G+_Mike Tsirigotis Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 My quick first look at the RCA rcs13101E Internet Music System. Well, I found one of these on the shelf at my local Walmart. Since I only go into that store about 5 times a year, I figured I might as well pick it up. The total bill was about $195 after tax. It's a typical low end bookshelf stereo system, the sound is acceptable, but does not impress. It has FM (regular FM, not HD Digital), Line In, Bluetooth, and a Cup Holder (CD). These functions are completely separate from the main attraction which is.... ANDROID!!! The unit has a detachable 7" capacitive multi-touch screen tablet. I'm having some trouble getting the specs off the tablet because none of my normal benchmarking apps are working. This may be do to a lack of root on the device, something I am working to fix. The tablet docs nicely into the system, and the over all look is not displeasing. While I don't have exact specs, I can confirm that all of my normal media apps work just fine. I'm able to run Pandora, Google Play Music, Plex, Netflix, NPR, Pocket Cast, Umano, and Youtube with no issues. I have full access to the Google Play store. Google Now works, and it's a bit star-treky to walk up to a vertical panel, push a button, ask a question, and get a verbal response. Interestingly front panel buttons (play/pause, tracks, and stop) all control media on the Android device. Also the IR Remote included with the system is very Android centric with Home, Back, and D-pad buttons. Plex was easily controlled by the remote. Off the cuff however there are some down sides. As a tablet, the unit is... bad. I would not consider using it as an independant tablet. There are HDMI and OTG USB Ports (included dongles upscale these ports to full size), and a Micro SD Card Slot. Also, the Volume knob on the front is the volume for the Amplifier, not the Android Tablet. I muted the tablet at one point in my testing, and spent a few frustrated minutes wondering why the volume knob wasn't working. It is possible to over-drive the sound from the tablet before it goes to the amp, which creates the expected distortions. The two biggest annoyances so far are Viewing Angle and the lack of Root. The Viewing angle issue is awkward because of the combination of cheap display and the way Bookshelf stereo systems are used. The display changes colors as you change the viewing angle, going from almost negative at one extreme to being washed out at the other. When viewed straight on, the display is ok, but that's the problem. Typically Bookshelf Stereo systems are shelved at or just below chest height, not head height. So when you walk up to interact with the system you are looking slightly down at the display, which because it's a cheap display, washes out the colors. Finally, root. FOR THE LOVE OF ROOT. I had envisioned using this system as a sort of home information kiosk. Placing it in a common area, and doing some automation to start music/radio/podcasts based on time and proximity of people living in my home. I'm doing this now with other Android devices using Tasker, but to implement these functions requires root, something this RCA unit does not have. I spent about an hour fiddling with adb and known exploits, but did not have much success. We'll see how this goes. Over all, I think it's worth the $200. There are MUCH better tablets out there for that price, and yes, I could do some making/hacking and build a Bookshelf Stereo like device out of one of these tablets, but not for $200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tommy Pratt Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 THIS IS AWESOME Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Elizabeth Whitmire Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Very cool :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Fromtulsa Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Thanks. Is the HDMI tablet only, or does it connect thru base station. Meaning, I guess, can the tablet dock and simultaneously feed TV and charge? Can dock speakers stay live when HDMI in use, or are they shut down? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_McKinley Tabor Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 George Fromtulsa The both the physical HDMI and USB connectors are on the left side of the tablet, and is accessible while the tablet is docked. I believe that the audio however is transferred to the HDMI port when it's connected. From the tablet's point of view the stereo is connected via the headphone jack. I believe it's possible via third party software to select the audio playback point (bluetooth, vs. Headphone, vs. speakers, vs. HDMI) but such hacks are root dependant, something I've not been able to do yet on this device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Fromtulsa Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 McKinley Tabor Thanks. Seems then much like the rig I set up with now rather obsolete Acer A500 connected by AUX to a bookshelf system. The A500 sits on a Foldo Easel. Works quite well. What Google (or somone) should build as an Android Media Center. Probably the Hollywood DRM Lawyers are blocking that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Pedro Luis Rondon Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 hi i just bougth this sound sistem and looks great but it fell down on mi home and now its not power it on any one here knows any place to make a fix ?? or any idea what to do ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Fromtulsa Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 My sympathy Pedro Luis Rondon but have no solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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