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Crutchfield Labs

Helping you choose, install, and use the gear

Capturing memories: Is there a "right camera" for me?

Woody Sherman
2/8/2012


We took three popular camera types, set them in full auto mode, and tried them in three common scenarios. How did they perform? Find out as some of Crutchfield's camera enthusiasts put them through their paces.


Smartphone Apps for Home and Car

Ralph Graves, Ken Nail
2/8/2012


More and more car and home electronics use apps to make your smartphone an integral part of their systems. Here's a roundup of app-based products we offer. Some may surprise you.


Introduction to Car Stereo

Robert Ferency-Viars
2/7/2012
based on 41 ratings


A car stereo is the centerpiece of any car audio system. This introduction highlights the stereo's functions and makes it easier to shop for a new one.


Video: JBL OnBeat Xtreme speaker dock

Tara W.
2/3/2012
based on 1 rating


Tara W. checked out the JBL OnBeat™ Xtreme at CES 2012. It's an iPod® dock that can also stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth®.


Video: Audyssey South of Market Media Dock

Video Guest
2/3/2012


Kramer, a Crutchfield advisor, tried out the Audyssey South of Market Audio Dock. He enjoyed streaming music from his iPhone® wirelessly using Bluetooth®, taking and making calls through the dock, and found that the audio dock really filled his office with sound.


Video: Canon PowerShot G1 X digital camera

Zak Billmeier
2/2/2012


Zak, Crutchfield camera enthusiast, had a chance to check out the Canon PowerShot G1 X at CES 2012. This powerful point-and-shoot has a giant image sensor that helps it deliver amazing picture quality.


Video: Fujifilm FinePix X10 digital camera

Zak Billmeier
2/2/2012
(1 comment)


Zak, Crutchfield camera enthusiast, tried out the Fujifilm FinePix X10 camera. He tells us about his favorite features like super Macro and manual focus, and shares his photographs.


Video: Demo of the JVC KW-AV50 DVD Receiver

Ken Nail
1/31/2012


The JVC KW-AV50 DVD receiver won't just transform the look of your dash — it'll give your daily commute, road trips, and grocery runs a makeover, too. It gives you a touchscreen entertainment command center that'll handle all your tunes, become best friends with your iPod® and iPhone®, and even play movies while you're parked. Give it a look in this demo video.


Video: Demo of the JVC KD-A735BT CD receiver

Ken Nail
1/31/2012
based on 1 rating


Bluetooth is best known as the way you can talk hands-free in your car. But did you know it can do a whole lot more, too? JVC's Arsenal Series KD-A735BT CD receiver will pair up with your iPhone®, Blackberry™, or Android™ smartphone, allowing you to realize Bluetooth's true potential. Take a look at this and more in this demo video.


How do I get Bluetooth® in my car?

Robert Ferency-Viars
1/31/2012
based on 142 ratings
(29 comments)


Bluetooth® wireless technology can be a great benefit in the car, where we tend to juggle gadgets plugged into the stereo. Find out what it takes to add hands-free talking and wireless music streaming to your car stereo.


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Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams

Buck Pomerantz
12/12/2011
based on 958 ratings
(415 comments)


With the wide variety of subwoofers available, it's easy to get confused about the best way to wire up your system. These wiring diagrams will help you find the configuration that'll get the most out of your subs and your amplifier.


In-wall Wiring Guide

Tara W.
2/29/2008
based on 432 ratings
(9 comments)


This is a thorough, informative guide to help you run speaker, Ethernet, and audio/video cables through the walls in new construction and finished homes.


Subwoofers FAQ

Crutchfield Writing Team
9/22/2009
based on 401 ratings
(123 comments)


Which subwoofer will sound the loudest? Which subwoofer will sound the deepest? Which hits harder: one 12" sub or two 10" subs? How much power do I need? What difference do cone materials make? Plus more...


Car Amplifiers Glossary

Crutchfield Writing Team
4/15/2011
based on 122 ratings
(2 comments)


Learn about the features and technical specifications found in today's amplifiers.


Cable Gauge Chart

Todd Cabell
6/3/2011
based on 112 ratings
(49 comments)


Need to know know which size of wire you need for installing an amplifier? Use our handy cable gauge chart to find out.


Video: LCD TV Refresh Rates

Steve Kindig
4/25/2011
based on 99 ratings
(3 comments)


We'll explain refresh rates — what they mean for an LCD TV's performance, and how to decide if you need a set with a faster refresh rate.


