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All of us at Buy Radar Detectors would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Our offices will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday November 23, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail or give us a call after 8 AM EST Monday, November 26, 2012. Please stay safe while traveling and watch your speed.

After over a month of back orders for Laser Veil piling up, we are happy to announce that this ever popular product is now back in stock! If you placed an order for Veil while it was out of stock, expect to see your credit card charged and your order shipped today. If you've been waiting for word that it's back in stock to place your order, order away!

The self-driving car is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It's now a reality, and it's heading toward us fast.

It's no secret that Google is leading the way toward this new era. They have been using automatic autos for awhile now, actively testing their fleet of prototype self-driving vehicles in select areas of the country. Earlier this year Nevada made autonomous vehicles legal by issuing the first license for a car that drives itself. California followed the lead last month when they instituted their own autonomous vehicles law. Google hopes driverless vehicles will be cruising roadways across America within five years.

According to Google, driverless vehicles offer a lot of advantages to society as a whole. They provide a means of transportation to those who do not have a driver license or are unable to drive themselves, such as the young, elderly, handicapped or the intoxicated. Google also claims they are safer, citing an accident-free record for their vehicles after driving over 300,000 miles on their own. Google says these auto-driving autos don't run red lights.

Apparently, neither do they speed.

When a car is designed to automatically obey the traffic laws and set its speed accordingly, is there a need to use a radar detector, or even have one at all? Will the radar detector as we know it become obsolete?

Now, before you put your detector up on a shelf, consider this. Unless you work on that specific project for Google, you probably don't have a self-driving vehicle, at least not yet. That is still half a decade away, and probably a lot longer for most of the general population. In the meantime, we all need to get somewhere today. As of now and in the foreseeable future, if you speed you can still get a ticket and you can't blame it on the car.

When automatic autos do become the standard, as they inevitably are destined to be, they may still require human intervention on occasion, should something go horribly wrong. In that case, it may be wise to keep a radar detector around as a backup, especially if the human driver is not accustomed to manually operating a vehicle that never goes over the speed limit in auto mode.

Could the radar detector become obsolete? It could. Perhaps, someday, it will. But there are still many miles to go until that day arrives, with a lot of speed traps along the way. Until the day of the automatic auto, keep your detector turned on, tuned in and watch your speed.

If you're a fan of Beltronics or Escort radar detectors, no doubt you've heard about Escort Live™. You've probably heard how it can help you proactively avoid a ticket by alerting you to threats before your radar detector actually detects them. You've probably even heard about the free Escort Live! app that's available for your smartphone that can interface with some Beltronics and Escort radar detectors, giving the user more control them and even more features. If you've heard all of that, then you've probably also heard Escort Live! is regularly priced at $99.95.

Think you've heard it all? Well, wait until you hear this.

For a limited time, you can get an Escort Live! SmartCord or Direct Wire for only $39.95 when you bundle it with a select compatible Beltronics or Escort windshield mount radar detector! That's right, while supplies last, you can get a radar detector bundle that can save you a bundle (in more ways than one).

What is Escort Live™? it's a double duty power and data cable that not only powers your Escort or Beltronics radar detector, it links the device to your iPhone or Android smartphone as well. It connects via Bluetooth® to an app that communicates with the Escort Live! database and over one million other drivers on the road to create what Escort calls a "real-time ticket protection network". All the connected devices share data on radar and laser alerts across the continent to allow your radar detector to detect threats proactively.

In addition to the "heads up" alerts, the app monitors compass heading, vehicle speed and over-speed alerts and allows you to access and manage the settings on your radar detector from your smartphone. There are versions of Escort Live! available for Androids and iPhones in two models: a coiled 12V DC plug-in smartcord and an installed Direct Wire cord. For a detailed overview of Escort Live! and its features, read Escort Live! takes radar detection to the next level.

We made it easy to purchase the special bundle offer at Buy Radar Detectors. All you need to do is choose the bundle you want from the drop-down list when you order your radar detector and the special bundle is automatically created for you. Models with the bundle offer include Beltronics Pro 300, Pro 500, STi Magnum, Escort Passport 8500 X50 Black (Blue Display), 8500 X50 Black (Red Display), Passport 9500ix, and REDLINE radar detectors.

Note: This promotion is only valid while supplies last.

Here is a list of qualified Beltronics and Escort radar detectors included in the Escort Live! bundle offer.

So you need a radar detector and a GPS navigator but you don't have room for both on the dash? Well, here's a unique solution. Passport iQ ™. It acts like a radar detector, looks like a GPS device, and does the work of both.

The Passport iQ is an all-in-one, swiss army knife of radar detectors. It integrates the latest detection technology for all types of radar and provide 360-degree protection from laser guns. In addition to the standard features of the Escort line, it also includes a Micro SD card slot, external audio and USB support. To wit, it has built-in versatility.

The best part of all this is that at first glance it doesn't look like a radar detector at all, but like a GPS. This clever disguise can come in very handy when you need to conceal your detector while in use. In the past, radar detectors that could be easily removed stuck out like a sore thumb on the windshield or dash, and drivers who wanted a discreet solution with a hidden detector had to sacrifice portability. With the Passport iQ, you can have the best of both. It is extremely portable and easy to carry, yet it hides in plain site while on board, disguised as a GPS. The mask it isn't deceptive, because it actually is one. You can't beat that.

