Samsung Helix YX-M1 (XM)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: YX-M1Z
Rebate - Rebate amount: $50
Exp. date: 12/31/2007
Three (3) FREE months of XM Radio service!
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Small and light enough for a shirt pocket, Samsung's Helix YX-M1 is a one-stop audio entertainment center with an XM radio, a digital music player, and room for 50 hours of tunes, but it comes up short on battery life.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Samsung Helix YX-M1 (XM) price range: $199.98
- Reviewed by: Brian Nadel
- Edited by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 04/28/2006
- Updated on:11/14/2008
- Released on: 05/25/2006
The good: Samsung's Helix YX-M1 takes satellite radio to new heights with a pocket player for listening to digital music and recording satellite radio programs. With an easy-to-learn interface, a connection to downloadable music, and a color screen, all the world's music is at your fingertips.
The bad: With space for 50 hours of music, the Samsung Helix YX-M1's 1GB capacity is adequate, but it is far from enough to hold an entire digital music collection. It lacks a memory-card slot for expansion, you can't burn recorded XM material to a CD, and its computer interface is Windows only. Worst of all, its battery runs for only about 5 hours of XM airtime.
The bottom line: Small and light enough for a shirt pocket, Samsung's Helix YX-M1 is a one-stop audio entertainment center with an XM radio, a digital music player, and room for 50 hours of tunes, but it comes up short on battery life.
Editors' Note: As of November 2008, this product has been replaced by the Pioneer XMP3.
Following closely on the heels of Pioneer's similar Inno, Samsung's $400 Helix YX-M1 is small and light, has a powerful XM receiver to tap into XM Radio's 170 channels of programming, and can play all your MP3/WMA digital music files. So far, competitor Sirius lacks a similar option. The bad news for the Helix is that, as with the Inno, its battery goes dead all too quickly, it requires a Windows PC to transfer music, and it has only 1GB of capacity. Still, these nearly identical twins deliver audio entertainment practically anywhere, regardless of whether it's from the New Pornographers or XM's NASCAR channel.
Barely the size of a cassette tape, the Samsung Helix YX-M1 matches the Inno inch for inch at 0.6 by 2.2 by 4.4 inches, although we like the Helix's subdued black and brushed-aluminum look better than the Inno's darker, bolder design. Both weighing 4.5 ounces, the Helix and the Inno are the lightest XM radios around, as well as easily half the size and 3 ounces lighter than Delphi's MyFi receiver. While the two players use the same electronics, we like the Helix's earbuds and small button bar, as opposed to the Inno's bulky switches for Mode, Play, and Display, along with its in-ear phones. The layout is similar, with both having a four-way control at the bottom for tuning the radio, selecting tracks, and navigating through the machine's menus. While it is backlit for nighttime maneuvers, we prefer the MyFi's combination of numeric pad and scroll dial for quick channel changes.
With 1GB of storage space, the Samsung Helix YX-M1 has room for about 50 hours of stored content in XM's native AAC Plus format. This is far from ideal, and we hope that larger versions or those that can use flash-memory cards are on the way. Out of the box, the storage is partitioned for 100 percent XM recording, and we suggest adjusting it to 50/50 before you do anything else so that you can dedicate space for MP3s or WMAs. Its audio is typical fare for a pocket portable, with just enough midrange and treble to deliver near-CD quality.
The center of attention is the 1.7-inch-diagonal color screen that is slightly larger than the display on Apple's iPod Nano. It displays the most interesting information, from the channel or the track that's playing to XM's satellite signal strength or how much storage space remains; it always shows the time in the upper right. Info junkies, rejoice--because it can even scroll stock prices or sports scores across the bottom. Although the player is meant to be held vertically in the hand as soon as you snap it into the horizontal desk cradle, the screen and the switches automatically change orientation, although the Samsung Helix YX-M1's markings still point in the wrong direction. With plugs for power, line-out, and antenna, the desk dock requires that you plug the USB cable into the device directly, making for an awkward setup.
If you like the song you're listening to on The Joint, XM's reggae channel, just hit the big XM button, and the Samsung Helix YX-M1 will record the song. Because the unit has a 10-minute buffer, chances are you'll get the whole song, although it can't go backward in time more than one song, nor can you reverse in the current live song. You may also pause a song in midstream. By the same token, you can bookmark any XM song for later reference on the PC. Whether it's a live event or a BBC radio documentary, the Samsung Helix can schedule a recording, but unlike the Inno (as reviewed), it all went off without a hitch, consistently recording exactly what we wanted. Playlists are a snap to make, edit, and move back and forth between the computer and the Helix.
