Monday, July 31, 2017

Metra 2010-2014 Ford Mustang 99-5839CH Dash Kit Review

When it comes to car stereos, a system is only as good as its install. An amazing system will only be good with a terrible install. For a great install, you need the right accessories and connectors. And you also need them to be good quality, as well as keep up with the changing car environment. A company known for this is METRA. And up for review today is their 99-5839CH, a dash kit for a 2010-2014 Ford Mustang.
   

Features and specs:

  • ISO DIN radio provision with pocket
  • ISO DDIN radio provision
  • Painted charcoal with a matte black center
  • Touchscreen interface for climate and personalization features
  • Two included trim panels allow the aftermarket radio to be mounted in top or bottom locations
  • Provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp)
  • Retains R.A.P. (retained accessory power)
  • Provides NAV outputs (parking brake – reverse – speed sense)
  • Retains factory steering wheel controls
  • Retains SYNC
  • Retains the factory AUX-IN jack
  • Provides an aftermarket backup camera input
  • Can be used in both amplified and non-amplified models
  • Retains balance and fade
  • Micro B USB updatable
Wiring and Antenna Connections
  • Harness
    • Axxess interface and wiring harness included
  • Antenna Adapter
    • 40-CR10 (sold separately)
  • Steering wheel control interface
    • ASWC-1 (sold separately)

This kit allows installation of an aftermarket stereo into a newer Ford Mustang. The kit came in a great looking printed box. Included in the box were the instructions, multiple trimplates, brackets, pocket, clips, screws, touchscreen display assembly and wiring harness. It’s everything you need in a simple kit. Materials used were mostly plastic. Quality of materials used was very good.

When it came to the install, it was quite simple. The included instructions were easy enough to follow. It took a little bit of time, but the kit worked great. I loved the stock look of the trimplates. And even better, I loved the touchscreen display! It allow me to control the climate control, and maintains all your factory controls like steering wheel controls and SYNC. It also gives you access to your data for your car on screen, such as engine RPM. I loved the steering wheel button programming. Not only does it keep the use of your steering wheel buttons, but it also allows you to custom program what the buttons do! The remapping even allows you to dual assign buttons, giving two functions to a single button. Got an aftermarket back-up camera? Metra has you covered with integrating it. Have a NOS kit for your mustang? You can integrate that as well.

The newer vehicles more typically have a lot of controls integrated into the dash. Buttons for features such as climate control, heated seats, back up camera, etc are often found right on the dash. The manufacturers make it really convenient, except for when you want to use an aftermarket stereo. Being able to use an aftermarket stereo often requires an extensive aftermarket dash kit. And finding a dash kit that retains all the functionality and use of the features assigned to the factory buttons is difficult. But to have a dash kit that does that, as well as provide additional functionality, such as integration of a NOS kit? I didn’t think that was possible. But that’s just what Metra did with their 2010-2014 dask dit. And I think I’m in love!


At the end of the day, we buy a product for what it promised to do, and we expect the product to deliver on that promise. The Metra 2010-2014 Ford Mustang dash kit claims a lot of features. As expected, Metro delivered. It worked well, giving a great looking stock look. And the touchscreen display worked in spades, giving a clean look and great control. Based on its design features, and performance, the Metra 2010-2014 Ford Mustang dash kit has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.metraonline.com.


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Thursday, July 27, 2017

Kingston Encrypted USB Flash Drives Win Key Government Security News ASB Security Award

Kingston Encrypted USB Flash Drives Win Key Government Security News ASB Security Award
  • Honored in “Cybersecurity Solution: Best Data Security/Loss Management Solution” Category
  • Array of Encrypted USB Flash Drive Solutions to Fit Multitude of Data Security Needs

Fountain Valley, CA – July 26, 2017 – Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, has won a Government Security News 2017 Airport/Seaport/Border Security award in the category of “Cybersecurity Solution: Best Data Security/Loss Management Solution.” From the DataTraveler 2000, with alphanumeric keypad, to the GSN award winner IronKey™ S1000for the most sensitive of data, Kingston® provides solutions for every type of user.
IronKey S1000 is the ultimate security encrypted USB Flash drive and is available in both Basic and Enterprise models. IronKey S1000 features 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption in XTS mode, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation and on-device Cryptochip Encryption Key Management. Government Security News, in issuing the award, acknowledged the drive is designed specifically to meet the strictest standards and most demanding data-protection needs of sensitive military, government and enterprise information.
Government Security News is the source of news, analysis, interviews, new products and technologies in all aspects of homeland security. Its audience includes federal, state and local officials, as well as integrators, contractors and suppliers who are similarly involved in the industry.
“Cybersecurity attacks are every bit as serious and real as chemical, bio and artillery attacks,” said Ken Campbell, Flash business manager, Kingston. “They can paralyze a country’s infrastructure, compromise government / company records and cost all of us untold millions of dollars and thousands of hours of unproductive time. Kingston recognizes the acute need for protecting data at-rest and ever more critical, in-transit — from government top secrets to individuals’ private information. To have our quality encrypted USB Flash drives, that cater to a multitude of data protection needs, recognized for offering the best data security/loss management solution is a humbling achievement.”
IronKey S1000, as well as Kingston’s full line of encrypted USBs, is available in capacities ranging from 4GB-128GB, backed by a five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information please visit www.kingston.com.

