This article reviews the recently released Sony NV-U53 satellite navigation system. Sony is a name you might not immediately associate with sat nav systems but the NV-U53 performed very well.
The NV-U53 is at the budget end of the Sony nav-u range but still packs a good punch. There are a few minor niggles but overall this is an impressive looking device.
This is what you get in the box.
Contents
- Sony NV-U53
- Vehicle suction cup mount
- Vehicle power cable
- USB computer cable
- Quick start guide
- CD-ROM containing application software
Detailed Specifications
- Pre-loaded NAVTEQ 2007 UK and Ireland maps
- Full 7 digit UK postcode entry
- 4.3” widescreen touch screen display
- 512Mb resident flash memory and Memory Stick Duo support
- Dynamic Route Information displaying what’s coming next on your route
- Points of Interest (POI)
- Gesture command allows you to trace figures on screen to be taken to frequent destinations
- Multi-language support
- SiRF III GPS receiver
- Intel PXA270 300Mhz processor
- USB 2.0
- Dimensions (mm) 133W x 79H x 20D
- Weight approx 210g
- Cradle with gel layer suction support
- Battery Capacity 890mAH
First Thoughts
The NV-U53 is an impressive looking device. The widescreen looks fantastic and the whole device has a nice sturdy feel to it. The Sony is slim and compact, fitting easily in a coat pocket.
The NV-U53 comes with a quick start guide covering over 20 pages which is sufficient to get you started. If you require any further information then the CD-ROM contains a PDF manual covering over 100 pages. The Sony is so easy to use though that you probably won’t refer to the manual much anyway.
When you first switch on the device you are guided through the startup configuration wizard. This wizard will allow you to setup the language, distance unit (miles or km), brightness (day, night or automatic), time format (12 or 24hr clock), and home address.
The only disappointment was the lack of a wall socket AC charger in the box. This means you can only charge the Sony by plugging the USB cable into a computer, or by plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle. You could always buy an AC charger separately but Sony should have really included one for the price.
GPS Signal
The NV-U53 comes with a built-in SiRF III GPS receiver. I’ve found these GPS receivers to be very good on other sat nav systems and the Sony performed just as well. You can establish a GPS signal even inside buildings provided you are situated close to a window.
The very first time you use this device it does take longer to establish a satellite signal, but thereafter a satellite signal is established quicker.
Maps
The NV-U53 comes with pre-installed NAVTEQ 2007 maps of UK and Ireland. I found the mapping software extremely accurate, in fact on a couple of tests it performed better than Garmin and TomTom. Some sat nav systems I find can miscalculate the number of exit points from a roundabout but the Sony worked perfectly each time.
There is also partial map coverage for France and Belgium, but you’ll need to purchase separate maps if you want to seriously use the Sony around Europe.
Screen
The wide screen display is one of the best features of the Sony. It makes using the device so much easier. All the touch screen controls are well laid out and easy to use.
Some sat nav systems require you to enter navigation details with a stylus using an on-screen keyboard. I’m not a big fan of those systems. I find them fiddly to use and I often end up pressing the wrong button.
The Sony on the other hand is a joy to use. All the on-screen buttons are large enough to operate without a stylus. It is much more intuitive that way too. You can enter navigation details much faster with your finger than with a stylus.
A larger screen also means there is room to display more detailed map information, such as Point of Interest (POI) and other useful navigation data.
My only complaint is that sometimes I found myself having to press the on-screen buttons more than once before being accepted. I tried recalibrating the screen but this problem persisted. This may have been a specific problem to the system I tested but it happened a sufficient number of times that it was worth including in this review.
Navigation
You can navigate to a destination by either entering an address, selecting from a list of recent destinations, or searching for a Point of Interest (POI) either locally or nationwide.
Full 7 digit UK postcode entry is supported. The only snag is that you cannot enter a house number when navigating to a postcode. I could only enter a house number when entering the address details manually by typing the city and street name. This is only a minor niggle but it would be nice to see this supported in a future release.
If you want to navigate to a particular Point of Interest (POI) such as a car park or restaurant then you can do that too. You can also search for a POI by name or by category.
One of the features I like is the auto zoom feature. Once you’ve planned a route it zooms out to show the entire route on the map, then once you start driving it zooms into street level. This is quite nice if you want to see a quick overview of your route before driving.
Another nice feature is road names included in the voice directions, for example “take the 3rd exit from the roundabout onto the A4”. That feature is not available on some more expensive sat nav systems so the Sony manages to outscore them in this department.
The manual states that the Sony supports a simulation mode but I was unable to get this feature to work, despite configuring the appropriate option in the settings screen. My guess is that this feature is only available on the more expensive sat nav systems in the Sony nav-u range.
The Sony also supports a Route Planning feature which enables you to add interim points to your journey. If there are several destinations you need to travel to in a single day then you will find this feature useful.
If you take a detour or wrong turn whilst travelling then the Sony will recalculate the route and get you back on track. The Sony will advise you to take a U turn at first but will quickly recalculate the route if you continue driving in the same direction.
One of the great features of a widescreen sat nav system are large maps which are clear and easy to read. The map display is bright and easy to read in all light conditions. My only niggle is that the Points of Interest (POI) icons displayed on the map are a bit small. They could be made a bit larger so they are easier to identify whilst driving.
At the top of each map is a status bar which displays the current time, GPS signal and battery indicator. The Sony should get the correct time from the GPS signal, but in my tests it never showed the correct time, even with a valid GPS signal. I tried doing a factory reset but this problem persisted. I’m not sure if this was just a fault with my system or a more general problem on all devices.
Directly below the status bar is a box showing the distance to your destination and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). Below this are two boxes on the left hand side of the screen which show the next turn instruction plus the next instruction after that. This can be quite useful to see at a glance what direction you need to take after the current turn.
At the bottom of the screen is a status bar showing the current street name and next street name. This status bar also includes an Option menu where you can customise various settings on the Sony. There is also a cross-hair button. If you press that button you can then scroll the map by dragging your finger across the screen. This is a nice feature if you want to scroll beyond what is currently displayed on the screen.
On the right-hand side of the screen is a volume button where you can quickly adjust the volume. This saves the hassle of navigating through the various menu options to access the same feature.
On the left hand side of the screen is a View button which enables you to toggle between 3 views:
- Map view. This is the default map view like you get on other sat nav systems.
- Map view with upcoming Points of Interest (POI). With this view a list of upcoming POI like petrol stations or restaurants is displayed on the right hand side of the screen. This can be useful for seeing at a glance how far you need to travel before reaching a POI on your route.
