Sunday 5 June 2011

FM Car Modulator Disadvantages

By James M. Boersma


An FM car modulator is a great product that allows someone to play music from an iPod, or any MP3 player, over your car stereo. This is how it works: the modulator converts the audio from your iPod into an RF signal which is sent to your car's radio and played on an FM station. While this ability is extremely cool and convenient, there are some drawbacks with a modulator.

FM car modulators also have the disadvantage of being permanently installed into your vehicle. This means that if you are unhappy with the product or if it breaks, then you'll have to go through the hassle of uninstalling the modulator. A modulator may also not be the ideal choice if you are leasing a vehicle or plan to sell an older vehicle. So if you're looking for an alternative to an FM car modulator, it is important to know what your options are.

But, are there any other quality alternatives out there?

Your cheapest option is probably a cassette adapter. The adapter looks like your average cassette with a wire that connects to your MP3 player. You then simply insert the cassette end into your tape deck. The problem with these is that they are often very cheaply made and provide low quality sound. They may work fairly well for a month or so, but they will wear down very quickly. It's also very possible that the car you're currently driving doesn't have a tape deck, in which case the cassette adapter is not even an option.

A wireless FM modulator, also known as an FM transmitter, is your next option. Those aren't much better, right? A cheap transmitter will provide low quality audio and only be able to transmit a distance of 5 to 10 feet. They can also experience quite a bit of interference because of the weak signal strength.

However, a high quality FM transmitter will provide listeners with no interference and exceptional audio, for a slightly higher price. The FM transmitter is also portable, unlike the FM modulator, allowing it to be relocated to any home, office, etc

The following additional benefits are also included with a quality transmitter:

1. No installation.

2. Ability to connect to almost any audio source allowing for endless variety of uses.

3. The ability to broadcast on any public FM radio band.

4. Stereo and mono settings, preset frequencies that allow you to easily switch between favorites, microphone compatibility, volume and mute control, manual on/off switch and automatic gain control.

5. Various ways to power the transmitter (e.g., cigarette lighter, wall adapter, USB and batteries)

6. Ability to transmit audio approximately 150 feet (near the maximum allowed by the FCC) - allowing for excellent sounding audio and essentially no interference.

When you factor in all of these advantages, an FM Car Modulator just can't compete with an FM transmitter. High quality FM transmitters will enable the user to control their music in a number of situations, without sacrificing their audio quality. In addition, because these devices are portable and so versatile, they provide the user with unlimited options. As a result, a high quality FM transmitter will provide a user with the most bang for their buck, making it an invaluable commodity as use increases.




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