JVC KD-HDR50 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN HD Radio CD Receiver with Remote Control USB 2.0 for iPod/iPhone

...easy to use, once you take a few minutes to figure out the controls. It has a nice minimal design but sounds great through my stock speakers in a 2000 Corolla. Both AM and FM HD come in clear, at least here in Tacoma, being able to choose from a rainbow of colors is a nice feature. I happen to find the radio preset selection no more difficult then if there were individual function buttons like on most other decks, so I think it maybe a matter of personal preference. I figured most of it out without even opening the manual; Ipod navigation through the deck is good but not mind-blowing. It sounds great, looks great, it's multi-functional. All around no complaints after owning it for a few hours. The value of HD radio I think makes it worth it, seemed to be one of the least expensive HD decks currently available. The only reason I hesitate to give it FIVE STARS is because I only purchased it today ($159)... What else can I say?!

I bought this unit for few reasons:
1. You CAN select Podcast chapters. If you listen/skip podcasts with chapter frequently, this is a must.
2. HD Radio. I was curious about it. Check [...] for details and station list in your area.
3. Pretty face. Color display (I played with a KD-S36 in a store and liked it)
4. Bluetooth capable with add-on.
5. Price - a bargain.

I liked the unit very much ...
1. HD radio is nice and clear, gives me multicast (2nd station) and scrolling information (some times).
2. TAG feature, allows you to buy songs you listen on the radio from iTunes (if station broadcasts the song name; not always)
3. Color display with different colors for day and night, small remote control, sub woofer RCA output.
4. USB only iPhone connection (no analog cable like on my old Kenwood).

but nothing is perfect ...
1. As noted by another buyer, changing preset stations is a cumbersome. (He gave it a 1 start and returned the unit). I'll keep my unit because I listen to Podcasts most of the time and just 1 or 2 radio stations.

EDIT (11/16/09): I found out that the Remote Control U/D keys allow you to change preset radio stations !!!
It's in the manual but not very easy to find. Look at the remote button guide.
This is the missing feature at the deck 4-way navigation button.
I think they should fix it via software upgrade ...

2. The remote control is IR (infrared) not RF (radio freq). You have to point it to the HU to use it. Other than that, it's a very good remote.

3. I just learned you can not skip podcasts units the 4-way navigation button. You can only skip chapters. This is the opposite of my Pioneer HU where I could only skip podcasts, not chapters...

4. He also noted the display does not have enough contrast and becomes UNREADABLE during the day, under sun light. There is also glare from the shiny plastic face. At night you can see all-pixels, even the ones that are off. The colors are nice and sharp but the overall display is not very good.

5. When the radio changes from analog to digital, the is an echo, i.e. the audio repeats for a second or so. Not bad but strange at first. This happens every time you change stations, turn on the radio, etc (if the station also broadcasts in HD).

This stereo installed great, looks great, and sounds awesome. I've been listening to lots of HD radio, so take that Sirius! The only problem is that navigating around the menus is a bit tough as there are not many buttons on the front. Simple things like fading, balancing, etc. take a few menu pushes to get to them. When I want to drown out the kids, I want the fade to be quick! :)

Overall a great value for your dollar.

After reading several reviews and doing hours of research, I picked this receiver as a replacement for my Sony CD player. I wasn't disappointed in this purchase. I was looking for HD radio and IPod connection, this unit has it all and for under $140.00 is a big plus. The only down side is no preset buttons for the radio, but it's such a minor thing for what you get in the overall features and performance. You can still get to the presets through the menu or the arrow buttons. I'm getting a second for my other car.

I have enjoyed the system since installing it in my car. I did quite a bit of research before purchasing the unit and am very satified with the results. Is easy to use and works great with an Ipod and the tagging feature is really cool. Some of the feedback details that ones preset radio stations can be a little difficult to scan through with the dial. I do not see this as cumbersome. If you use the remote to scran through FM preset stations it is quite easy. I use the remote for most general functions without an issue. Unless you are a car stereo enthusist this is a great system for just every day use that will provide great sound with a easy to use features (USB, Ipod, preset stations, tagging, hd radio, and don't forget the fun colors you can create). I would recommend this system to anyone looking for an alternative to their factory system. And best of all you can't beat the price. Lastly, it is really easy to install in yourself. I had never installed a car stereo in my life, but googled how to do it, there is a lot of how-to info online. Purchased the installation materials for less than $40 on Amazon. It tool less than 1.5hrs to install, and presto, looks like it was installed in the factory. You can save $100 dollars and DIY.