- Dynamic route information. No map is displayed in this view. This screen will show all Points of Interest (POI) along your route. You could use this view to figure out the best place to stop for petrol or how many miles until the next restaurant. It also shows the distance to your destination and ETA.
If you want to view the entire route you can do that too from the Options menu. There is also a Voice button on the left hand side of the screen which when pressed will repeat the current turn instruction.
I gave the Sony a good workout, both in rural and urban areas. It performed excellently on all occasions, navigating me correctly to each destination. I found the navigation capabilities of the Sony as good as Garmin and TomTom.
Suction Cup and Cradle
The Sony NV-U53 suction cup can be placed either on the dashboard or windscreen. I liked the ability to place the Sony on the dashboard rather than stick it on the windscreen. I found the gel suction cup worked very well on the dashboard.
I had no problems with the suction cup becoming unstuck whilst driving. The suction cup is also easy to remove afterwards and doesn’t leave any marks on your dashboard.
I also liked the power cable that connects the Sony to the cigarette lighter socket. The cable is around 7 feet long when completely unwound which allows you room to place the Sony wherever you like in your car. If you want to tuck the cable away somewhere then you have plenty of room to do that.
Some GPS systems use a thick coiled wire for the power cable which I don’t find long enough (like what you get on a telephone for example). I find these a bit restrictive and cumbersome to use since you’re limited in where you can position the GPS device. The Sony uses an uncoiled and much narrower cable and as a result doesn’t get in the way when driving.
Volume
The volume can easily be adjusted from the main screen. Unlike some sat nav systems, it does not support automatic volume adjustment depending on the speed you are travelling, but I didn’t find this a problem. The Sony has a decent built-in speaker which produces loud and crisp voice instructions. You can leave the volume at the default settings and that should be sufficient.
Gesture Commands
Gesture commands are a quick way to access commonly used functions rather than having to trawl through multiple menu systems to access a function. You simply draw a pre-designated shape on the screen to access a particular function.
For example, if you draw a line from left to right on the screen then a list of nearby petrol stations is displayed. Drawing a line from right to left lists nearby car parks. Drawing a vertical line displays nearby food and drink outlets. Drawing a point sign will direct you to your home destination.
Quite a neat idea this which I haven’t seen on other sat nav systems. It worked fine in testing.
System Settings
There are many settings which can be customized. The main ones are as follows:
Points of Interest (POI) Settings
This screen allows you to set which POI are displayed on the map. If you’re only interested in certain POI being displayed on the map like petrol stations or restaurants then you’ll find this feature useful. You can also define which quick links you want associated with each gesture command.
Route Profile
The following profiles are supported – fast car, standard car, slow car, motorcycle, lorry, bicycle, pedestrian. For example, if you select pedestrian mode then the Sony will ignore one-way street restrictions.
Although there is a motorcycle mode, the Sony is only designed for interior car use. It does not have a waterproof or dustproof protective coating for outside use.
Fast route, optimum route, short route and nice route profiles are supported. The default setting is fast route and I found this option worked fine.
Optimum route will use the quickest route if a detour corresponds to a reasonable time saving. Nice route will favour routes that are pleasant to drive, although I haven’t had a chance to try out this feature yet.
If you want to allow, avoid or forbid use of motorways, toll roads and ferries, then these options can be set too.
General Settings
There are a host of settings available here, the main items being listed below:
- volume
- navigation view 2D or 3D
- auto zoom yes or no
- show street names yes or no
- show speed and orientation yes or no
- show distance and ETA yes or no
- show signposts yes or no
- distance unit in kilometres or miles
- time format in AM/PM or 24hr clock
- language
- map style – day, night or automatic
- brightness day
- brightness night
- activate advanced warnings
- speed monitoring
- factory reset
- screen calibration
The activate advanced warnings and speed monitoring features refer to safety cameras. You need to register the product with Sony before these features are activated.
Safety Cameras
The Sony comes with a free 12 month safety camera subscription but you need to register the product first before this feature is available to use. Once registered you receive an activation code which enables the safety camera feature. If you want access to safety camera updates after the first year then you will need to pay a subscription.
I would have preferred speed camera warnings out of the box without the need to register at the Sony web site. I don’t like being forced to divulge personal data just to activate certain product features, but this is just a minor niggle on my part.
Further information for European customers can be found here:
http://www.navu.sony-europe.com/consumer/selectCountry.do
A comprehensive FAQ for the NV-U53 safety camera function and other features can be found here:
http://support.sony-europe.com/faq/faq.asp?l=en&c=eve&f=nav_u3&m=NV-U53
Points of Interest (POI)
The Sony NV-U53 has a decent size points of interest (POI) database installed. Using this feature it will show POI, such as hotels, petrol stations and restaurants that are nearby your current location. You can also search POI for a particular town or nationwide if required.
Once a POI has been selected you can view additional details, such as the phone number for that amenity. You can also navigate to your chosen POI.
I had no problems using the POI features. Although not as comprehensive as the Garmin Nuvi 250W it provided a good selection of POI in my local area.
It is also worth mentioning that you cannot download external POI onto the Sony. If you like editing or adding POI to your sat nav system then you might find this a problem.
Summary
There are a couple of funny quirks with this device, such as not being able to enter a house number when navigating to a postcode, button presses sometimes being ignored, and not displaying the correct time, but overall this is a very nice sat nav system that performed very well.
The wide screen is excellent. This combined with the slimline looks makes this an attractive looking piece of hardware. The large touch screen controls are well laid out and easy to use.
The Sony NV-U53 doesn’t do enough to topple the Garmin Nuvi 250W. The Nuvi is still the better device overall with more features, a better POI database and speed camera warnings out of the box with no activation required. The Sony does manage to outscore the Nuvi in a couple of departments though, such as road names included in the voice directions.
When you consider the price tag, which is under £150, the Sony represents excellent value for money for a widescreen sat nav system. Definitely worth keeping on your shortlist.
Pros
- Large screen
- Strong GPS signal
- Accurate up-to-date mapping software
- Voice directions include road names
- Easy to use on screen controls
Cons
- No wall socket AC power charger – need to buy one separately
- Buttons sometimes need pressing more than once
- Unable to enter house numbers when navigating by postcode
- Incorrect time displayed in status bar despite good GPS signal
- Speed cameras only activated once product registered with Sony
Update
Sony are recalling NV-U53 sat nav systems that have the time problem, offering a free swap to the more expensive NV-U73T as a goodwill gesture. Phone Sony technical support for details.
