Customer Reviews

RCA WHR120 Infrared Wireless Headphones

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My star rating relates to the category these are in - inexpensive.

These are very cheap - but have decent sound quality. My use is simply to have headphones without a cord while sitting at my computer. The short infrared range works fine for this. The sound quality is very good, all things considered. The downside is that they "clamp" on my head - the plastic headband doesn't allow for any adjustment like a metal one would. They do have a sub-headband which makes for a bit more comfort. Unfortunately the formerly pliable (soft) plastic has become quite stiff. Other than that, they are great.

Update: I am on my 2nd set, Radio Shack had a sale on them just about the same time the transmitting unit quit on my first pair. It started to get a little intermittent and then conked out (whatever drives the infrared LEDs broke). I should point out that the thing was on 24/7 either in use or charging the headphones, so I can't complain much. I'm thinking of getting another set to put aside against future failures before they discontinue them! It's May 2005 and I still use them every day and love them.

Update 4/06 - my "great value" applies to the price point of $20-30 when you can find it. I did get another set, and they are working a year later.

Update as of 1/07 - all of them are dead, the infrared transmitter is the culprit. In each case, the dim red glow of the transmitting LEDs went dark. A new pair for $20 would be worthwhile, but nothing more than that as the all seem to die the same way - after about 20 bucks' worth of use! It was a good run...

I just got these at Radio Shack on sale for 19.99! Well, you can't beat the price but there are some caveats.

1. The range is probably more like 15 feet, and you really need to be in direct line of the transmitter...walk out of the room or block the transmitter and you get nothing but static. But, if you are within range the sound is excellent. The headphones are also very comfortable.

2. The instructions that came with mine were wrong regarding the recharging of the batteries. The instructions say to turn OFF the transmitter while recharging, but the transmitter must be turned ON to charge the batteries. Radio Shack customer service was very apologetic in pointing this out.

For $20 I think they're great, but I would not be satisfied with them at their regular price. If they still have them at this price at Radio Shack I'd say rush out and grab a bunch...great for Christmas presents...

I bought a refurbished pair last month and love them, For the price they're a steal. The sound is really good & with the surround sound they pick up background noises usually not heard.
They are very comfortable with padded ear cups, and have a good range also. Don't be scared off by the the price thinking they're cheap, try em' first then decide if you wanna upgrade.

Expected this item to allow me to listen to music, etc. while moving about. Found that due to the infrared line-of-sight requirement, I couldn't move a couple of feet or sometimes tilt my head too much without hearing annoying static.

The rechargeable AAA batteries and ability for the transmitter to serve as a recharger is a nice touch though. Sound quality is also decent, and headphones are a fairly comfortable fit. Overall, these headphones are an okay buy if you want to not annoy your significant other / roommates while watching TV, listening to music on desktop computer, or otherwise do some listening where you don't need to move much.

Personally, I found that I prefer to blare sound instead of being considerate of my roommates, so will sell mine for cheap!

I took the advice of others and went to Radio Shack--still on sale for $19.99 as of 2/5/2006. The sound quality is great, and they fit very well (the self-adjusting strap works great). I use it for watching TV on the treadmill. The volume control on the headphones increases volume substantially, enabling you to drown out external noise. Comes with several adapters (mini walkman type, large stereo headphone type, and RCA to go into the TV output). If you need wireless headphones to watch TV and you don't need top-line sound quality (and you don't want to spend a lot), GET THESE!!

I purchased a set of these new and was unable to get them to work further than 6 inches from the transmitter. This negates any value the wireless feature may have. Fortunately, the vendor refunded the purchase price.

I eventually got around the problem by attaching a 25 foot extension cord to a set of ordinary headphones.

On the plus side, the headband is extremely comfortable. I recommend this model to anyone who enjoys wearing headphones but isn't concerned whether they work or not.

I don't think these are still manufactured, possibly because the transmitters seem to burn out after a period of time. We're currently on our third or fourth (I forget which) transmitter, which we were able to buy on eBay for a very low price. I normally don't buy products that quit so soon, but we love the sound quality for viewing TV programs.

I just set up the last backup transmitter I had, when the previous one stopped working. I haven't been able to find any more. I wouldn't buy one used because of the short life. When (or before) this one dies, I suppose we'll have to look for an alternative.

If you can find a new one for the right price, enjoy it until it stops working.

As everyone else stated these are for use when you are primarily going to be in-line with the transmitter at all times.
I use mine everyday for 8+ hours a day listening to Stern and love them.
I recommend these highly.