Sonic Impact Video 55
Manufacturer: Sonic Impact Technologies, LLC Part number: Video-55
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Sonic Impact Video 55 provides a convenient way to watch and share video on the go. If you own an iPod, don't want to lug around your laptop, and have 300 bucks to spare, it fits the bill.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/20/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Sonic Impact Video 55 price range: $199.99
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Edited by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 09/26/2006
The good: Sonic Impact's Video 55 offers good video quality and allows more than one user to enjoy movies and TV shows stored on an iPod. The clamshell design serves to store and protect the iPod during travel, and a remote is included. There's also a USB port for pass-through syncing, and decent accessories bundled with the unit.
The bad: The Video 55 is expensive, and the screen isn't huge; it's heavier than the competition; inside face attracts smudges.
The bottom line: The Sonic Impact Video 55 provides a convenient way to watch and share video on the go. If you own an iPod, don't want to lug around your laptop, and have 300 bucks to spare, it fits the bill.
User reviews
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Great Product - Now with a great price
by Big_Al63 on March 12, 2008
Pros: Great sound, and excellent picture
Cons: Does not work w/itouch, iphone & ipod classic,
Summary: This was and is a great product for the video ipod, it will not hold a touch or phone in the closed position, but I was able to use the ...
Summary: This was and is a great product for the video ipod, it will not hold a touch or phone in the closed position, but I was able to use the systems speakers with my itouch, at $300.00 this was expensive, but at the current price under $80.00 it is a great accessory if you have a video ipod. When the unit is plugged into a wallcharger, or auto charger it did not drain my ipod's battery.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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FABULOUS and SPECTACULAR
by Perrine57 on February 7, 2007
Pros: Picture, design, sound, EXCELLENT also provided are additional audio/visual cables and auto adaptor power cord!!
Cons: Not any that I can find at this date.
Summary: This unit packs all the punches. Well worth the price. Company thoughtfully provides addtional cables for audio/visual/TV/sound hook up and a car power adapter (Ipod doesn't ...
Summary: This unit packs all the punches. Well worth the price. Company thoughtfully provides addtional cables for audio/visual/TV/sound hook up and a car power adapter (Ipod doesn't even provide a power adapter with their new video units) This unit WILL work with an IPOD Video 80 Gig, it states that it supports the 5, 30,and 60... but it does support the 80 gig. I love this thing.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sonic Impact Video 55
by Paul Agne on January 7, 2007
Pros: Great sound
Cons: Smaller screen
Summary: I have tried the Memorex IFlip Portable Video System prior to trying the Sonic Impact 55. The Sonic is better across the board. Volume on the IFlip is poor, sound ...
Summary: I have tried the Memorex IFlip Portable Video System prior to trying the Sonic Impact 55. The Sonic is better across the board. Volume on the IFlip is poor, sound quality is flat. The volume on the Impact 55 is far superior, base/ treble separation is great. There is no appreciable difference between the video image, even given the smaller screen.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice, but 2 flaws
by jimn367 on January 4, 2007
Pros: Well built, decent sounding speakers
Cons: Stretches 4:3 video, Doesn't power ipod
Summary: Based on C/Net reviews and reviews by other sites I decided to get the V55 versus the competition (Memorex i-Flip). The reviews are fairly accurate, but I think [the ...
Summary: Based on C/Net reviews and reviews by other sites I decided to get the V55 versus the competition (Memorex i-Flip). The reviews are fairly accurate, but I think [the reviews] are too enamored with style over function. For example the importance of an IR remote is over-sold for a personal device, at least for my personal use profile in airplanes and other vehicles.
The V55 is very well built. It's solid, ipod integration is very nice, and there is excellent fit and finish. The speakers provide pretty good sound, and make a good portable system for use on the road.
Now the two flaws which are driving me to return the product:
1) No 4:3 aspect ratio selection. I had read on-line that this was fixed, but the unit I bought last week (Dec 20, 2006)does not allow selection of 4:3. Watching i-tunes downloaded video in 'wide-head' mode is simply not acceptable for a product in this price category. I don't mind re-ripping my DVDs with the proper wide screen aspect ratio, but there is no way to play native 4:3 video without video stretching.
2) The V55 battery doesn't provide power to the ipod. The ipod battery drains as the V55 system is being used. The cheaper competition keeps the ipod battery topped off, so when the video system drains you still have a fully charged ipod for your portable use. Also if your ipod battery is drained you cannot use the V55. Again, not so with the cheaper competing product.Updated
The 4:3 issue I mentioned above is not related to the widescreen on/off toggle on the ipod itself. With widescreen (from the ipod) turned off the V55 will take the 4:3 aspect ratio image and stretch it to a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. There is no way to make the V55 display a 4:3 image in the proper aspect ratio with black bands on the side.
Hope this helps.Updated
I have a typo. I bought the unit on 12/30/2006, not 12/20/2006.
As I said above, there are other posters stating that the 4:3 control has been added with a firmware upgrade. However, my recently purchased unit does not contain this feature. In addition I e-mailed SI the day I bought the unit and I have not received a response. There is also no mention of a firmware upgrade on the SI website.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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More than Spectacular!
by veggiedude--2008 on November 27, 2006
Pros: excellent audio, durable enclosure, makes the video more fun to watch
Cons: have to take iPod out to sync with Mac/PC
Summary: This is a great companion to the video iPod. If you want to watch video on your iPod, you have to get this. I was fortunate to get this for ...