If like the look of the NV-U53 but want TMC and European mapping then take a look at the NV-U73 review.
Where to buy
Buy the Sony NV-U53G from Lemon Digital. Quote “Technical Itch” when ordering to receive a special price discount.
Buy the Sony NV-U53G Widescreen Sat Nav from Amazon.
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426 responses so far ↓
1 Tabitha // Nov 9, 2007 at 9:40 pm
There are so many new GPS models coming out! I can’t wait to see the TomTom ONE XL-S - it looks and sounds awesome!
2 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 10, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Hello,
I’ve just received this sat nav and found the time to be incorrect as well. The GPS time is correct but onscreen display is not.
Also find when you it shows the time to the destination the time is incorrect. In my case showing trips of 30 mins taking 6 hrs!!
Overall happy with the SATNAV however if Sony can’t resolve the time issue it will need to be returned. I really need to know the correct time of arrival.
3 Dean // Nov 11, 2007 at 8:56 am
Thanks for the message Darrel. The time problem is not just on the system I tested then.
Hopefully these issues can be fixed in a future firmware release because overall it is a nice device.
4 Mark // Nov 11, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I recently purchased the same sat nav I was very impressed overal but just like you said the time is correct on the sat nav but not showing on the display I did however find that if you reset the unit at dead on 12 pm or 00.00 it would solve the problem of displaying the proper time but this must be done at midnight for it to work properly
5 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 11, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Mark,
Thanks for the information. Will wait up this evening to try. Do you mean to reset to factor default? Also does it keep the time correct forever or only a certain amount of days?
Cheers
D.
6 Brendan // Nov 11, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I bought this system yesterday, and agree with most of the comments. The time display is a real annoyance. I don’t think Sony should make people stay up until midnight to start using the system! Otherwise this is a nifty piece of tech. And have been simulating several journeys on the screen without difficulty - so it doesn’t seem to be just for higher speced models.
7 Garth // Nov 12, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Great in depth review. I know in the past Sony SatNavs had a reputation for being a little flaky. Hopefully the time problem with this model will be resolved via a firmware update or something?
8 Dean // Nov 12, 2007 at 8:45 pm
I’m currently road testing the Sony NV-U51and will write up a review on this site in a few weeks time. It doesn’t appear to suffer with the time problem as it displayed the correct time the first time I switched it on.
So it sounds like the time problem doesn’t affect all systems across the nav-u range. Maybe it is just the NV-U53 with the problem?
9 Matt // Nov 13, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Hi
I sell Sony products and our stock has been recalled due a problem with the earlier released units (to do with the time issue that you all have mentioned), however we have just got the new ones in and they seem fine, you could possibly try and contact sony or your place of purchase to see what could be done. Hope you all get it sorted.
Great job on the review though. Thanks again.
10 Dean // Nov 13, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Thanks for the message Matt. I thought it must have been a faulty batch of stock. I can see this system selling well in the run up to Christmas. Glad you liked the review.
11 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 14, 2007 at 12:39 pm
hi all,
Can anyone check out the following for me?
Used the SATNAV for a trip to Cambridge and was booked into a hotel, the SATNAV would not find post codes in Cambridge!!
The post code Was CB23 8EU for a example the hotel.
Can someone else check this out because my satnav has no idea on cambridge post codes with that address.
Also on a long trip the arrival time changed to the early hours and was incorrect!!
I’ve also reset the Time at midnight and it reflects the correct time, as posted above it seems there was a problem batch and I’m going to return.
Very interested in other peoples finding on Cambridge.
Cheers,
Darrel
12 Dean // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I’m seeing the same issue on the Sony NV-U51.
It looks like a problem with the postcode numbering system.
I went to the Royal Mail postcode finder web site, entered CB23 8EU, and it displayed a map of that location. I then picked a nearby street, for example Acorn Avenue.
If you navigate to that street manually on the Sony by entering the town and street name, rather than by postcode, the Sony thinks Acorn Avenue is in postcode CB3 8.
It looks like the Sony is missing the number 2 from the postcode.
I then tried entering a postcode of CB3 8EU (without the 2) into the Sony and it seemed to navigate to the same destination as that hotel.
Give that a go on your Sony and let me know if it works.
Strange eh!
13 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Dean,
Yea you spot on if I miss out the 2, I get there. It’s a little worrying to be honest. I had to go back into work to find the hotel..lol
Have you seen the problem were your ETA Time changes? It’s happening to me a lot!!!
Using it again tomorrow on a trip to Manchester.
To be honest as I said before I find the mapping, the directions spot on. I like that it calls out road names, much better than the TOMTOM XL I was using (borrowed). What it’s lacking is the full post code with number, and now this little GEM with Cambridge.
I’m sure all these could be fixed with a FLASH, but hope Sony sort it soon.
D.
14 Dean // Nov 16, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I’m not seeing the ETA time problem, but that is probably because I’m currently road testing the NV-U51 which hasn’t suffered any of the problems seen with the NV-U53.
Hopefully there will be a firmware release for that date problem. Have you tried phoning Sony?
15 Brendan // Nov 18, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Having contacted Sony, I have been told that they are arranging a swap for anyone with the NV-U53G which has that clock problem (to the NVU73). I suggest an e-mail to Sony customer support for anyone with this issue.
16 Dean // Nov 18, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Brendan - thanks for letting us know. It’s nice to see Sony offering a swap for the NV-U73. I’ll look into that.
17 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 20, 2007 at 5:21 pm
All for information I too contact Sony and getting a replacement and upgrade to NV-u73.
Was told on the phone that the product is being recalled!
At least some good from it all
18 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 21, 2007 at 3:05 pm
All,
Thought I would let you know got my NV-U73T upgrade today, all the same but it now has TMC on it. However Sony do not provide this yet for this model!! lol What next!
Oh yes it still has problems with Cambridge post codes CB23 8EU for example again..
Dam shame really
19 Dean // Nov 22, 2007 at 1:07 pm
My replacement NV-U73T arrived today. Looks like a nice system with full European maps too which is a bonus. Hopefully Sony will provide the TMC soon.
I’ve already activated the speed cameras which include traffic light cams and average speed cams. It also has speed warnings by the looks of it.
I plan to write up a full review once I’ve road tested it for a few weeks.
20 Nigel // Nov 24, 2007 at 8:39 am
I’ve just bought the NV U53. I’ve tried to register product on the sony website but I can’t access the Device ID. As a consequence I can’t access the codes for Speed Camera sites. I’ve followed the help instructions but my system won’t let me access the TMC Info screen.
