Teac HD-1 - Clock radio with iPod cradle Review

I've had this radio for about a month.I purchased it as a replacement for my 25 year-old alarm clock radio, and also to see what HD radio was like.Overall, the workmanship of the radio is fine, and the sound quality is decent, given the size and price.The radio has quite a few features packed in for the money, and from that standpoint, it is a good buy.FM reception is good.AM reception is average.

As I primarily use this as an alarm-clock radio, my review comes from using the radio for that purpose.I don't use the iPod docking function, or use the radio for casual listening.As such, the radio has some short-comings as an alarm-clock radio, and that's why I only gave it three stars. If used the radio primarily for something else, like casual daytime listening or an iPod dock, I could easily see rating it higher.The issues with the alarm clock function are as follows:

1) The display is way too bright for an alarm-clock radio, even on the dimmest setting.Particularly if the radio is sitting on a nightstand next to the bed.There are are three brigthness settings, but very little difference between them. Due to the brightness of the backlight, it is very difficult to glance over and see the time when it is dark if you've been sleeping and have just waken up.Backlit LCD is not the best display technology for an alarm-clock application.

2) When the alarm starts the radio, the time is no longer displayed.You can push a button to display the time, but it reverts back to the radio information.Not exactly convenient if you are laying in bed and need to see what time it is.During the alarm-clock function, a time display is more important than the radio station frequency or other HD information.The radio display function should have a display modes with a large time display that can be permanently selected.Perhaps along the bottom where the HD radio information scrolls by.The Sony radios have this feature.

3) When the radio is used as an alarm, the radio turns off 1 hour after it first goes off.For me, 1 hour is a little short, especially if I hit snooze a couple of times.My old radio used a two hour time period.Ideally, this setting could be adjustable.

4) The snooze is 6 minutes.That's a little short for me.Again, it would be nice if this setting was adjustable.

The last three issues could be fixed with some software changes.The first item would require a hardware change. Maybe I can find some tinted plastic film that could be fitted over the display to tone it down a bit.

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Product Description:
More local FM channels100% subscription freeCrystal-clear soundiTunes tagging capableHear it, tag it, download it, and never forget itLarge LCD screen shows song title/artistPlays and charges iPhone and all iPodsDual alarm clock with snooze button5 Equalizer presets for improved audio fidelityRear firing bass ports for superior soundHeadphone stereo outputVideo output with cable connectorDipole FM antenna and wire loop AM antennaRemote control

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