RCA RP5415 - Clock radio Review

Looks better than it's built.Volume control is broken and freewheeling after a few months.

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Product Description:
DIGITAL/ANALOG TRANSFLECTIVE DISPLAY ; SMALL FOOTPRINT; AM/FM RADIO; LARGE SNOOZE BAR; ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS CONTROL; SLEEK & STYLISH DESIGN WITH FUNCTIONALITY

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RCA RC40 AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio with Large Green LED Display (Black) Review

I've only had this for a week, but I'm loving it.I bought it for the dual alarms.Super great!I don't have to keep re-setting my alarm!It also came pre-set for time.All I had to do was pick a time zone.Awesome.

Big numbers, with a dimmer feature.Somehow, as big as the numbers are, on the dim setting it's still dimmer than my old one, which was obnoxiously bright in my opinion, so I love that, too.Love that it shows the alarm time, (you press a button to see both and it's easy to find, even in the dark).I'm totally paranoid, so the fact that I can see at a glance that it's set for the correct time is great.Little icons show you if the alarm is activated, too, and whether it's for beeper or radio.The beeper ramps up in volume but I find it starts out loud.I prefer to awaken to radio, anyway.The alarm's not the most intuitive to set, but once you know how, it's easy.

The radio feature uses a dial which could get bumped, (if you're picking up a phone next to it, for example), though I've not had that problem, yet.Same thing for volume.Nice thing about the radio is the digital tuner and the manual says it has some feature to help it hold its setting.You can set it to automatically turn off, (up to 90 minutes).

LOVE THE SNOOZE BUTTON!!!It's right on top and you literally tap it.My old alarm clock had the worst snooze button in the world, (actually, it had the worst everything in the world.It was on of those Sharper Image daylight simulator clocks and it was a total dud).Love, love, love the snooze button.It's really easy to deactivate and reactivate for the next day, as well.Variable snooze increments, as well.

All of this is probably really similar to the features in the RC46, which is offered through Amazon Prime, but I found mine at Walmart for the same price so I picked it up there instead of waiting 2 days.

All in all a very nice product.

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Product Description:
The RC40 clock radio by RCA is the perfect companion in the morning. The AM/FM clock radio has a large 1.4-inch green LED display that makes it easy to see and to read. The clock can be adjusted to two different levels of brightness to accommodate for different lighting situations. The clock features automatic time set that will set the clock to one of seven different time zones once clock is plugged in. Simply flip the switch to select your current time zone. LCD display has digital frequency readout, so that you can precisely tune to your favorite radio station and read which station you are tuned in to. The programmable sleep feature will play the radio up to 2-hours before automatically turning off, allowing you to gently fall asleep to the radio. The RC40 features a 2nd display "alarm reminder" showing the time you have set for the alarm to go off. No more second guessing if you set the time of the alarm correctly or not. It features two different alarm settings that are perfect for couples who wake at different times or for those who need a second reminder to wake in the morning. Set the alarm to wake you up to the buzzer or to your favorite radio station. Enjoy the Graduwake ramp up alarm system that gently wakes you from deep sleep by gradually increasing the volume of the alarm. You'll no longer have a loud, rude awakening in the morning. Alarm clock features programmable snooze that you can set to ring between 1-30 minutes or by the default setting of every 9-minutes. Using the SmartSnooze feature, any of the top buttons will act as the snooze button when alarm has been activated, to ensure that you will find it when you're half asleep. The battery backup gives reassurance that your alarm will sound even with the loss of power. The "No Worry" battery backup keeps the clock radio working during power outages. You'll no longer have to worry about being late to work or needing to reset the clock and alarm.

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Emerson CKS3516 SmartSet Dual-Alarm Clock Radio with Time Projection System Review

This review refers to the CKS3528 model, which I purchased from Amazon's partner, Target. The only difference between my model and this one is that the clock projection has a selectable color filter on the CKS3528. This unit listed here does not.