Video: A Look Inside the Crutchfield MasterSheet

Robert Ferency-Viars
2/7/2011
based on 85 ratings
(2 comments)


The Crutchfield MasterSheet is a vehicle-specific set of instructions that shows you how to install a receiver and speakers in your vehicle. In this video, we give you a look at all of the work that goes into creating these instructions. What's more, this same research is used to fuel our massive vehicle database. When we tell you we know what fits, we really do.


What Are Component Car Speakers?

Ken Nail
10/7/2009
based on 74 ratings
(4 comments)


Component speaker systems are the audiophile's choice for superior mobile sound. But what are component speaker systems? We'll take a look at what they consist of.


Crossovers FAQ

Crutchfield Writing Team
10/20/2011
based on 65 ratings
(7 comments)


What is a crossover and do I need one? What's the difference between passive and active crossovers? How hard is it to install a crossover? What does the phase switch on an electronic crossover do?


Video: High refresh rates in LCD TVs

Steve Kindig
11/17/2011
based on 58 ratings
(3 comments)


Steve, Crutchfield TV expert, explains what LCD TV refresh rates really mean, and how refresh rates higher than 240Hz are achieved with backlight scanning. Find out if a TV with a high refresh rate is right for you.


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Satellite Radio FAQ

Matt Freeman
4/6/2011
based on 40 ratings
(14 comments)


What does satellite radio sound like? What will I hear on satellite radio? Does satellite radio carry local stations? Can I get satellite radio in a leased vehicle? Plus more...


Matching Subs & Amps

Ken Nail
5/25/2008
based on 127 ratings
(112 comments)


Confused about wiring your subs, and picking the right amplifier? Ken Nail will get you on the fast track to big bass with this simple guide.


Boston Acoustics — a sound decision

Matt Freeman
12/28/2011
based on 6 ratings
(1 comment)


When the offer came through to "audition" some new Boston Acoustics gear in my car ... well, I just couldn't refuse. After all, it'd been an awfully long time since my last upgrade, and I was eager to check out just how good Boston stuff is these days.


Capacitors FAQ

Buck Pomerantz
12/9/2011
based on 65 ratings
(17 comments)


First of all, what is a capacitor? Can it help my stereo system sound better? How do you hook it up? Get the answers to these and other questions here in our Capacitors FAQ.


Tuning Your Subs

Buck Pomerantz
12/9/2011
based on 184 ratings
(29 comments)


Having a subwoofer in your car is a good thing, but if the subwoofer isn't properly tuned, it won't sound as good as it should. This article describes how to adjust your amplifier so that your subwoofer will sound just the way you want it to.


Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams

Buck Pomerantz
12/12/2011
based on 958 ratings
(415 comments)


With the wide variety of subwoofers available, it's easy to get confused about the best way to wire up your system. These wiring diagrams will help you find the configuration that'll get the most out of your subs and your amplifier.


Choosing Screen Size and Placing Your TV

Julie Govan
6/30/2009
based on 964 ratings
(18 comments)


Your TV's screen size should depend on how far you'll sit from it, what you'll watch on it, and your personal preferences.


The Crutchfield Polaris Ranger

Robert Ferency-Viars
9/12/2008
based on 2 ratings
(2 comments)


Crutchfield and Kicker team up to please the tailgating crowds with a Polaris Ranger ATV.


Video: Monster® T1 headphones

Tara W.
1/20/2012
(1 comment)


Tara W. interviews the rapper Xzibit at CES about the Monster® T1 headphones — over-ear headphones designed to keep out external noise so you can concentrate on your music and games.


Car Amplifiers FAQ

Crutchfield Writing Team
4/11/2011
based on 264 ratings
(98 comments)


Where can I mount my amp? What wiring do I need to hook up my amplifier? Does any of it come with the amp? What size power and ground wires do I need for my amplifier? How much air space do I need around my amplifier? What's the biggest amp I can hook up to my car's electrical system? Plus more!


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Video Library

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Installation Guides

Need install help? Crutchfield offers free step-by-step guidance on a wide range of products.

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Install It Yourself

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Hi-Fi 2.0

Putting the focus back on sound and the thrill that it brings.

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Car Showroom

A showcase ranging from customer systems to serious show cars.

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