Summary: This is a great companion to the video iPod. If you want to watch video on your iPod, you have to get this. I was fortunate to get this for only $238 from the Apple online store the day after thanksgiving, but even at the $300 price, it is worth it. I had also gotten a $100 speaker for the iPod at the same time and the Video 55 put it to shame because its audio is about ten times better! The audio is sharp and clear and with pretty decent bass. I'll now give away the speakers as a xmas gift to someone. My only objection to its design is that you can't plug it to the computer to sync the iPod, otehrwise it would have gotten a ten out of ten rating.
Updated
I was incorrect. You can update the iPod while cradled in the Video 55, you just need the correct USB cord. Fortunately, the one that came with my camera was the correct type. Not allowing the USB iPod cable to plug into the unit is the only design oversight I can see, so I will stick by my 9/10 rating.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I like the abllity to take it any where.
by twalk on October 21, 2008
Pros: It has good sound and the video is as clear as I had hoped it would be. It's lighter than my laptop and more portable.
Cons: Needs to many accessories. Alot ot things that are extra would be better built into it.
Summary: I think this has one of the best after market accessory for my Ipod that I have bought ever. I look forward to alot of years of fun with it....
Summary: I think this has one of the best after market accessory for my Ipod that I have bought ever. I look forward to alot of years of fun with it.
I found this at Sams club on clearance for $35 and decided to try it out, it was worth every penny.
Updated on Oct 21, 2008
Updated on Mar 17, 2009I have had this V55 for almost a year now and it has been the best device that I have bought in a while. I found it at sams club on clearance for $35 + tax aftergetting it home and chargeing it I enjoyed haveing out with me when I am in the yard or where ever I go. As for the Aspect ratio I real don't care. The picture is fine for travel. -
AWESOME wish I had bought 2 more
by kahnorster on September 16, 2008
Pros: I have recently purchased this item for 29.95 and it is probably the best purchase I have made in a long time. can hold almost 30 movies and it is great for the kids. I can even take it and plug it into a regular tv as if it was a regular DVD player.
Cons: the rubberized top gathers dust and the inside is hard to keep free of prints
Summary: multiple charging adapters and usb port and the ability to use with a full-sized tv and external speakers
Summary: multiple charging adapters and usb port and the ability to use with a full-sized tv and external speakers
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In spite of below I would but one again (for less that $100)
by frichards on September 23, 2007
Pros: now much less expensive, sound good, fun unit
Cons: outdated aready
Summary: Have learned that this will not work with the the new Ipod "Classics", which is too bad. I like the device - it works well in the car and the ...
Summary: Have learned that this will not work with the the new Ipod "Classics", which is too bad. I like the device - it works well in the car and the sound is pretty good. When my 5G Ipod dies (as they all do) I guess I will have to bury my Sonic 55 along with it)
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Excellent for parents
by Greg-G on September 4, 2007
Pros: Hours of video without looking for disks
Cons: Wish it had a cover for the controls & ipod
Summary: This may be the greatest product for parents that travel with children. Tip, get Beyond TV and a TV tuner, then record all of your children's favorite TV shows ...
Summary: This may be the greatest product for parents that travel with children. Tip, get Beyond TV and a TV tuner, then record all of your children's favorite TV shows and transfer them to the IPOD (you may be able to do this with TIVO as well). Use the Sonic Impact on the road, and you kids will have hours of programming during long flights. I thought this was a great idea in theory, it turns out even better in practice.
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it is just $80 in costco and Amazon
by mr2raj on August 16, 2007
Pros: it can be found cheaper
Cons: its expensive somewhere else
Summary: I found out it sells about $80 in costco also in Amazon but it sells $200 in other places
Summary: I found out it sells about $80 in costco also in Amazon but it sells $200 in other places
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sonic Impact Technologies, LLC
- Part number: Video-55
- Description: Designed to deliver the best sound in its category, the VIDEO-55 is built to hi-fidelity standards. It uses four aluminum cone neodymium drivers for clarity; a Class D digital amp and advanced Maxxbass technology that provide enhanced bass response while minimizing distortion. The carefully engineered hard case not only protects the screen but also your iPod. In addition, it serves as a speaker cabinet that effectively enhances audio output. The contemporary yet timeless design is a perfect fit for just about any home or office décor. And the rugged engineering makes the VIDEO-55 a perfect companion for any outdoor activity. Powered by a premium three-phase lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the VIDEO-55 offers a remarkable 3+ hours of battery life. It includes convenient battery charge display lights, so you can easily keep track of how much power remains.
General
- Device Type Digital AV player
- Key Features Digital audio player ,
Digital photo viewer ,
Digital video player - Width 11.38 in
- Depth 9.44 in
- Height 5.25 in
- Weight 2.4 lbs
- Color Black
Display
- Display Type LCD 7 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Folding
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
Digital Audio
- Signal-to-noise ratio 60 dB
- Audio output Built-in stereo speakers
Connectivity
- Connections iPod dock,
Headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Audio / video input,
Audio / video output,
USB - Mini-USB Type B
Battery
- Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
- Included Qty 1
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 4000 mAh
- Recharge Time 5 hour(s)
- Battery Life Details Video playback - up to 4 hour(s)
Miscellaneous
- iPod Compatibility iPod with video (5G) 30GB,
iPod with video (5G) 60GB - Included Accessories AV cable , Power adapter,
Carrying case,
Cleaning cloth,
Remote control,
Car power adapter Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sonic Impact Technologies, LLC products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Sonic Impact Technologies, LLC