I purchased this clock for the large digit display and projection functions. So far both are working out quite nicely. The display is not too bright at night, when the dimmer is set to low. It is still quite readable in a lit room. The projection is too dim to read if the room is lit, but it works nicely in the dark. I am nearsighted, but I have no problem reading the ceiling display with my glasses off at night. I'd guess the digits are about 10 inches high on my ceiling. The projection is also not so bright that it lights up the room or keeps me awake.

The smart set function is little more than a preset internal clock that lives off a lithium battery when it is not plugged in. The manual says the battery will last 3 years even if the unit is never plugged in, and should last 5+ years when used normally. The clock allows you to change the time settings yourself (if you like your clock 5-10 minutes fast, or if the time ever drifts) and the internal memory will keep the new time setting. This is a nice improvement over the RCA version that I replaced, which had drifted about 2 minutes off and could not be corrected.

The clock knows 7 times zones: Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Yukon, and Hawaiian. Since you can change the internal time memory anyway, I imagine it would be pretty easy to use this in any zone and just fix the time shift once. However, the clock obeys the 2007 US daylight savings time rules: starting 2nd Sunday of March, ending 1st Sunday of November. There does not appear to be a way to turn DST off. So, if your state or country does not follow these rules, you'll have to change the time or timezone every time the DST changes do not match your area.

The radio is set by an analog dial. The dial indicator lights up when the clock is plugged in, but it's still not easy to tell by the display what channel number you have set. It doesn't seem to drift very badly, but my chosen wake-up station is pretty strong in my area. I'd have preferred a digital tuner.

There are two alarms. Each can be set to wake by buzzer or radio. Each alarm can be set to run for 7-days, 5-days (Mon-Fri), or 2-days (Sat-Sun). The buzzer alarms wake by crescendo, that is, they start softly and increase in volume. I can't comment on how loud they get, since I don't use buzzer alarms. The wake by radio function works nicely, coming on directly to the volume that you have preset. To turn off the buzzer alarms, you have to find one of the tiny (1) or (2) alarm buttons among the many on top of the unit. To turn off the radio alarm, you can also hit the much larger Radio On/Off button on the right end of the unit. The snooze button is large and easy to find in the middle. Snooze is fixed at 9 minutes.

I recommend this clock to anyone who likes to wake up to a radio, and who lives in a US timezone following the new DST rules. My only complaint is the lack of a digital radio tuner.

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Product Description:
Enjoy true ease of operation and convenience with Emerson's SmartSet Dual-Alarm Clock with Time Projection System.With Emerson's exclusive SmartSet Auto Time-Setting Technology, the clock automatically sets itself to the correct date and time as soon as you plug it in.Not only does it feature an easy-to-read display, but the projection system also shows the time in brilliant red numbers on your wall or ceiling.Programmable dual alarms can also be set for weekday only, weekend only, or every day operation.

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RCA RC46 AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio with Large Blue LED Display (Black) Review

Trying to find a reliable, easy to use, inexpensive, alarm clock for the wife.She wanted one that sets itself and had a battery back-up. I wanted one that would wake her up.Found this one at K-mart and spent 30 mins playing with it over by the televisions (needed a power source). This radio alarm clock is perfect for what I need.This being my first review, I"ll just point out the things that made me buy it.
1. Nice soft blue color, 2 setting...low you can just make out and high is clearly visible
2. Battery back up (even came with batteries) easy to find AA"s
3. Plug in in and it sets itself (all you have to do is set the time zone) has a switch for Daylight Savings Time.
4. Dual alarm (his and her) or in this case days and midnights...set it and forget it. You don't have to rememberto set it everyday.
5. If the power goes out the alarm goes into kind of a sleep mode.It beeps to warn you of the power failure and according to the instructions, remembers the alarm settings and goes off without it being plugged in (not tested yet)
6. The alarm starts off kinda like any other alarm but then gets progressively louder (can't see anyone sleeping through this one)
7. Playing with the tuner, looks like one of those old fashion, spin the dial things, but it shows a digital read on the display (kinda cool but it's a cheap radio folks and sounds like one)
8. The snooze is adjustable from 1 to 30 mins.
9. Last but not least, the alarm set time is displayed on the lower right, so if your the nervous type, you can double check to make sure the alarm is where you want it to be.All for around 20 bucks...and that"s all I have to say about that.....

