Does anyone own a Sony VGP-BRM1 bluetooth remote?

I'm looking for something like it, but there are many things I can't figure out about the device from the specs. If anyone owns one please pipe up, I have a few questions.

 

This thing?
http://www.techfresh.net/sony-bluetooth-remote-control/

The cable in the picture instantaneously reminds me of the cable on my portable Sony CD-player - it had such a strange "headphone cable" and a remote at the end.
I think it connects to your portable CD-player - and you place it in a pocket - the "blob" the remote connects to your headphones - you can select tracks using it, adjust the volume and start/stop music.

And no, I don't have one

What's your problem with it?

 

I know what it does - I'm after more information on the details.

Specific questions:

- Multi-pairing for example. Will it pair to multiple MP3 players / phones? From the product documentation it *seems* to indicate that you can pair a VAIO + SE phone at the same time and you will be able to listen to music while being able to pick up calls. What are the implications with non-Sony gear, or the fact that your music device won't be a laptop?

- How does the call-answering behaviour work when multi-paired (i.e. an MP3 player with BT, e.g. an iPod with the Sony adapter or a Cowon S9, Plus a mobile phone)? Will it cut off the MP3 player and swing over to the phone (desired behaviour)?

- Real-life runtime?

- Any issues with pairing the (as usual for Apple) dumbed-down Bluetooth stack of the iPhone?

- Audio quality comments? (I probably won't be running music for this type of use - more podcasts / audiobooks, so as long as it's not woefully glitchy over anything but a really short distance should be fine)

 

Well, if it is the device in the picture then it will only work with walkmans that have a specific plug - so no laptops and no mobiles.

Also, no Sony MP3 walkmans...

 

It's kind of bizarre that the guy asking for advice has to tell the guy who's coming in to give advice how the thing he's asking for advice works, but the BRM1 system has two halves:

The audio transmitter unit - with is the thing with the Sony remote plug. That takes the audio from the Sony-remoted device (MD, etc) and transmits it via A2DP to the receiver. The Sony remote pins are because the unit also translates AVCTP from the receiver into Sony remote commands.

The audio receiver unit - this is a Bluetooth receiver with a built-in mic and a 3.5mm jack capable of receiving A2DP and HSP and transmitting AVCTP to the BRM1 receiver unit or any paired device.

The receiver unit doesn't have to be used with the transmitter, and the receiver component is the only part I'm interested in. As I said, I know what it does - I'm after details before I commit to ordering one from Japan.

 

It actually is

Well, if that's the case - then assuming you pair the "bluetooth part" with a secondary device I'd assume it would just interrupt any "music stream"...

I did a bit of searching - Youtube video for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjX9fagV00M

And the only details I found...
http://www.sonyinsider.com/2006/05/16/sony-features-new-walkman-bt-remote/

 

Yes - once again I'm aware of all that. I was wondering if anyone owned it and could pitch in with experience of the device. I don't want to buy it and find it doesn't do something fundamental.

 

I have a suspicion that no one here will have one, especially as its from japan...
Have you tried searching Japanese sites? There must be reviews out there... maybe Google Japan?

 

Well - my logic was that it's hardly rocket science importing these - many online 'japan shops' offer it - and there must be a good few UX owners kicking around out there who might have picked it up. I'll leave the thread to stew for a few days and if no bites, then I guess I'll have to be the guinea pig - as usual, sigh...

 

Good luck

One thing - the guy in the video specifically mentioned Sonic Stage - I can imagine not all players are compatible.

Before my SonyEricsson broke.. that had a Bluetooth Remote... I think it controlled SonicStage well and WindowsMedia Player didn't work... but I don't remember and the cable to the screen broke...
(And SonyEricsson just decided to claim water damage and not repair it... grumble ah well)