You can manage it all on a Windows PC with XM/Napster software for downloading music and moving it to the Helix, but there aren't versions of Macs and Linux PCs. The service's 1.5 million songs is second rate, and ripped CDs come through at a maximum data rate of 128Kbps--hardly high fidelity. The Napster interface is similar to iTunes, with the ability to drag and drop songs, move them between the PC and the Helix, and burn CDs, although not with any XM recorded content. Unfortunately, the Napster software takes forever to notice that a new CD is in the drive and sometimes requires a restart.
The Samsung Helix YX-M1 comes with all you'll need for home and personal use, with earbuds, a tiny remote control, a desk dock, an antenna, an AC adapter, a USB cable, a holster, and cables, but it lacks a car kit, which Samsung sells for $70. While the Helix was sensitive enough to grab signals that the MyFi couldn't pick up, it ran for nearly 10 hours of digital playback, but only half that for listening to XM radio--far short of Samsung's 16-hour claim, although similar to our experience with the Inno. Happily, it charges in between 1 and 2 hours, and the battery is removable, so you can always purchase an extra.
The Samsung Helix YX-M1 feels good in the hand but gets warm after a few minutes of use, and unfortunately, it doesn't work with Altec Lansing's XM3020 speaker set but will work with a new drop-in speaker that's coming out in June. As far as filling it with music, it took a tedious 2 minutes, 50 seconds to load it with 10 tracks that add up to 48.3MB. The Napster interface counts off the transfer but oddly starts at 50 percent, and if you run out of space on the Helix, the software just stops, with no indication that something's wrong.
In addition to a user guide in English and Spanish, the Samsung Helix YX-M1 comes with a quickie setup sheet and a list of XM programming channels, but the guide misses the fact that you'll need to restart the Helix after upgrading its firmware. Samsung guarantees the entire unit for a year, which is better than Pioneer's 90-day warranty on the Inno battery.
User reviews
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Don't let XM rip you off too.
by Pete155 on May 30, 2006
Pros: Works when dicked and attached to an antenna
Cons: Absolutley no reception.
Summary: I've had my Inno (Inno is the exact same product as the Helix) for about one week now. I truly feel like XM has stolen $500 ($399 for the ...
Summary: I've had my Inno (Inno is the exact same product as the Helix) for about one week now. I truly feel like XM has stolen $500 ($399 for the Inno, $70 for the car kit, tax). I can not express this strongly enough; no reception, no reception, no reception. I went for a thirty minute walk this morning. I got about five minutes of actual listening time. When the stinking thing actually does get a signal, if you turn or change the direction your walking the signal is lost. I get a signal about half the time when the unit is docked in the car kit. The signal is better when driving south. Driving in any other direction I get constant drop outs. I actually don't think I've heard a single song all the way through without a drop out. I do get good reception when the Inno is docked in the house, attached to the antenna, and not moving.
What really bothers me is, XM sells a product for a substantial amount ($399) that only marginally does what they advertise. But if you want it to actually do what they say it will, spend another $40 for antenna headphones. For $400 XM should deliver a product that does what they say it will. Especially when you consider your $400 only gets you the privilege of subscribing to their service. If you want a $400 radio receiver for you home stereo then this is the product for you. Other than that the thing is worthless.12 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Overated and worthless
by XMRich on October 16, 2006
Pros: appearance, mp3 capacity
Cons: weak reception indoors, does not have a full time FM transmitter
Summary: The Samsung Helix is not worth the price as it does not meet up to expectations. It will not transmit an FM frequency without the car adapter kit which will ...
Summary: The Samsung Helix is not worth the price as it does not meet up to expectations. It will not transmit an FM frequency without the car adapter kit which will run you an extra 70 dollars. The headphone jack only accepts the ear pods that come with the unit. You cannot purchase other brand ear pods or headphones and plug them in to the Helix earphone jack. The 1/8 inch plug on the samsung headphones is a 1/8th of an inch longer than standard 1/8 plugs. Any other headphone plug will not stay in place or make connection. The unit does not have a full time FM transmitter. You MUST purchase the car kit to transmit to an FM receiver. The car and home power cord has a micro sized barrel connector which is impossible to replace in the event it goes bad. This means you have to purchase a full home or car kit (which contains remote controls, antennas and other unneeded accessories) in the event the cord fails. I returned my entire package for a full refund. Did I mention that the reception is poor without the home/car antenna attached?
