Whistler

UPDATED: This new firmware version is not yet available, as Whistler is currently in the process of making some final tweaks. We will know as soon as the update as available, and will let you know immediately. Check back frequently for updates.

Whistler is close to releasing a firmware update for the XTR-690 and the Pro 78. This update will provides several improvements:

• Improved K and Ka sensitivity with POP mode OFF
• Auto Display Dimming feature improved on the Pro 78. A delay has been added to prevent the display from adjusting when light changes suddenly, such as when driving through a shadowed area.
• The display now "holds" an alert for a few seconds after the signal is lost. During brief alerts, like are seen when a signal is weak, the display would previously reset quickly not providing the driver enough time to identify the band.

Whistler has done a great job in making these improvements, specifically with the K and Ka sensitivity. The display dimming and alert hold issues were first brought up just a few weeks ago in Veil Guy's review of these detectors. I'm truly impressed with how fast Whistler moved to make the improvements.

Veil Guy has received XTR-690 and Pro 78 units with the new firmware, and has already updated his review. He found that the Ka sensitivity (with POP mode detection OFF) was now similar to that of the Bel STi Driver, and even outperformed the STi in some cases.

We are expecting to have units with the new firmware in stock soon, but if you purchased a model with the original firmware you're not out of luck! Whistler is willing to provide current XTR-690 / Pro 78 owners with the update, just call their support number (800-531-0004) to arrange sending in your detector, once the update is available.

The Veil Guy stopped by our offices a couple of weeks ago on his way to Atlanta. While he was here, he picked up a few radar detectors to test during his return trip. Among the models he chose were the Whistler Pro 78 and the Whistler XTR-690.

Over the weekend, he posted a very detailed review of these two models. Here's a quote:

In any event, it is my opinion that these new Whistlers represent two of the greatest values in radar detector ownership, today.
If it is your desire to have a full-featured radar detector which provides good protection against police radar, particularly against Ka-band, and are budget minded, you need not look further than either the Whistler Pro-78 or Whistler XTR-690.

Please check out the entire review, it is definitely the most in-depth look at these Whistler models to date.

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we just received our first shipment of the (much anticipated) Whistler XTR-690 radar detector. We are hoping to get all backorders out today, but any backorder that doesn't go out today will ship Monday. Shipping was held up on these units because of a packaging delay, and because Whistler was finalizing a program to help ensure that only authorized dealers (like us!) are able to sell their products.

The much anticipated Whistler Pro 78 radar detector arrived today, and are now shipping! If you had placed a preorder with us for this model, then your order shipped today and you should have received an email with your tracking number.

For those that aren't aware, the Whistler Pro 78 has the same re-engineered performance of the (much anticipated) XTR-690, and will replace the current Pro 73. Unlike the XTR-690, the Pro 78 will not have a compass, but it will have a better (intense blue text) display and auto display dimming. Like the XTR-690, it will offer a 3 year warranty.

With Whistler's new 2007 models, they are introducing a new feature called the "Dual LED Alert Periscope". The new models have two blue LED's positioned on top, near the rear of the detector. By default, these LEDs will flash rapidly during an alert.

The feedback that we've gotten from customers since we first announced this feature has been mixed. Some love, some think it will be annoying, and many are indifferent. One customer said that he was looking forward to it because he is hard of hearing, and sometimes he is unable to hear alerts. He was hoping that the flashing would be bright enough to catch his attention.

Since we just received our first shipment of the new models, I was excited to take a look at this new feature. On all models except for the XTR-140, there are three modes for this setting: ON, OFF, and BLINKING. Those who find the flashing lights annoying will like the OFF option. In ON, the LEDs are always on -- not just during an alert -- and are steady. With the BLINKING option, the lights are off until the detector alerts, and then the LEDs flash -- this option is the default.

I have not done a true road test with these Whistler radar detectors yet, but I did snap a few pictures with the lights off and on to get a sense of how visible the LEDs would be. My impression is that in the light the LEDs would be noticeable, but probably not enough to be counted on to grab you attention 100% of the time. At night, however, they stand out very well and would definitely grab your attention.


I will test out one of these models in my car for a few days and update these results. Also, I look forward to hearing your feedback.

We just received 4 of Whistler's new 2007 models: the XTR-500, XTR-330, XTR-260, and XTR-140. These are now in stock and ready to ship. A brief breakdown of the feature differences between these new models was provided in a previous blog post. The much anticipated XTR-690 and Pro 78 are not yet available, but are due in mid-April.