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Product Description:
The RC46 clock radio by RCA is the perfect companion in the morning. The AM/FM clock radio has a large 1.4-inch blue LED display that makes it easy to see and to read. The clock can be adjusted to two different levels of brightness to accommodate for different lighting situations. The clock features automatic time set that will set the clock to one of seven different time zones once clock is plugged in. Simply flip the switch to select your current time zone. LCD display has a digital frequency readout, so that you can precisely tune to your favorite radio station and read which station you are tuned in to. The programmable sleep feature will play the radio up to 2-hours before automatically turning off, allowing you to gently fall asleep to the radio. The RC46 features a 2nd display "alarm reminder" showing the time you have set for the alarm to go off. No more second guessing if you set the time of the alarm correctly or not. The clock radio has two different alarm settings that are perfect for couples who wake at different times or for those who need a second reminder to wake in the morning. Set the alarm to wake you up to the buzzer or to your favorite radio station. Enjoy the Graduwake ramp up alarm system that gently wakes you from deep sleep by gradually increasing the volume of the alarm. You'll no longer have a loud, rude awakening in the morning. Alarm clock features programmable snooze that you can set to ring between 1-30 minutes or by the default setting of every 9-minutes. Using the SmartSnooze feature, any of the top buttons will act as the snooze button when alarm has been activated, to ensure that you will find it when you're half asleep. The battery backup gives reassurance that your alarm will sound even with the loss of power. The "No Worry" battery backup keeps the clock radio working during power outages. You'll no longer have to worry about being late to work or needing to reset the clock and alarm.

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Emerson CKS9051 SmartSet Dual Alarm Clock Radio Review

After days of researching, I finally found the best alarm clock for me and my wife! We are so happy with what we found.

I can't say anything bad about this alarm clock, it got everything we are looking for:
- Weekday\weekend\everyday alarms function for each of its 2 alarm. We set up alarm 1 @ 6a.m. on weekdays (for me), alarm 2 @ 7:30a.m. (for her) on weekdays, therefore no alarm on the weekend. We don't have to wake up by the alarm clock Sat. @ 6a.m ever again.
- Individual setting for each alarm wake up to a gradual buzz or radio.
- The clock has a high/low light setting. If you think the display is too bright, set it to low.
- The display is very clear, showing time and day of week.
- The radio is very clear compare to our existing radio alarm clock.
- The most amazing thing is that the clock will reset itself to the correct time in the event of a power outage. The alarm will preserve the alarms' settings. So in case of a power outage in the middle of the night, when the power comes back on, your alarm clock will continue to function as before. What a great idea! You don't have to manually reset it again, and worse, miss you morning alarm.

These are other alarm clocks that I looked at:

Made by Emerson also. I was going to get this one, but I tried it at a store and it can tip forward as you reach in from hitting the snooze button. Also, some of the button are small. CKS 9051's design is much more stable\sturdy.
Emerson Radio Jumbo Triple Display Dual Alarm AM/FM Clock Radio with SmartSet Technology

Too expensive.
Sangean RCR-22 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio

Too small, for travle maybe.
RiteAlarm Triple Weekly Alarm Clock (R) for Weekdays, Saturday and Sunday, Automatic Extended Daylight Saving Time, Automatic Snooze, Adjustable Volume, Gentle Sound Pattern, Simple Buttons, Pushing Backlight and Battery Operated

This could work, but we prefer larger display and not background lit ones.
Timex Nano Color

Could work but couldn't find it at a store (Target\Sears) to try. Dispay might be too small.
Sony ICFC180 AM/FM Clock Radio

Might work but don't like the dial, display too small. A little expensive.
American Innovative Neverlate 7-Day Alarm Clock

Hope this help.