Where do I go now?
21 Dean // Nov 24, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Nigel - Can you confirm if you’ve read the help instructions at the following link
If you have, let me know and I’ll try and help further.
22 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 1, 2007 at 11:42 am
Sony are now providing the NV-73T with TMC
Cost £20 for lifetime, which I think is really really good.
23 Dean // Dec 1, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve gone ahead and paid the £20 and activated TMC. I will be taking the Sony down to London in a couple of weeks so I will see how the TMC performs.
I’ve got TMC already on a Sony NV-U51 but never managed to get any reception where I live. I hope the TMC reception is better in other areas?
Let me know how you get on.
24 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 2, 2007 at 12:21 pm
No worries, I’m going to set it up this evening, I’m off to London for two days from tomorrow. So will be able to test it heading down the M4
Will keep you updated.
25 Paul/C. // Dec 3, 2007 at 11:17 am
Seriously think of buying this but other review states that it is not Vista compatible! Anyone confirm for me please?
26 Dean // Dec 3, 2007 at 7:17 pm
I haven’t tried the Sony on Vista. I did read a review posted on Amazon saying it was not Vista compatible.
The Sony support web site says that all devices are Vista compatible or under investigation, and if there are problems to contact them.
Not sure what to make of that statement.
Maybe someone else knows more?
27 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 5:19 pm
hi all
I have now bought the u-82 with the huge 4.8 screen after returning my u-53 and it works just brilliantly well impressed best device I have owned by a long shot (and I have owned most of the others ie tom tom and garmin) value for money 10-10
28 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 7, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Mark,
Does the U-82 have the post code problem?
29 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 9:04 pm
hi
30 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 9:07 pm
hi
Darrel
I have had no problems with it and I have had it over two weeks and I use it about 40 times a day is there any postcode in particular you want me to check out
mark
31 Mike // Dec 7, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I bought this from Halfords 1 week ago for £150 it’s so far proved excellent and my device doesn’t suffer from the incorrect time problem.
32 Dean // Dec 8, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Mark - The problem with postcodes was in Cambridge. An example is CB23 8EU. Are you able to enter that postcode into your NV-U82 ?
33 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 8, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Mark,
Also does it allow you to select a house number when using a post code or have the same problem
34 bill // Dec 9, 2007 at 11:31 am
Cambridge postcodes changed in September 2006 (54000 of them) so presumably the new ones still haven’t made it into these models! See
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/16Sep_PU43_double_quote.txt
Has anyone tried TMC on NV-U73 yet?
35 colin // Dec 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm
sonys website says that “Dynamic Re-Routing via TMC (Traffic Message Channel)” is optional on the u53, but i thought that it doesnt have this function.
Or can you buy an accessory aerial and use the TMC function?
36 Dean // Dec 9, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Colin - That looks like a mistake on the Sony website, since their FAQ and Troubleshooting page states that the NV-U53 does not support TMC. If you want TMC I suggest the NV-U73.
Bill - I haven’t tested TMC on the NV-U73 yet. I will driving along the M4 to London on Tuesday and will try it out then. I’ll post back with how I get on.
37 Murray Gallacher // Dec 10, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Can I confirm that TMC isn’t available on the U53? What is the main difference between the U53 and the U82? I am currently undecided as to what sat nav to choose, would you recommend the sony system over the TomTom One?
38 Dean // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Murray - The U53 does not have TMC.
The main difference between the U53 and the U82 is that the U82 has an ultra widescreen, 4.8” compared to the 4.3” on the U53. The U82 also supports TMC.
The U82 also apparently has better GPS positioning, especially in areas where a signal can be interrupted temporarily, such as in tunnels.
The only advantage for the U53 is slightly more up-to-date maps (2007), the U82 maps (mid 2006) are about 6 months older than the U53.
I don’t have any experience of the TomTom One but it seems to have good reviews on Amazon.
I like the Sony, it’s a great device. It has some nice touches like a gel suction cup that leaves no marks on the windscreen. Quite useful in deterring potential thieves.
A good test for any sat nav system is how well it is supported by the manufacturer, in terms of maps and firmware updates.
Since the Sony are fairly new devices we will have to wait and see how good the support is. But so far I have been impressed.
39 Murray Gallacher // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Thanks for your reply, i might wait a little for the U73T, which hasn’t arrived yet on amazon, it’s the 53 with traffic as far as I can tell. Although I do question the necessity for the traffic, it’s coverage is less than amazing up in Scotland!
40 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 11, 2007 at 9:20 am
Murray,
I currently have the Sony U-73T, however before receiving this I used a friend’s TOMTOM XL.
In regards to directions I find the Sony much better it seems much more spot on in regard to telling you when to turn etc. It also tell’s you the road name to use! The TOMTOM does not.
The screen I feel is much better than the TOMTOM and much more slimmer easier to fit into a coat when away from car, the screen also switched between daylight and nightmode. On the TOMTOM you need to manual switch.
The traffice camera warning is not as good as the TOMTOM I feel some times my Sony alerts me of speed camera that maybe on another road a little futher down.
Another downside to the Sony the the PostCode search it allows you to enter the post code but not the house number. Which can cause problems if your dest is a long street! The TOMTOM allows you to enter numbers which is a plus+
However if I had to choose between the two and the post code feature was not a problem with you I would pick the SONY. Due to the mapping and direction + it has.
41 nick workman // Dec 11, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I too have this problem with the clock, but there is no mention on the sony nav u site about it, nor is there any sensible contact details for sony. Can anyone provide a direct telephone number to contact them, with regards swapping the unit?
Thanks in advance.
Nick
42 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 11, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Nick,
The telephone number I used was: 08705 111 999
They should provide you with a NV-U73 as a replacement and a show of good will.
Good luck!!
43 nick workman // Dec 11, 2007 at 6:06 pm
darrell
thanks for that, however the number appears unavailable.
tried ringing off my mobile this afternoon and it seems to be dead.
any idea’s?
Nick
44 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 12, 2007 at 9:53 am
Nick,
Works for just dialed it this morning, this number is charges 7.5p minute are you allowed to dial these numbers?
It’s the one I used and was not on the phone long and seeing you will get an upgrade worth it
45 Dean // Dec 12, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I didn’t drive up to London on Tuesday so didn’t get a chance to test out the TMC. I will be testing out TMC over the next 3 weeks so will let everyone know how I get on.