Up until now this premium combo came at a premium price, listing at $649.95. But not anymore. That is because now, for a limited time, The Escort Passport iQ is available from Buy Radar Detectors for the special price of only $499.95. For an even better deal, you also get FREE ground shipping!

The Passport iQ is available to ship immediately from our warehouse at Buy Radar Detectors. Get yours now before this special promotion ends!

Note: For an in-depth look at this unique radat detector, read our Escort Passport iQ Radar Detector Review.

Buy Radar Detectors would like to wish you a great and safe Labor Day! Our offices will be closed for the day on Monday, September 3, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our Facebook page or give us a call after 8 AM EDT Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at (800) 584-1445. From all of us at Buy Radar Detectors, please stay safe while traveling, remember to keep your radar detector on and watch your speed.

When your radar detector alerts you to an oncoming radar speed trap, every second counts. If it's a laser, chances are the time needed to react before you are tagged has already passed. But what if you could be alerted a minute or miles in advance? Well, now you can.

Escort has taken radar detection to the next level with a patented system called Escort Live!. This unique system combines over a million active Beltronics and Escort radar detectors, Bluetooth wireless technology, smartphones and a central database to create what they call a "real-time ticket protection network" that can alert you to potential radar and laser threats on the road before you encounter them!

For instance, someone in your area connected to Escort Live! is driving down a road and their Escort radar detector picks up a radar or laser threat. The alert is immediately transmitted to the ESCORT Live™ network database and the data recorded. A short while later you drive down the same road. Connected to the database, the ESCORT Live™ app on your smartphone receives the data on the previous threat and immediately alerts you to the speed trap, well before you reach it. Now imagine a million or more drivers, their radar detectors all sharing radar and laser threat data with each other across the continent through that same database. Escort has essentially created a "social network" for drivers and their radar detectors!

Sounds great, but how does one connect a radar detector to a smartphone app in the first place?

Enter the SmartCord Live!™. It is a power cord and data cable all rolled into one. This is the accessory that connects your Escort or Beltronics radar detector with your smartphone so you can connect to Escort's database and share all that information. SmartCord Live! uses Bluetooth® technology to interface with the ESCORT Live! smartphone app installed on your iPhone or Android smartphone. It comes in two versions, a coiled power cord that plugs into a 12V DC outlet (cigarette lighter) or a Direct Wire cord that is hard wired into your vehicle.

The SmartCord Live! coiled power cord features a DC vehicle adapter, Mini USB Jack that connects your computer to download software updates, a USB Jack so you can charge another device with the DC adapter simultaneously, a modular connector to connect and power your Beltronics or Escort radar detectors, an alert light, a Power/Bluetooth light, an ESCORT Live! Report Button (Push to manually report alerts to other users or reconnect SmartCord Live! to your smartphone) and a mute button.

The SmartCord Live! Direct Wire uses a tiny console interface with a Mini USB Jack that connects your computer to download software updates, a modular connector to connect and power your Beltronics or Escort radar detector, an alert light, a Power/Bluetooth light, an ESCORT Live! Report Button (Push to manually report alerts to other users or reconnect SmartCord Live! to your smartphone) and a mute button.

Both plug-in power cord and direct wire versions offer the real-time ticket protection network, Escort's DEFENDER Database of speed cameras, red light cameras and speed traps, GPS-powered speed-limit data for over-speed alerts, Truelock™ to help eliminate false alerts, the capability to receive live traffic data for your current location and mark locations for future reference.

Then there is the smartphone app. The ESCORT Live!™ smartphone app is available for both iPhone and Android. It connects to Escort's database to obtain and display the latest information available on speed cameras, speed traps and speed limit data, including band, signal strength and frequency. Previous ESCORT Live™ events tagged across the network are noted with an "approaching live alert" message and an arrow indicating the location direction and distance from the source of the alert. A "heat map" icon marks the coordinate location of the alert and changes color and transparency based on alert relevance. The app can display a compass heading, the speed of your vehicle and over-speed alerts and offers dashboard and map views with customizable settings. You can also use the app to access settings and manage alerts on your radar detector.

The Escort Live! Android or iPhone app must be connected in order to use these features. The iPhone version works with iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS using 4.1 iOS or later. The Android Version works with Android OS 2.2 or later.

SmartCord Live! is compatible with Escort PASSPORT 9500ix, RedLine, and most PASSPORT 8500 X50 Models. These detectors will be updated with the latest software automatically and some models will receive Escort's traffic sensor rejection (TSR) software as well. If you purchased the Passport 8500 X50 before 2008, you should call Buy Radar Detectors Toll Free at 1-800-584-1445 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm ET to determine compatibility before purchase.