Kingston can be found on:


About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410. 


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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Introducing the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti K|NGP|N

Introducing the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti K|NGP|N

July 25th, 2017 - The GeForce® GTX™ 1080 Ti was designed to be the most powerful desktop GPU ever created, and indeed it was. EVGA built upon its legacy of innovative cooling solutions and powerful overclocking with its GTX 1080 Ti SC2 and FTW3 graphics cards. Despite the overclocking headroom provided by the frigid cooling of EVGA's patented iCX Technology, the potential of the GTX 1080 Ti still leaves room for one more card at the top...and man is it good to be the K|NG.

Featuring iCX Technology, a new efficient heatpipe layout, and edge-plated PCB for improved cooling, the GTX 1080 Ti K|NGP|N is ready to go from the moment you power on and also features:
  • Guaranteed 2025 MHz+ Overclock*
  • Highly-Efficient Digital VRM
  • Dual-slot profile
  • Single-slot capable with Hydro Copper Waterblock**

Single Graphics Card World Records:
  • 3DMark Time Spy World Record – 14,219
  • 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme World Record – 19,361
  • 3DMark Fire Strike World Record – 31,770
  • UNIGINE Superposition – 8,642

Learn more at eu.evga.com/kingpin

* Test baseline: UNIGINE Heaven Benchmark v4.0 at room (ambient) temperature using Extreme Preset
** Sold Separately

About EVGA 
EVGA is the #1 NVIDIA authorized partner in channel sales throughout North America and Latin America and a leading Power Supply Manufacturer. Based on the philosophy of intelligent innovation, market knowledge, and the real time operation, EVGA continues to identify the need in the market place and providing the solution to that need. By offering product differentiation, 24/7 tech support, a 90 day Step-Up program, and other customer focused programs, EVGA is a clear leader in all categories: etail, retail, distribution, and system integration. With headquarters in Brea, CA, EVGA’s global coverage includes EVGA GmbH in Munich, EVGA LATAM in Miami, and EVGA Hong Kong. For further information online about EVGA, visit: www.evga.com


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RAZER ANNOUNCES THE TIAMAT 7.1 V2 – THE FLAGSHIP TRUE SURROUND SOUND HEADSET FOR PERFECT POSITIONAL GAMING AUDIO

RAZER ANNOUNCES THE TIAMAT 7.1 V2  THE FLAGSHIP TRUE SURROUND SOUND HEADSET FOR PERFECT POSITIONAL GAMING AUDIO
The Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 features 10 discrete drivers for pinpoint positional audio;
The Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2 features 2 additional subwoofer drivers for maximum bass impact

For Release on July 25, 2017
           
IRVINE, Calif. – Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced two new headsets: Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 and Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2.

Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2
The Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 is an analog, true 7.1 surround sound PC gaming headset featuring 10 discrete drivers, five per ear cup, creating an immersive soundstage, essential for pinpoint positional audio and deep gaming immersion. Each ear cup contains a 40 mm subwoofer, 30 mm front (L/R) and center drivers and 20 mm rear and side surround drivers, working together to create highly accurate directional audio.

Included with the Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 is a completely new Audio Control Unit, which allows gamers to set the volume of each audio channel as well as toggle between true 7.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo audio. The Audio Control Unit also has a pass-through feature, allowing gamers with external desktop speaker setups to switch between their Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 and their speakers at the press of a button.

For in-game communication, the Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 is equipped with a unidirectional digital boom microphone which rotates alongside the ear cup when not in use and delivers crisp, natural voice in the heat of battle.

“Today’s games use positional audio extensively, so being able to hear which direction footsteps or shots are coming from is crucial to winning,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “With five drivers per ear-cup, the Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 gives gamers pinpoint audio accuracy whether they’re playing intense FPS matches or just want to lose themselves in massive soundscapes to bring their games to life.”