I would be interested to hear how other people get on with TMC. Anyone had any luck getting a signal?
46 nick workman // Dec 13, 2007 at 5:47 am
got it darell
was my mobile not able to dial out
there is also a direct line which is 01932 816000.
They did arrange for a technician to ring me back but he didnt, so i’ll be ringing again at 9am
grr
and agreed, anyone rate the TMC as any good?
Nick
47 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 18, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Dean/Nick,
I enabled TMC on the sony NV-73 used it for a 3 hr car trip yesterday. Got a signal from Classic FM and a few other regional radio stations that broadcast TMC. It alerted me on incidients on the road, however I had a number of false alarms were it reported traffic lane/s closed and there was none.
It pop’s up the warnings and asked you if you want to reroute but I had the feeling if I listened to everything it told me I would increase my travel time by hours!
D.
48 colin // Dec 20, 2007 at 9:52 am
I have now had a u53 u73 and u83 and taken them all back because when they have been fully charged (for about 7 hours) they do not show as fully charged,so i dont know how much charge is left when using it.
The only way to show a full charge is to reset the unit and for £200 i dont want to do this all the time.
I have phoned sony about this and they say they will look into it.
Has anybody else had this problem.I am charging from a usb and they were bought from 3 different shops in a 25 mile radius.
Sounds like a software problem.
49 Dean // Dec 20, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Hi Colin. I don’t see this problem on my U73T. I charged it via the USB cable connected to my PC this morning, after about 2 hours the charge light changed from red to green, indicating the unit was fully charged.
Does the charge light stay red for you?
Also have you tried charging using another PC? Maybe there is not enough USB power to fully charge the unit.
50 colin // Dec 20, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hi Dean. The charge light goes green after about 1.5 hours but no matter how long it is on charge, at switch on it displays the orange half battery charge symbol until it is reset.
Once reset it shows full battery(white battery symbol)and lasts for about two hours.So it is being charged but only shows when reset.
Is your u73 on or off when charging?
51 Dean // Dec 20, 2007 at 5:34 pm
I’ve tried charging my U73 with the unit both on and off. I get the green charge light and the full battery symbol (white battery) when I return to the main screen.
It seems strange you’ve had this problem on 3 different models unless there is some bad stock in your local area?
Have you asked Sony to ship you a replacement?
52 Chas // Dec 22, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hi All
I am thinking about buying a nvu53 unit. There appears to be a compass on the screen but I can’t find any reference to it on the net. Also I want to look at a manual before purchase, any idea where I can download one from? Thanks for the brilliant review. Chas
53 Dean // Dec 22, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Hi Chas.
Glad you liked the review.
There is a small North point indicator displayed at the bottom of the screen. That is the only compass like feature I am aware of.
You can download the manuals here if you want to lookup any more information.
54 Chas // Dec 22, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Hi Dean
Re postcode issue item 12. If you type cb23 8eu into autoroute it won’t find it, cb3 8eu is at the position needed so I would suggest an incorrect postcode is being used. Chas
55 Dean // Dec 23, 2007 at 8:41 am
The Cambridge postcodes were changed in September 2006 (see comment 34). CB23 8EU is now the correct postcode.
Sounds like your autoroute is out of date, just like the Sony
56 Chas // Dec 24, 2007 at 11:01 am
Hi Dean
have borrowed a sony nvu52 and am havung prolems when entering letters on the rh side of the keyboard. Lh side ok but fault gets worse the further right you go, till at the extreme right you have to enter the letter to the left of the one you want!!! Have gone into the screen alignment screen and you can align the centre and left side, but when on the right the unit will not accept alignment. All other buttons to the rh side of all menu pages seem to suffer this. Unit returned to Argos but replacement is still the same. Perhaps you could check this out on your unit. Chas
57 Dean // Dec 24, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Hi Chas,
I haven’t heard of this problem before. I’ve tested the NV-U51, U53 and U73 and the keyboards all worked fine.
Have you tried a factory reset before aligning the screen?
If that doesn’t work I would suggest getting Sony to ship you a replacement in case your local Argos has some bad stock. Sony may upgrade you to the next model up if problems persist.
58 colin // Dec 24, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Number 4 Sony sat nav. Another U53.
This one also wont show full charge when charged by usb.
Sony have now escalated the problem and will call back soon.
Strangely enough when charged in car,it shows as full charge and no need for a reset.
And no sign of a replacement or free upgrade.
59 Dean // Dec 25, 2007 at 9:53 am
Colin - have you tried charging it by USB using another computer?
I’m wondering if your computer is not producing enough power to charge it via USB, since it fully charges when plugged in your car. Hope you get the problem fixed soon.
60 colin // Dec 25, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Ill try that tonight.
But my own pc must be charging it if it shows a full charge and works perfectly after reset and lasts for the full usual time on a charge.
Also the green charge light comes on after about 1.5 hours.
61 colin // Dec 25, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Nope.
Still does it with a different PC
Just have to see what Sony come up with,but i aint holding my breath for a return phonecall.
62 Paul // Dec 26, 2007 at 9:43 am
Hi all
I’m new to SatNav and am looking to get my first one for £120-£140. I’ve narrowed my choice down to the Sony NV U53 and the TomTom One GB XL. Anybody got any opinions either way?
Thanks
63 tim // Dec 26, 2007 at 11:38 am
Just had a NV U53 for XMas - where/how can one get maps to cover europe?
64 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 26, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Paul,
Due to problems I’ve had with the NV-u53 and used to TomTom XL for a little while. I would go with the TOMTOM.
D.
65 Dave // Dec 26, 2007 at 11:24 pm
A couple of quick points I’ve discovered after using the u53 for a while:-
1) Vista users - you’ll need to download the Windows Mobile Device Center. I think it’s mentioned in the FAQs on their website, but it stumped me for a little bit. If you have it installed, don’t forget to enable USB connections.
2) This time issue. I don’t know whether I’ve got it or not. Whenever I turn it on, the GPS time resets to 12.00am and the system time goes to about 2am. However, after a while when it has a satellite lock, the time appears to be correct. Is it worth giving Sony a ring over it?
Cheers,
David.
66 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Tim - I’m not sure if you can install full European maps for the NV-U53. I think you get whatever maps are preinstalled on the device, which only covers down to Paris. But it is definitely worth contacting Sony to check. Can you post a message back letting us know what they say. I would be interested to know, and I’m sure other readers would too. Update: see comment number 68 below.
Dave - Thanks for the Vista information. As for the time issue, the problem was that some Sony devices could not pick up the correct time, even when a GPS signal was available.