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Product Description:
With Emerson-s award-winning and patented SmartSet technology, the flashing -12:00- display is a thing of the past.The CKS9051 digital tuning clock radio automatically sets itself on the first use to the correct year, month, date, day, and time.The clock radio features a large, easy-to-read LED display with dimmer control so it is easy on your eyes in the dark.The dual alarm system features two alarms that can be programmed separately - one for you and one for your partner.Both alarms can be programmed to operate on weekdays only, weekends only, or all seven days of the week.Set the alarm to wake you to your favorite AM/FM music or news station, or to the buzzer.The clock radio adjusts itself automatically for Daylight Savings Time and Leap Year, as well as maintains the correct time when the power returns after power outages.Getting out of bed will no longer be a chore with the help of the CKS9051.

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Emerson Radio Jumbo Triple Display Dual Alarm AM/FM Clock Radio with SmartSet Technology Review

My husband and I went through 4 other alarm clocks before we settled on this one.This alarm clock provided everything that was missing in each of our previous alarm clocks.It has a large easy to read from across the room display (but can be dimmed or shut off and then on again w/a wave of the hand), has two separate alarm settings which you can set for weekdays only, weekends only, and weekdays and weekends also w/buzzer,or radio which each of the two alarms can be set to individual preference.Both alarms are displayed constantly underneith the time (which is suprisingly reasuring feature to have) and my husband likes that the alarm shut off button (radio on/off) is a big round button off to the very left side of the alarm which allows him to turn the alarm off every morning without first putting his glasses on and then hunting for the off button.I love it that once you tap the off button, it turns the alarm off for the day and then automatically resets itself to wake me up again the next day.I also have the option to not shut the alarm off and listen to the radio for an hour as I get ready for work, after which time it will shut itself off until the next day again.All in all a very good buy and well worth the money!!

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Product Description:
Emerson's patented SmartSet® Automatic Time Setting System. The first time you connect this clock radio to your AC outlet it will immediately set itself to the correct year, month, date, day and time in the Eastern Time Zone. If you live in a different time zone there is one simple Time Zone adjustment to make and you will never see the dreaded "flashing 12:00" display again. It will automatically reset itself every time you have a power interruption, and not just the time but your wake-up times as well. Daylight Saving Time and Leap Year adjustments are also done automatically through the year 2099.

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Jensen Interactive AM/FM Talking Dual Alarm Clock - JCR-290 (Black) Review

I was hoping that since this was made by Jensen that the sound quality would be better than the average clock/radio. Unfortunately, it was worse than average. Very tinny, I've heard better in the sixties. The price seems to be based on the voice recognition feature, a nice touch if you use the program wake up sounds. It can't be used with the radio setting. The time display is huge and makes a great night light even when set on the dim setting. On the higher setting, you can read by it. Manual controls are easy to use once you get the hang of them.

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Product Description:
The hands-free way to set your alarm clock.No more fumbling with instruction or pressing multiple buttons to set the time and alarm.Simply say the time or alarm time you want set.All clock functions can be performed manually or by Smart Talk.Wake to radio, alarm or nature sounds (ocean, rain or brook).Features a dual alarm, sleep and snooze with high/low dinner control.Includes an auxiliary input jack for connecting your iPod, MP3 or other digital Audio players.Power:AC 120V/60Hz.Battery back-up for clock:2 x CR2032 lithium batteries (not included).Size:3.5(H) x 7.37(W) x 2.5(D).

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Sony ICFC180 AM/FM Clock Radio Review

My wife and I have been using the same clock radio for the past 20 years - It's a dual alarm Panasonic and it still works pretty well. Some of its features such as individual up/down alarm/time set for the minutes and hours are not even available on clocks today. And it has a 10 minute snooze - not nine minutes, another feature hard to find these days. But it's lacking in other areas such as no battery backup. So we decided to replace the old clock.

