. Another plus is you can listen to radio, or any source with the screen closed to hide the unit. Very nice as my old system had to be open in order to play MP3 disc's, which is how it was spotted and eventually stolen I presume.

Weaknesses:
No clock (yes, not a big deal, but you kind of expect those little things) Owners manual needs more detail. It tells you how to adjust functions, but does not explain what they do. This is typical of Pyle/Lanzar etc. It could use a little more power, but it is quite loud and clear, I'm just picky. The remote control does not have much range even with new batteries. The volume adjustment is slow, so it takes a few seconds to turn up or down.

Similar Products Used:
6.4" moniter, am/fm, uhf/vhf reciever (not sure of brand)