When I switch on my NV-U73 it shows the correct time straight away, even without a GPS signal. It doesn’t sound right that the time resets every time you switch it on. I’d give Sony a ring.
67 Gerry // Dec 28, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Can you get a different voice downloaded to the sony nav-u 53. this one wont charge off usb and the time is away of its track.
68 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Tim - Regarding my earlier comment. I’ve done some further research and have found a map package on the Sony FAQ page called NVD-U11E which covers Europe. I couldn’t find a download link for it but it says the NV-U53 supports it.
69 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Gerry - Only the preset voice can be used. You cannot download additional voices to the NV-U53.
Regarding the USB issue. Another reader reported a problem where it won’t charge fully off the USB (see comment 58). I’ve never seen this problem but it is worth contacting Sony about it.
If your NV-U53 never shows the correct time then I would contact Sony about that too. Several readers, including myself, saw this problem due to a faulty batch of U53s which Sony recalled. They should either replace it or upgrade you to the next model as a goodwill gesture.
70 Dave // Dec 29, 2007 at 12:36 am
Spoke to Sony yesterday about the time problem, and they’ve put an NV-U73 in the post, so I’m not complaining.
Should arrive Monday with any luck
71 Arminder // Dec 30, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Got NV-U53G for xmasGPS time when set to 12am, sets t self to 2am, also GPS signal not able to pick up it takes 20 to half an hour, can any one tell me if this sat nav is faulty or am i just not doing any right with it please help
Arminder
72 Dean // Dec 30, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Hi Arminder,
The very first time it is switched on it can take a long time to pick up a signal. Thereafter it should be much quicker, typically less than a minute. If you stand out in the open, does it pick up a signal quicker than when switched on inside your car?
Once a signal has been established it should show the correct time. If it does not show the correct time, even with a GPS signal, then you have one of the faulty units that Sony recalled. Give Sony a ring and they will either replace it or upgrade you to the next model.
73 Dean // Dec 30, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Nick/Darrel,
I’ve started testing TMC on the NV-U73. I got a signal from Classic FM. TMC reception is non-existent in my area due to interference from another radio station which broadcasts almost on the same frequency as Classic FM.
Once I drive about 30 miles away I can pick up a signal. I haven’t had a chance to test the accuracy of the traffic reports yet but what Darrel reported seems accurate to me.
74 Mick // Jan 1, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Dean
I’ve just got the NV-U82G for Christmas, and seems very good. This is my first time with SAT-NAV. Whilst driving back home from Christmas holidays (6HR journey) I used my in-car charger whilst trying out the SAT-NAV.
On arrival at home I switched off the SAT-NAV and found I was unable to operate my car’s remote locking system using my keypad. Checked all doors/windows were closed but still no joy. But next day the remote locking/unlocking worked ok. Also noted the same tbing happened whilst just using in-car charger for short period whilst car parked in garage. When left overnight the remote locking worked as usual. Car is a Mazda 6 and only 10 months old. Am I doing something wrong or has anyone else had this problem? Should I only use the SAT-NAV in battery mode ?
75 Dean // Jan 1, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hi Mick,
I haven’t heard of that problem before. Are you leaving the sat nav charger plugged into the cigarette lighter socket when you leave/lock the car?
I would advise unplugging the charger from the cigarette lighter socket when the sat nav is not in use, if you’re not doing that already, in case it continues to drain power from your car battery.
Also I wouldn’t operate the sat nav in battery mode. I would always recommend it is plugged in when using the sat nav out on the road.
76 Ric // Jan 2, 2008 at 12:59 am
Hi,I bought a NV-U53 just before Christmas and was investigating buying a home charger for it,and I found one on Ebay for £26 and noticed it was exactly the same as a PSP charger my Son had spare,same voltage (5v) and amps (2000ma) so tried it and it worked a treat,obviously if you want to try this make sure yours is the same spec
77 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 11:46 am
My NV-U53 seems to prefer to take a longer route to some destinations even where there is a perfectly obvious shorter route. I tried it using the various options but it still persists.
Also I have so far failed to source the europe map update NVD-U11E on an english speaking website (plenty czech and polish ones which I can’t understand) Sony shops and the sony websites can’t give me details either. Anyone out there manage to get hold of one and where?.
Tony
78 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 11:52 am
Forgot to mention, My NV-U53 touch screen also needs several presses before it reacts even though it beeps instantly first time. Have found that a longer contact time (2 seconds plus) works.
Tony
79 Dean // Jan 2, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Whilst testing the NV-U51 I found the default routing profile tended to favour motorways too much, when there was a shorter route via a fast A road.
I found the ‘Optimum’ route profile worked well in fixing these issues. Sounds like you’ve already tried that option though.
80 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Re Comment no. 68.
It seems the NV-U53 should be upgradeable. The spec sheet on the Sony Support site says so. (Try comparing specs )The NV- U73 seems to be identical in every way except for memory space and the pre-installed pan-european maps.
Some confusion about whether the NV-U53 needs NVD-U11E or NVD-DU11E upgrade. It looks like it may mean removing the UK maps and installing Pan-Europe (and Vice versa) so that only one or the other can be used at any one time. The U73 has about 4 times the memory space of the U53.
So far I have failed to locate an upgrade. Anybody out there have any luck yet.??
81 Jim // Jan 3, 2008 at 10:47 am
Have experienced problems with my Sony U73T model where you have to press the onscreen buttons several times before registering, even though I get an audible acknowledgemetn at the first press. This happens all the time and is really annoying. Has anyone found a solution as I see it mentioned severl times in the preceeding comments.
Great review thanks!
82 Brett // Jan 3, 2008 at 11:01 am
Hi,
Just got mine yesterday, seems like a good unit, however I was dissappointed to find a couple of addresses which are a couple of years old aren’t in the map.
I’m reluctant to pay £42 for the update to update maps, which is a bit of a cheek from Sony, I would expect that with a new machine (NV-U53) you should be entitled to the latest maps.
83 colin // Jan 3, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Just like a previous post,my central locking isnt working right.The boot unlocks while driving.
I just hope it is a coincidence and not another anomoly with the newer series of Sony sat-navs.
But I wont charge my UV53 in the car anymore.
84 Dean // Jan 3, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Jim - I haven’t found a solution to the button press problem. Maybe a future firmware release will fix it?
Brett - According to the Sony web site the NV-U53 maps are dated 2007 which I hope are the latest maps. There is no sign of an update yet. Check this link. Do you want to send me one of the postcodes you were trying to navigate to and I’ll see if I get the same problem on my NV-U73.
