BT Car Stereo (Sony MEX-BT2500)

[collindv]

I am looking to purchase a bluetooth enabled head unit for my car in the near future. Specifically I have my eye on the MEX-BT2500 from Sony: (http://review.zdnet.com/in-dash-rece...-32369072.html)

My requirements are hand-free calling and A2DP streaming. I am interested in this line from the review:

"One of the limitations of the MEX-BT2500's hands-free calling interface is that it cannot be used to place outgoing calls other than redialing a connected cell phone's last number. The principle purpose of the system, therefore, is to accept incoming calls."

Does this mean I cannot initiate calls via the head unit over MS voice command? Technically my Motorola H350 BT headset "cannot be used to place outgoing calls other than redialing a connected cell phone's last number" either, but I can still use it to initiate voice command at the touch of a button.

Anyone have any experience with this stereo, or any others that might meet my criteria?

[winmobilelawyer]

I am not completely sure, but I believe it really just depends on what happens when you hit the send button on the stereo. I have a Blue Ant hands free speaker unit, and when I press the green send button on the speaker, it calls up Voice Speed Dial (the one that came with the mogul that you have to train) and you hear the beep and then say a name. This is probably what would happen with this head unit also. Maybe contact Sony sales line and ask?

[collindv]

Well, I took the plunge and picked up the MEX-BT2500. It pretty much works as advertised. You cannot seem to initiate voice command calls from the head unit (pressing the button when the phone rings answers calls, holding it for 3 seconds initiates a re-dial, those are the only options). Handsfree quality is tolerable, but not great.

The issue I'm having now is with A2DP bluetooth. I am using the most recent WM6 kitchen (11-17-07). It pairs up no problem. When I go into the settings and hit the "set as wireless stereo" option it seems to connect, however when I play something I hear about a second of audio, then nothing.....for about 30 seconds, then a second of audio.....then nothing, etc. However, if I then turn off the car while the units are connected (or take the phone outside of the units range so that it loses connection), turn the car back on, and turn the "set as wireless stereo" option back on, it works perfectly without the slightest skip.

Anyone have any ideas? Turning the car on twice every time I get in is annoying!!!

Has anyone else noticed similar behavior with A2DP headphones or speakers?

PS - I did try the registry edits I found in some threads, they did not solve this problem.

[Surfer]

I have the MEX-BT5000.

I'm back to my xv6700 and it streams wonderfully to my deck.

One thing that I've found...it's critical to turn off any BT headsets that are paired to
my phone prior to 'connecting' to my Sony deck. Otherwise, the A2DP stream cuts out/
does not work.

75% of my music is internet radio streamed from my xv6700 to my MEX-BT5000. The
sound fidelity is awesome and it just bumps on my 300w Kicker Mono-Channel amp
connected to my Kicker 10" sub w/enclosure.

-Surfer

[collindv]

I appreciate the response. I finally figured out the issue. As long as the phone's bluetooth is turned on when the radio's bluetooth connection turns on it pairs up and plays perfectly. If I turn the radio on first, then turn on the phone's bluetooth I get the problems noted in my posts above. Now that I know the correct order to sync them up I am very happy with this unit!

Now if I could only figure out how to make the phone recognize the "redial" command given by the head unit as a signal to open voice command instead! I have found a workaround to the problem by placing a shortcut to voice command on the Today screen. When I need to place a call I initiate it with that shortcut. As long as the A2DP is activated it works perfectly, as I hear the ladies voice over the car speakers, it just uses the phone microphone instead of the head unit until the call goes active. Works well.