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Almost Perfect
by PFreak on October 26, 2006
Pros: Excellent reception in a tiny package
Cons: No FM Mod outside car
Summary: I love this radio. I mean love it. The reception I get in my area is stronger than FM, I get reception outside, inside, without windows, in elevators, on the ...
Summary: I love this radio. I mean love it. The reception I get in my area is stronger than FM, I get reception outside, inside, without windows, in elevators, on the subway. I had the 1st generation MyFi and this just blows that one away. No FM Modulation w/o a car kit is disappointing but after my initial shock I realize I've had the radio for 6 months and haven't thought once about the FM Mod since the first week. It just isn't needed and like all the tuners, FM Mod doesn't deliver the sound quality that direct connect does. Face it, FM Mods are going away on SatRadio tuners, the FCC is making sure of that. This is smaller than an iPod, holds about 1000 XM tunes and has a remarkable UI. I use this way more than my 50" HDTV. It's that good.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The most advanced satellite radio with premium features and design
by crimson2v on July 7, 2006
Pros: Good reception, long recording, excellent sound
Cons: Short battery hours (5 hrs), no memory expansion slot
Summary: I use Samsung Helix while driving and exercising. The coolest function it provides is that I can record my favorite songs. I can also use it as a flash player. ...
Summary: I use Samsung Helix while driving and exercising. The coolest function it provides is that I can record my favorite songs. I can also use it as a flash player.
I get the signal whenever I turn it on and the sound is excellent. I think it is outstanding portable device.
I wish this device comes with longer battery hours. Further, if it had the memory slot, I could expand the memory capacity.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Radio but a bit Pricey!
by fletch97 on June 16, 2006
Pros: Small, lightweight, slick design, cool color screen
Cons: Battery life isn't the greatest, menu options are limited
Summary: Nice radio compared to my Roady 2 that I had. A bit pricey right now but hopefully that will come down. Overall it's a very nice radio that I ...
Summary: Nice radio compared to my Roady 2 that I had. A bit pricey right now but hopefully that will come down. Overall it's a very nice radio that I am very happy with. I live in Southern California and I don't have a problem with signal reception at all! The color screen is very cool but the menu options are weak. (I find it a bit cumbersome to navigate.) It would have been nice for there to be rubber grommets in the USB port and the docking port on the radio. Right now they are wide open for dust and dirt to collect in. All things considered, I like the radio and recommend it. Good Luck!
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Satellite Radio Not Ready for Prime Time
by rj3494 on December 31, 2006
Pros: Cannot Find Any
Cons: Not a portable Unit as advertised
Summary: Thought satellite radio would be awesome. Got the Samsung Helix for XMAS and what a major dissapointment. Thought I would get one to work out with to avoid all the ...
Summary: Thought satellite radio would be awesome. Got the Samsung Helix for XMAS and what a major dissapointment. Thought I would get one to work out with to avoid all the commercials, but unless I move my treadmill up on my roof I do not stand a chance of listening to a song without the signal dropping out a dozen times. Satellite radio is not portable yet unless you string your portable unit up to a very long atenna.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome little player
by aimhigh2000 on December 22, 2006
Pros: Functional, compact, easy to use
Cons: Battery life, not compatable with the XM-Napster deal, which really isn't worth 10 or 15 dollars a month.
Summary: Having XM in my car, i wanted a player that I could take with me. I have had no problems at all with this little player. I get great reception ...