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 joins the ever-growing family of Powered by Razer Chroma™ devices, with 16.8 million color options and effects available on the ear cups and Audio Control Unit. Owners of other Razer Chroma enabled devices can sync their Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 with their existing setup or customize each product individually through Razer Synapse.

Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2
The Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2, exclusively featuring two additional 50 mm subwoofer drivers per ear cup, gives gamers maximum bass impact with crisp, clear audio.

Equipped with an adjustable digital boom microphone for natural sound reproduction, and utilizing an in-line remote with extension/splitter cable for compatibility with multiple devices, the Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2 is a versatile cross-platform gaming headset for gamers on PC, Mac, console and mobile.

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 and Razer Tiamat 2.2. V2 are available via Razerstore.com and major retailers worldwide. For more information, visit razerzone.com/XX.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY:
Tiamat 7.1 V2: US$199.99/ €239.99
Tiamat 2.2 V2: US$129.99/ €139.99

Razerzone.com – 25 July 2017
Worldwide –25 July 2017

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

RAZER TIAMAT 7.1 V2

Headphones:
·         10 discrete Neodymium magnet drivers. Each ear cup contains:

Subwoofer:
·         40 mm Titanium coated diaphragm with Neodymium magnets
·         Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
·         Impedance: 16 Ω
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 118 dB ± 3dB

Front (L/R):
·         30 mm with Neodymium magnet
·         Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
·         Impedance: 32 Ω
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 115 dB ± 3 dB

Center:
·         30 mm with Neodymium magnet
·         Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
·         Impedance: 32 Ω
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 115 dB ± 3 dB


Rear Surround:
·         20 mm with Neodymium magnet
·         Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
·         Impedance: 32 Ω
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 118 dB ± 3 dB


Side Surround:
·         20 mm with Neodymium magnet
·         Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
·         Impedance: 32 Ω
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: 118 dB ± 3 dB

Microphone:
·         Frequency response: 100 – 10 kHz
·         Sensitivity @1 kHz: -38 dB ± 3 dB
·         Signal-to-noise ratio: 58 dB
·         Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional ECM microphone

Audio Control Unit:
·         Master volume, front speakers, center speakers, subwoofers, side speakers, rear speakers, microphone volume, microphone mute, audio mute, 7.1 surround sound / 2.0 stereo mode toggle and speaker / headset toggle
·         Cable: 3 m / 9.8 ft., braided fiber cable
·         USB connector for power
·         PC connector: 3.5 mm microphone jack, 4 x 3.5 mm audio jacks
·         External speaker connector: 4 x 3.5 mm audio ports

System requirements:
·         PC with built-in 3.5 mm audio jacks & 1 USB port (for power)
·         Dedicated surround sound card or motherboard with analog surround sound ports (3.5 mm audio jacks x 5 or more) for true 7.1 surround sound.

RAZER TIAMAT 2.2 V2

Headphones:
·         Drivers: 4 x 50 mm Titanium coated diaphragm with Neodymium magnets
·         Frequency response: 20 – 20 kHz
·         Impedance: front 32 Ω, back 16 Ω
·         Maximum input power: 50 mW
·         Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft. plus 2 m / 6.6 ft. audio / mic splitter adapter cable

Microphone:
·         Frequency response: 100 – 10 kHz
·         Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: -38 dB ± 3 dB
·         Signal-to-noise ratio: >58 dB
·         Microphone type: ECM
·         Pick-up Pattern: Unidirectional

In-line volume control:
·         Analog volume wheel
·         Microphone mute switch

Audio usage:
·         Devices with 3.5 mm audio jack
·         Audio + microphone usage:
·         Devices with 3.5 mm audio + mic combined jack

ABOUT RAZER:

Razer™ is the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers.

The triple-headed snake trademark of Razer is one of the most recognized logos in the world, with a fan base that spans every continent. The company has designed and built one of the largest integrated hardware and software platforms for gamers with over 35 million users. Razer is transforming interactive entertainment across multiple platforms, including the PC, console and mobile.

Razer’s award-winning products include an array of hardware and software. Among its signature products are high-performance PC and console peripherals, the Razer Blade line of gaming laptops, software services such as Razer Cortex (a game optimizer and launcher), and zGold (a virtual currency and payment engine for gamers). The company additionally provides audiovisual certification and IP development services through its subsidiary THX Ltd.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, Razer is backed by Horizons Ventures, Digital Grid, Intel Capital, IDG-Accel and Temasek.

For more information, visit http://www.razerzone.com/about-razer.


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