I think the look of these new models is much improved from previous models. The detectors are fairly small with a crisp, clean look. Here's a pic of the new XTR-500:

And here is a pic that shows the size difference compared to an XTR-325 and a DE-1734. A $10 bill is included as a frame of reference.

We're looking forward to receiving some feedback from customers on these new models, and will be sure to pass it on when as receive it!

We've already broke the news about the XTR-690, but today we were able to get a look at the entire lineup of new Whistler detectors. Whistler did not have any working models, only prototypes, so I was not able to take any pictures.

Whistler has 8 models that they consider "New for 2007", two of which are already available: the XTR-185 and XTR-190. All current models starting with "DE" other than the 1788 will be slowly phased out. The XTR-425 will be discontinued as well.

There are 6 new, unreleased "XTR" series models: the 690, 500, 330, 260, and 140. These models have a new design that really looks great. They are smaller and look more streamlined than last years models (325, 425, 560), and all generally look similar to the image that we have up for the XTR-690. All of the new models have the "periscope" alert LED's, which are two alert lights on the top of the detector.

A new Pro series model, the Whistler Pro 78, will replace the Pro 73 and have the same re-engineered performance of the XTR-690. These two models are slightly larger than the others, and will be the only models to offer the improved performance.

The following is a basic feature summary of each new model.

XTR-690 - See this page.

Pro 78 - Same features of the XTR-690, but no compass. The Pro 78 will have an intense blue text display like the Pro 73, and will feature "auto-dim"

XTR-500 - Red text display, voice alerts, POP mode detection.

XTR-330 - Icon display with red numeric signal strength meter, POP mode detection, voice alerts.

XTR-260 - Icon display with blue numeric signal strength meter, dual alert display.

XTR-140 - Low end model. Similar in features to the current DE-1733 except that it will offer 3 city modes.

UPDATE 3/14/07 - The following models are now in stock: XTR-500, XTR-330, XTR-260, XTR-140

UPDATE 4/16/07 - Whistler Pro 78 now in stock.

Thanks to everyone who inquired today about pre-ordering the Whistler XTR-690. Unfortunately, there are still a few pricing issues that need to be worked through, so we've decided to wait until after CES (Jan. 8-11) to offer pre-ordering through the web site. MSRP will definitely be $229.95, but there is still some question as to what the actual retail price will be.

I have also updated the previous post with a correction, and some info that I left off yesterday.

In less than two weeks, at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Whistler will announce the new XTR-690 radar detector. This new detector will sport a re-engineered antenna which, according to Whistler, will deliver range very similar to that of a high-end Bel or Escort model. The best news is that this new model will sell for around half the price of a Bel / Escort! This kind of performance has been simply unheard of in this price range, making this a potentially far-reaching announcement.

Obviously we have to remain somewhat skeptical until the performance can be independently verified, but the Whistler technician that I have spoken with seems very confident. They have tested prototypes of the new engine against Bel / Escort models, and found the performance to be similar.

Performance aside, the XTR-690 will also differ physically from previous XTR series models. Take a look at the following drawing:

No, those are not dual rear "laser eyes" near the back of the detector. The second "eye" is a "periscope" alert LED, an interesting new attempt to grab your attention when you get an alert. The buttons will be laser etched, which is a nice touch. The 690 will not support the colored "trim rings" that could be used with some other models. The display will be blue backlit with black text like is currently found on the XTR-425, XTR-560, and 1788:

Other new features include a battery voltage meter, and true VG-2 immunity (instead of cloaking).
The expected availability date for the XTR-690 will be April 2. We have an arrangement with Whistler, and will begin accepting pre-orders for this model very soon. More on that in the coming days.

UPDATE (12.28.06): Yesterday, I mentioned that the XTR-690 would have one "periscope" alert LED opposite the rear laser sensor. This is correct but, in addition, the rear laser sensor will also function as an alert LED, giving the 690 dual "periscope" alert LEDs.

We have also received several questions asking if false alerts would be reduced. A Whistler technician has confirmed that we will see fewer falses with the XTR-690.

Well, the holiday shopping season is now over but don't let that stop you from taking advantage of this special! We have the Whistler SRT-30R and Whistler SRT-35R radar detectors available now at $34.99 and $39.99, respectively. These models were created exclusively for Radio Shack, and sold there for as much as $80. Radio Shack was not able to sell as many as they planned, so we took advantage of an opportunity to pick them up at a great price. Of course, we're passing the savings on to you.

The SRT-30R is a very basic model, similar in performance and features to the DE-1732. The SRT-35R is a slightly larger model that ads a bright icon display and 3 city modes, comparable to the DE-1734C. If you're in the market for a budget detector, this deal is for you.