Summary: Having XM in my car, i wanted a player that I could take with me. I have had no problems at all with this little player. I get great reception here in DC, even when I have it in my pocket or jacket. The ususal drops in buildings or underpasses is expected, happens in the car- it is sat radio- It is easy to use and arrange songs, I was disappointed with the napster-xm deal. The Helix isn't comapatable with Napster so in addition to an XM subscription and a Napster subscription, you have to purchase songs in order to transfer them. That is bogus. Burn your favorite songs from your CD's and transfer them or, instantly record from live XM. I do like that feature. Just remember, if you record live and you go in a tunnel, it records the drop time as well. I synch mine with mediaplayer 11 and have no problems creating playlists, but that uses a lot of space. I love my little player and reccommend it highly.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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"FM Transmitter" _not_ built-in
by shareWcnet on December 31, 2007
Pros: XM & MP3 & save XM you like when you hear it
Cons: FM transmitter run-around is a run-around
Summary: Hello,
I just wanted to add my voice to the "integrated FM transmitter" confusion I faced now that I actually bought a Helix.
It is a fact that the FM ...Summary: Hello,
I just wanted to add my voice to the "integrated FM transmitter" confusion I faced now that I actually bought a Helix.
It is a fact that the FM transmitter is _NOT built-in_ .
I read reviews about the twin product Inno saying it is not built in. But the XM web site makes it sound like the Helix might really have its own transmitter.
When I called XM to ask, they went out of their way to not say the truth. They did insist I would need the car kit, which appears to be true, but refused to give an actual reason ("you need to mount it somewhere", they said).
When you get the Helix, you find the FM transmitter will only work at all when connected to the car dock accessory.
One can only assume the transmitter is in fact part of the car kit and only the interface is in the Helix unit.
It still has a pretty cool combination of features.
But being able to play my XM through any stereo receiver anywhere without messing with wire connections would be much cooler
.
It also would have justified the price difference.
It would be wise to strongly consider the Inno while both are available.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing technology
by farrid on August 26, 2007
Pros: 100 plus stations with excellent reception in a city
Cons: When leaving a city the reception is less than perfect
Summary: Ausome toy!
-Any regular headphone jack will work fine.
-Litsen to it at work with no problems.
-Have not been able to remove recorded content though.
-Love the live steaming ...Summary: Ausome toy!
-Any regular headphone jack will work fine.
-Litsen to it at work with no problems.
-Have not been able to remove recorded content though.
-Love the live steaming stock ticker information.
-With antenna the reception outside the city is corrected.
-Am just going to buy an FM transmiter (Belkin) and a good one.
-Going to also buy an adjustable car charging unit from The Source. It's Cheaper!
-Expensive. Got mine on Ebay for $83 US. After shipping and taxes.
-Going to buy and extra battery also. Only 5 hours of XM live while portable.
-I was told by my friends an co-workers who have it that the Sirus reception was not as good so they went with XM. Might have been the unit but was not taking a chance and bought this.
-Love the news. lots of chanels for everything and I am sure it will still improve.
-Good luck to all and I hope this helps.
-1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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avoid this product. period.
by smanahitt on May 16, 2007
Pros: xm itself is a good service
Cons: everything about this product itself is bad.
Summary: I got the Helix in Febuary. it worked for 6 hours then quit claiming it got "no signal." it is now may and i finally got it back from samsung. ...
Summary: I got the Helix in Febuary. it worked for 6 hours then quit claiming it got "no signal." it is now may and i finally got it back from samsung. it has been sent in for repair 3 times now. the first time they "replaced the antenna and a board." still said "no signal." sent it back to them for them to send it back saying "it works fine in NJ." i sent it back. they sent it back finally admitting that it was dead and inoperatable. they sent me a different radio but didn't tell me that. i found out after i tried to resend the signal from xm. samsung customer service IS HORRIBLE. i am doing my part now to warn people to avoid them. i have wasted countless hours on the phone with them. now that it "works" it is not portable. if you wave your hand in front of it it loses it's signal. if you don't move at all and have it's little worthless antenna pointed to the SW sky then it works alright. wish i would have never bought it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: YX-M1Z
- Description: Samsung exemplifies technological determination and progressive ideals. From technology to business to the philanthropy, Samsung has become a world leader for which the possibilities are truly endless.
General
- Product type XM radio tuner / digital player
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 3.7 in
- Width 2.2 in
- Weight 4.5 oz
- Carrying case Soft case -
- Included accessories XM antenna, Docking station
Audio Features
- Digital storage None
- Additional features Built-in FM transmitter
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3, WMA
CD System
- CD system type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Radio
- Tuner type Digital XM radio tuner
MD System
- MD system type None
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Standard battery
Manufacturer info
- Samsung
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.samsungusa.com/
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
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