As you probably know, radar detectors not physically installed or hard wired into a vehicle are usually mounted toward the front of it in one of two ways, either stuck to the dashboard or stuck to the windshield, typically using suction cups. For the most part, this method of attachment works reasonably well, with a few caveats. Suction cups that don't maintain suction, those that mark up or discolor the surface of the windshield glass over prolonged use (sometimes permanently) and loose, dangling wires obstructing your view of the road are all common complaints. But what if you could eliminate all of those annoyances and keep your radar detector within reach? What if you could mount it rigidly and securely, yet with great flexibility? Well, guess what? Now you can, with a BlendMount.

BlendMount mounts your Beltronics, Escort or Valentine One radar detector directly to your rear view mirror. This innovative solution greatly reduces or eliminates the clutter from your windshield or dashboard associated with traditional mounting kits. BlendMount tucks the detector neatly under the mirror. It fastens securely to the mirror so it won't slip, slide or "lose suction". Yet it's also adjustable, featuring a bracket that can rotate 20 degrees so you can position your radar detector for the best coverage and performance possible.

The BlendMount mirror mount system also allow your detector to be more discreet and out of the way. Without the windshield and dashboard clutter, you can see more of the road ahead instead of all the stuff in front of it. This helps you concentrate on driving and promotes safety.

For an even cleaner and more discreet mounting solution, the BlendMount can be hard wired into your auto-dimming or powered rear view mirror with the optional MirrorTap Power Cord. This 24 gauge wire cord with braided flexible sleeve and 2 amp inline fuse taps directly into the wire harness of your mirror and connects to 12V power in your vehicle. The installation is easy and can be completed in a few minutes. However, for those who are not inclined to do it themselves, an optional InstallCard Direct Wire Installation service can be purchased with the BlendMount for professional installation.

BlendMount is made of hand crafted black anodized aluminum and is durable, lightweight and secure. It is also made in the USA. BlendMount is custom designed for each vehicle and there is a version available for most popular makes and models, although not all. Before purchasing a BlendMount, check this list to find out which BlendMount fits your vehicle!

Beltronics has just introduced 4 new models: the Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 300, and Pro 500. This is certainly the biggest shake-up of the Beltronics product lineup in years. In this post, we're going to dig a little deeper and find out exactly what the differences are between these new additions to the Professional Series lineup. Let's start with the basics.

Sensitivity and Range

Like Beltronics has done in the past, these models are shown on the box to have improved range as you go from low end to high end models. Beltronics uses the strange and vague measuring stick "others in its class". The Pro 100 is said to have 6 times the range of "others in its class", the Pro 200 is 8 times the range of "others in its class", and the Pro 300 has 10 times the range. This isn't mentioned on the Pro 500 box, so I think that we are to believe that it has the same performance as the Pro 300.

The now discontinued Vector series was marketed this way in the past but many independent tests found that there was little or no difference in range between those models. If you take Beltronics' word for it and want the best performance, go with the Pro 300. We are anxious to see what independent tests show as the true sensitivity differences.

Quick Summary Chart

If you don't care to read the details, the information above is summarized in the nice, concise chart below:

*The Pro 500 has a GPS built-in and therefore knows how fast your vehicle is going. Band sensitivity in "Auto" mode is automatically adjusted based on the speed of your vehicle, so no traditional "City" mode is necessary. The Pro 500 does have an "Auto No X" mode, which completely disables X band while in Auto mode.

Earlier this year we told you about a new line of radar detectors unveiled by Cobra at the 2012 Consumer Electonics Show. This new product line, called Vedetta Ultimate Detection Systems, is expected to offer up to a 30% increase in performance over Cobra's current flagship model . According to Cobra, the new Vedetta series is revolutionary and will set the new standard in radar/laser detection systems.

As an Authorized Cobra dealer, We have been informed that the Cobra Vedetta series is due to launch very soon! Cobra will initially offer three three models in this series: the SLR 500, SLR 600 and SLR 650G. Below is a brief overview of these models. Note that actual prices may vary on release.

NOW AVAILABLE! Vedetta SLR 500 Radar/Laser Detector (MSRP $209.95) - Radar and laser detection with 2.4-inch TFT color LCD display on a multi-axis hinge. Display can be rotated 270 degrees vertically and 60 degrees horizontally. A ball-socket suction cup mounting bracket allows for mounting almost anywhere on the windshield or dash. Features include back-lit Touch-point Controls and Quad-Level IntelliShield&#174 False Signal Filtering to reduce false alerts in urban areas. Also features Voice Alert&#174 to help you keep your eyes on the road.

NOW AVAILABLE!
Vedetta SLR 600 Radar/Laser Detector (MSRP $239.95) - In addition to the standard radar/laser detection features offered in the Vedetta line, this model includes 6 user-selectable color themes.

NOW AVAILABLE! Vedetta SLR 650G Radar/Laser/Camera Detector (MSRP $309.95) - In addition to the other features of the SLR 600, the SLR 650G includes an integrated GPS receiver and free, lifetime access to its AURA™ national database of speed/red-light cameras and known speed trap locations.

The Cobra Vedetta Ultimate Detection Systems will be available to order directly from Buy Radar Detectors and will ship immediately from our warehouse as soon as each model is released. Be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter for instant notification as each new Vedetta arrives!