Some research was necessary. For the most part, only Timex, RCA and Sony have competitive products. My requirements were simple - AM/FM dual alarm, battery backup, 10 minute snooze, easy to read display, and not too bright. I did not need a CD or MP3 option. Here's why I bought the Sony ICFC180 and rate it so highly:

Form Factor and Buttons: This is not a large clock radio - it's about six inches square. The case is pretty much all white. Buttons are well spaced and nicely shaped. You can easily learn to use this clock in the dark or by feel alone.

Display: The backlit LCD displays not only the time, but both the alarm settings, each in its own quadrant. This is a great feature. The time is large enough to read from across the room although it could have been a bit larger. The alarm displays are smaller, but fine for viewing bedside. Viewing from different angles seems fine. It has two manual brightness levels and here Sony cheaped out a bit - an auto dimmer with sensor would have been nice. The high level is fine for the day and the low level is acceptable for the night, but who's going to move the tiny switch each day? I leave it on the low setting. I really like the room dark when I sleep and I would have preferred the low level to be a bit dimmer. The display is mostly green, with orange for the weekday alarms. The green is fine, but the orange is just a bit too bright. But again, it's acceptable.

Time Features: Auto time set - well not really. The auto time set feature prominently displayed on the box is a bit misleading. Unlike other clocks (such as from RCA) which can set the date and time and change daylight savings automatically, this clock is just set at the factory and uses a lithium battery to keep the time. If you happen to live on the east coast of the United States, then the time is correct when you first plug it in. Otherwise, you need to adjust the time zone. Since the clock doesn't know the date, daylight savings is also manual, but here at least Sony provided a single button to change the 1 hour offset. My only complaint is that the daylight savings button is on the top and could be accidentally pushed - the display does show an icon for the 1 hour offset, but it's really tiny. I would have made the daylight savings feature a toggle switch (not a push button) and put it on the back - you only use it twice a year.

Radio: Old style analog display and thumb wheel for tuning. Digital with presets would have been nice, but let's not forget, this clock only cost $25. The tuning wheel is stiff enough that it won't be accidentally changed when pickup up, moving, or just dusting the clock.

Alarm: Here's where this clock really shines. The box says it has two alarms, but in reality it has four individual alarms! The thinking by Sony is that two alarms are for the weekdays and two are for the weekends, but since the weekday/weekend feature is a manual push button, you can really use the alarms however you wish. My kids have Timex clock radios with a 7-5-2 feature which lets you determine if the alarm should be used for weekdays, weekends, or both. This is nice because it's automatic, but on the other hand you only get two alarms and have less flexibility. I think the Sony solution is excellent. The clock also makes it totally clear which alarms are active - orange background for weekdays, green background for weekends, and no display in the quadrant when the alarm is off. Setting the alarm time is also very easy with a separate twist knob for each displayed alarm. The time can be adjusted forward or backward one minute at a time. Holding forward or backward changes the minutes quickly and after a few seconds, switches to 10 minute increments. This is a much better solution than just increasing the speed as most other clocks do. In fact, the only other clock that works better is my old Panasonic which has separate forward and backward buttons for both the minutes and the hours. Regardless, this clock has excellent time set controls!

Snooze: What is it with 9 minute snooze alarms? My theory is that increments of 9 are much harder to add in your head and all that thinking wakes you up - but in reality I think it harks back to a limitation of the old mechanical alarm clocks. Anyway, I needed a 10 minute snooze and this clock has that. Plus, if you continue to press the snooze button (which is big and easy to find without looking), the snooze can be increased in 10 minute increments up to an hour - a nice feature. The clock even blinks the alarm set time after you press snooze to indicate you're beyond the original wake up time.

So that's about it. There are some other features (nap timer, alarm melodies, no power no problem), but I haven't really used these much. If you're looking for similar features and also need a CD player, Sony makes another Dream Machine alarm clock (ICF-CD843V), but that one costs $70 and looks like a weird space helmet. All in all, this is an excellent clock radio with well designed controls, tons of features, and a low price.

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Product Description:
Stylish Design - takes up a minimum of space on the nightstand, desk or dresser.

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