Colin - I hope the central locking is just a coincidence. Not seen any issues with my Civic so far. Keep us posted.
85 Bob // Jan 3, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Hi,
Does the Sony NVU53 recalculate & reroute should you miss a turning etc?
86 Dean // Jan 4, 2008 at 8:18 am
Yes it will recalculate the route should you miss a turn, although it doesn’t seem to provide any audible or visual warning that you’ve taken a wrong turn. It just recalculates the route for you silently.
87 Dean // Jan 4, 2008 at 9:59 pm
More information on the central locking issue reported by a couple of readers. It could be caused by not charging the sat nav prior to use.
One reader (Mick) has said the problem went away once the sat nav was charged via the USB cable connected to a computer.
Worth giving this a go if you run into this problem.
Please feel free to post back any more comments if you have any updates on this.
88 paul // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:08 pm
can you update for free i lost the cd
89 TREVOR // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hi Dean - I’ve just bought the NV-U53 and can’t register for the 1 year free safety camera update because the touch screen TMC information box is not responsive., and I can’t input.
I notice Nigel had this problem above, and you kindly offered to help him . Can you also help me please?
90 Dave // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Hi Trevor,
Go to the general settings screen, and keep tapping the down arrow until a button called “Product information” (or something similar) appears. It’s right at the bottom of the list.
Tap on that, and you’ll find all the details on your device.
91 TREVOR // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Hi Dave
Thanks for your immediate reply which was very impressive.
I’m delighted to say I’ve now found the details required after following your advice.
Thanks again - I’m sincerely very grateful.
92 Dean // Jan 9, 2008 at 8:18 am
Hi Paul,
Which CD have you lost? Is it the orange one containing the nav-u application software?
93 Chris Powell // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:16 am
How can I get rid of the “POI” boxes on the right hand side of the screen? These only show when following a programed route and not when simply set to Map- I’ve pressed most buttons to no avail!
Also I can’t open the Manual on the CD Rom- is this because I’m only running Windows “ME”?
Chris
94 Dean // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Have you tried pressing the View button on the far left side of the screen? That should toggle through the various map views.
Try downloading the manual from this link. Providing you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your PC you should be able to read the manual.
95 Adam Fletcher // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:31 pm
About the time not being correct. Is there an emal address available to contact sony about the problem, or will i have to ring up. if so what is the email/phone number as the time on my nv-u53g is showing that it is 2:30pm when it is 10:30pm.
96 Dean // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:09 am
Your best bet is to phone up: 08705 111 999
97 Graham // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Hi
I have bought the sonyNVU 53, can you get maps of europe ? ie Spain for the sat nav.
Thanks Graham
98 Darrel Halfyard // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Used the SAT-NAV again today on a long trip.
The TMC worked really well this time down the M4 and M40
99 Wullie // Jan 10, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Help, Can any tell me where to find my device id, i have NVU 52 g
100 Dean // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:11 am
Graham - Take a look at comment number 80 above. So far no one has been able to figure it out. It probably involves removing the UK and Ireland maps and replacing them with the European maps like you get on the U73. You could try contacting Sony.
If you find out anything could you post a comment back here. Thanks.
Wullie - From the main screen tap the More button, then Settings, then General Settings, then keep tapping the down arrow to scroll through all the pages, you will then come to an option called Product Information. Tap that button and it will show you the device id.
101 Sony nav-u NV-U73 Sat Nav Review // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:38 am
[...] Sony NV-U53 Widescreen Sat Nav [...]
102 GH057 // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:46 am
Hi,
I kinda mucked up when I bought the Nv-u73T and got the one with the EuropeA mapset (Western europe+Skandinavia) instead of the one with the EuropeD mapset (Western+Eastern Europe). Is anyone willing to do a dvd-swap with me or does anyone know how I can get my hands on Eastern-Europe maps? I need the maps of Greece.
103 Nick Stammers // Jan 11, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Hi Dean,
I have just purchesed theNV-U53 I have registerd it with Sony for the camras will I receive a code to enter or will Sony update the unit I was having trouble with the time but after a reset it seems to be OK . Regards Nick
104 Dean // Jan 11, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hi Nick,
If the NV-U53 has a GPS signal and doesn’t show the correct time then I would contact Sony for a replacement.
To activate the safety cameras take a look at this link. You need to make sure you have registered your NV-U53 on the Sony web site and downloaded the safety camera file first.
105 Chris // Jan 12, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Hey ladies and gents,
Just purchased the NV-U53G and it has the time problem. Tried to phone Sony but office hours apply. Does anyone know what the sketch is with the replacement? Do i send the unit to Sony direct? or do i replace in store. If anyone has gone through the process then i’d really appreciate some info on what they’re going to want me to do. Cheers. Chris.
106 Dean // Jan 12, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hi Chris,
Give Sony a ring during work hours. When I phoned Sony they sent me a replacement by courier. The courier took away the faulty one in exchange.
107 Chris // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:12 am
Thanks Dean,
The review is really in depth and accurate. Helped me decide on which model to buy. Didn’t think they’d still be putting out the ones with time faults though. Still. I’ll see what they say. Thanks again.
Chris.
108 alan // Jan 13, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Great in depth review - thanks
stupid question i hope - will the nav-u 53, when set up for “safety cameras” warn of speed camera’s if no destination is set. ie just driving to the local shops and passing that speed camera that you know is there but just forgot!
109 Nick Stammers // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hi Dean,
I have tried registering my device but it asks me for a Device ID and when i follow the on screen instructions and i get to the point where i have to press TMC Infromation there is a button there but it cannot be pressed and is not lit up! Could someone please help me.
110 Dean // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Alan - Good question. I haven’t tried that but I would expect it not to warn of speed cameras unless a destination is set, but I may be wrong.
Nick - Are you trying to enable TMC on the U53 or U73? The U53 does not support TMC.
111 Nick Stammers // Jan 14, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hi Dean,
All i’m trying to do is register myNV-U53 Sat Nav But I can’t The ID Code the instructions tells you toChoose safty camra for your product then follow the instructions but I can’t find any instructions. I know ther is no TMC on th unit so why is it telling me to tap the TMC window I’m totally lost please help if you can I’m 73 years old and shouldnt be messing wih things like this Kindest regards Nick
112 Dave // Jan 14, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hi Nick,
Go to the general settings screen, and keep tapping the down arrow until a button called “Product information” (or something similar) appears. It’s right at the bottom of the list.
