XACT XTR3CK
Small, Stylish, but lacking in "niceties"
Realizing that I didn't really need to be fumbling around with my radio trying to record a song while dodging Atlanta traffic, I opted for the inexpensive Xact Visor when I got into the Satellite radio mix.  <br /> <br />Installation of the Visor was pretty straightforward. Everything you need to install the unit is included. In fact, as is the case of the antenna, you get more than you need. I ended up stuffing several feet of unnecessary antenna cable between my dashboard. However, I will say that the instructions that came with the unit detailing where to run the cable on a pickup truck were pretty useless. Luckily, the wire is thin enough that I could run the wire through my back window and it doesn't create any noticeable problems with leackage or air noise when I'm driving.  <br /> <br />Once I ran all the cables, I tried to mount the unit to my dashboard with the supplied sticky pad, but the darn thing wouldn't stick to my dashboard. I suspect it was the trace of protectant on my dash, but whatever it was, I ended up having to use the suction cup holders and attach the Visor next to my radar detector on my window. The only problem here is that in order for the remote control to work effectively, you have to tilt the unit down pretty far, and then it's difficult to read the front display. It's possible the remote control just needs a new battery because I've not heard any other complaints about this. <br /> <br />Activating the visor with Serious (yes, I know) was easy, and I quickly found an empty station that I could use for my satellite channel. <br /> <br />Performance:If you're playing the music loud, you won't notice the small hiss of static. The sound quality is slightly less than a strong FM signal, so again, I'm glad I didn't bother getting a unit that recorded. I understand this is indicative of satellite radio in general and not a reflection on Xact. <br />The antenna that comes with the Visor is not the newer one that holds the signal in case of overhead obstructions, but I've yet to experience a dropout.  <br />I am slighly dissapointed in the amount of time it takes the unit to start playing audio once you change the channel (about 2 seconds) but can live with it. <br /> <br />The Serious Menu card that came with the Visor is out-of-date. The channels don't even remotely coincide, so I printed up a new one from the Serious Web site. It would be nice to have a small laminated one like what came with the Visor, but... <br /> <br />Another small problem I have, and this may be true of other units too, is that my polarized sunglasses don't allow me to easily read the Visor's display. I've noticed this effect with ATM machines and automtic payment kiosks too, so again, not necessarily a ding on Xact. <br /> <br />Overall, especially for the price, I'm happy with this unit. <br /> <br />-Dobe <br />  <br />