XTR2CK Product Review

Introduction

The XTR2CK Stream Jockey II is the latest portable device from Xact Communications.  This palm sized portable SIRIUS Satellite Tuner comes packaged with everything you need for your car.  The kit includes the Turner, Vehicle Docking Cradle, Wireless IR Remote, Satellite Antenna and Vehicle Antenna.  The Tuner has an easy to read backlit display.  I was pleased with the brightness of the unit and the ease of reading the display in the car.

Size and Style

The XTR2CK Stream Jockey II is a black device with smooth edges.  It has 12 sleek silver buttons on the bottom half.  The top half of the unit contains a multi-line Orange display.  The menus allow for changing the brightness and contrast of the display but I have not needed to adjust them.  The unit measures 4 1/2 inches, by 2 1/2 inches, by 1 1/4 inches deep.  The bottom of the unit contains 3 jacks for power, Satellite Antenna and Audio Out.

Usability

The XTR2CK Stream Jockey has a very intuitive user interface.  Beyond the standard channel up/down buttons, Category up/down buttons, the unit has 3 keys that are located at the bottom.  These are 3 preset channels for the current band that you have selected.  There is a Band Key which allows you to scroll through bands which are labeled A - F.  Choosing a preselected channel is as easy as selecting 1, 2 or 3, or prefacing with the Band Key selection.

 Setup

The setup process was a breeze, this is a simple process on both Satellite Systems these days.  I mounted the vehicle Cradle, plugged in the cigarette power adapter and plugged in the antenna.  For activation and a quick test, I just put the antenna on the dashboard.  The unit uses an FM Transmitter that does not need to connect to the radio.  I used the default frequency and it played thru my car receiver better than terrestrial stations.  There was no bleed of the signal like other units I own onto surrounding FM stations.  I could just change the FM station for broadcast and leave the XTR2CK on.  I quickly logged on to Sirius.com and activated the unit.  It took about 8 minutes for the activation to complete.  The display popped up a message box notifying it was complete and I was off to listen to the my commercial free music again! 

Overall Impression

This is a sweet unit in everyway.  The look of the XTR2CK Stream Jockey, the feel and ability to use the device are all positive.  If i had to criticize one thing, the vehicle mount is a little clunky.  The chunkiness is due to its flexibility.  I may replace it with an inexpensive cell phone holder.  It also comes with a small remote which is great, I leave it in my change holder and can easily operate the radio without reaching for it out of the holder.  The remote has the same key design as the unit itself which makes it easy to use.

Xact Xtr2ck Stream Jockey II

Additional Accessories:

Xact Communications Home Kit 

Xact Communications BoomBox