Tap on that, and you’ll find all the details on your device. I’m astonished that Sony hasn’t had anyone even proof-read their website as the instructions are completely indecipherable!
113 ALBERT AND TEMPIE // Jan 15, 2008 at 12:07 pm
HI THERE:
AT THIS MOMENT, I AM AWAITNG THE NV-U53 FROM LITTLEWOODS, AND WHILE WAING, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE MODEL.
IT IS MY FIRST SATNAV THAT I WIL BE OWNING, SO I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE PRIDENT OF ME TO READ WHAT MORE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS LIKE YOUR SELF WOULD HAVE TO SAY.
OUT OF ALL THE MODLES THAT WERE ON DISPLAY IN THE CATALOGUE, CHOSE THIS ONE BECAUSE I FAVOUR A LARGE SREEN AND I FANCY A MULTI FACIT DISPLAY OF INFO.
I AM COMCERENED THAT SONY DOES NOT INCLUDE AAN AC CHARGER WITH THE PURCHASE AS MY GRANDE PUNTO DOES NOT HAVE A CIGGERETTE LIGHTER INSTALLED,: IT HAS A POWER OUR LET.
CAN YOU RECCOMEND WHERE I COULD PURCHASE AN AC ADAPTER.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARNING TO USE THIS GADGET, AS MUCH AS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO DRIVING MY FIRST CAR.
SINCERELY
ALBERT
114 Flann Howard // Jan 16, 2008 at 12:35 am
Sony Sat Nav NV-U53G
Can anyone advise where the NVD-U11E dvd of European Maps can be obtained.
I have been around the Sony website so many times now I’m now at the end of my wits. I have sent numerous emails to Sony about the U53G Maps but not one reply.
If I do manage to get the DVD can these maps be copied directly to a memory stick Pro Duo from the DVD and then this memory stick inserted into the memory slot on the U53G to work.
I am running Windows Vista on my PC and have downloaded Windows Mobile Device Center installed and also Active Sync. I’m not sure if they are working correctly.
Anyone else out there found the Sony website very user unfriendly? I just seem to be sent from pillar to post regarding my queries.
115 Chris Powell // Jan 16, 2008 at 7:41 am
Got to agree with the comments re the Website- I find it absolutely rubbish. The handbook with the U53 is not much better and the supplied CD Rom doesn’t load. As for telephone “Customer Service”, this adds a new definition to the words! Also no reply to Emails. All in all Sony is an example of how NOT to conduct business.Good unit- Shite backup.
116 Hugh // Jan 16, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi Dean
I am trying to activate the Safety Camera on my U53. I eventually got my unit registered and received an activation code but when I try to enter this code into the unit it does not take. Any advice would be helpful
117 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Albert,
Amazon sell an AC charger which is suitable for all Sony sat nav devices. Does this link help?
Sony sat nav AC charger
118 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Hi Hugh,
These are the speed camera activation instructions I found on the Sony web site:
How to activate speed cameras
When you get to step number 8 does it not show a green tick next to United Kingdom?
119 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Hi Flann,
Information on the NVD-U11E is limited as you say. I haven’t had any luck locating it either.
According to this FAQ page on the Sony web site the maps go on the memory stick.
Click on the ‘General’ link and this will expand a further set of links. Click on the last link about memory stick support.
The web site doesn’t sound that convincing I must admit. It says it doesn’t guarantee that all memory stick duo media will work.
It also goes on to say the NVD-U11E is not compatible with Windows Vista.
I hope Sony can improve their web site and improve Vista support. It’s a shame really.
120 Hugh // Jan 16, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Hi Dean
Many thanks, I got there at last with your help
121 stuart // Jan 18, 2008 at 9:22 pm
im a delivery driver and have always used maps to find farms out of the way houses got stressed out til wifey bought me the sony nv-u53g.
now totally chilled it never fails to deliver.
my only issues are that the touch screen is not as sensetive as a tom tom i used. the main issues i have are regarding the advanced warnings the menu states i have three. speed monitoring, traffic light monitoring, distance traps. the only only function regarding this is it shows me where the speed cameras are so what are the other two for and how do i get them to work.
i was hoping that this would give me the ability to see what speed i am doing whilst in navigation mode and it would inform me if for example i was speeding in a say a 30 mile per hour zone.
traffic light monitoring is a mystery please help
122 Flann Howard // Jan 18, 2008 at 9:37 pm
At last I have sourced the Pan European Map Package DVD-Rom NVD-DU11E for the NU-53 here in Ireland at a cost of Euro 129. It will take about 5 days for delivery. So all I need now is a memory stick to upload these maps onto.
I had contacted the Sonystyle website with my query and this was the reply received: - “We do not currently have this information on this navigation system, I would therefore suggest that you contact Sony Car Navigation on 08702 408060″. One one have thought the Sonystyle website would have been able to help but as I have stated previously the Sony Website is a complete disaster which only send you around in circles and they have not the common courtesy of replying to your emails.
I kept trawling the internet and eventually found the site in Ireland where I live and they are to get me the DVD.
I will keep you informed how I get on when it arrives.
123 Dean // Jan 18, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Stuart - Distance traps will detect speed cameras which measure your average speed over a set distance. I’ve seen these cameras placed in motorway roadworks before.
Traffic light monitoring detects cameras mounted on traffic lights which catch people trying to jump a red light.
Flann - Thanks for the update. Look forward to seeing how you get on.
124 stuart // Jan 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm
dean thanks it makes sense now
125 simon // Jan 19, 2008 at 8:08 am
i have a nv-u52 and cant not manage to get my device id so that i can register my system on the web site can anyone help me please?
i know ther is no TMC on th unit so why is it telling me to tap the TMC window and i can not see the id in Product information.
126 Flann Howard // Jan 19, 2008 at 9:10 am
Simon if you mean NV-U53 do the following: -
Turn on Sat Nav.
Press More.
Settings.
Genernal Settings. In the general settings scroll down until Product Information and select arrow this will open with your Device ID, Software Version and Platofrm.
Hope you can follow this.
Flann
127 Colin // Jan 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi
I have the NAV- U73TW and it works just fine, But on the tmc signal indicator it shows a full white signal ( its picking up Real radio here in south wales)but have yet to see any traffic information, On the sony website (which is total crap) it points to a £20.00 lifetime subscription which is very confusing because the FAQ page points out that it should work with out subscription .as the unit got to be enabled like speed camera info ,or should it just work ? any ideas please.