JVC KW-XG700 Double DIN In-Dash CD Receiver with Front AUX Input and USB Port J-Bus Expandable (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm fairly happy with this unit's performance. No head unit will have everything you want, but this came close in some areas, nailed it in some areas, and was mediocre in others. I needed a DD unit for my car because the stock unit is DD. I single DIN unit would have looked spartan in the dash.
PRO:
1. Has both USB and AUX in on front panel.
2. Has a clean built in amp at 20wts RMS and a 24 bit DAC converter.
3. Has subwoofer control in panel allowing you to adjust what DBs go to the sub, such as 185, 90, and I think something like 45, which is explained in the manual, and this is read out on the LCD panel as High, Medium, and Low. Both Crutchfield and JVC said the additional Bass, Treble, and Midtone adjustments DO NOT affect the subwoofer out. This means that you can use your stock speakers in your car as midrange and treble and line out the bass to your subwoofer. Or, adjust a smaller amount of bass to your other speakers while not affecting the subwoofer bass output. This is exactly what I wanted--electronic crossovers adjustable in the deck itself.
EDIT May 30th: This is not true. The bass adjustment will increase both the bass in the stock speakers as well as the subwooofer, but the crossover samples down how much bass you get in the stock speakers. I wanted the unit to leave the stock speaker's bass, midrange, and treble separate from the woofer bass adjustment. Still, it does a good job of crossing over the stock speaker and I don't feel this limited the sound of the system too much--except that you don't get enough MID bass in your stock bass speakers for some songs. Not a show stopper at all.
4. BT unit is small and self contained with no power cord. It has a single DIN plug that plugs into the back of the deck, and that is it. My stereo installer said it was "nice and easy" and that it saved me about 20.00 bucks on install.
5. The BT is 99.00 compared to Sony BT devices at 200.00.
6. The deck's lights do dim when I turn on my headlights, just like it should. You can turn this on or off in the deck itself.
7. It has everything that I mentioned plus XM, Sirius, BT with 99.00 adapter, plays .wma 9, .aac, MP3, .wav files from my SD card plugged into a card reader and directly into the front USB panel. I have my entire CD collection in 160bit aac on one 8GB SDHC card at my finger tips. It does not play DVDs with music, but that was what I traded for the front panel USB and AUX--I never insert a disk anymore, thus I rarely need a CD player, much less a DVD player.
8. Allows you to name radio stations. Some other features that are uninteresting to me, but there if you want them.
9. Seems well built and quite when you insert a disk. Buttons feel positive and firm and the knobs feel like quality.
10. Huge knob in the center of the unit for volume and other adjustments after you hit call buttons, such as bass, treble, etc. It's a control knob of sorts, plus volume.
11. Relatively cheap compared to other units that DON'T have both AUX and USB ports on the front, which is rare. I picked it up for 180US plus 99US for the BT adaptor.
12. Professional stereo installer said he didn't like the "fancy" nature of the LCD, but the technical aspects of the deck he said were "nice" and "surprising" and "up there with the best Alpines and Pioneers that we carry."
CON:
1. Not really intuitive operation, although you get used to it and it's very easy, just not laid out as well as it could be. Random, Loudness, and several other buttons should be on the front panel, not in mode option buttons or personal settings. For instance, the Sub woofer DB setting is buried under personal settings, while the sub woofer volume is in another push first button where treble and bass are found (but this isn't too much to be concerned about). Too, I would have liked the option of different colored LCDs on the front panel, instead of 6 different analyzer bumping light options--sort of circus. You can turn the dancing analyzer lights completely off, at least.
2. The LCD read out is far too big giving it a sort of adolescent look. If the LCD were about 75% smaller, it could contain much more information (although it does scroll) and look much more professional.
3. The faceplate is not removable--hope you have insurance. It screams "please steal me."
Edited:
I've owned this head unit for around six months now and I guess there are only a couple things that are really annoying. The unit will sometimes not remember where you left off when using the USB port, skipping many folders or songs. You have to name each folder starting with 000, 001, or 01, 02, 03 or the unit can't find some of the songs or folders. Also, you are not suppose to leave the usb reader plugged in when you start the car--which means you are expected to remove it each time. I've never done this and had no problems. So the main thing is that it will sometimes fail to start up where you left off.
Edited 05/27/08:
I've owned this unit for six months now, and I do have two things to report that are VERY unsatisfactory:
1. Bluetooth menu is all but un-navigable.
I can't explain why, it seems random, like pushing buttons in a carnival to get specific menu items up, where sometimes you get the same result with the same series of button pushes and sometimes you don't. Sometimes they come up (following the manual directions) and sometimes they don't. It's VERY frustrating. Last night I needed to pair a new BT phone, and one of the menu items WOULD NOT come up, no matter what--it was the Auto-Answer feature that I wanted to turn on.
After maybe two hours of trying to get this stupid menu item up, I gave up. Tomorrow I'm having the unit uninstalled and sent in for repair. I'm already looking at different units because I don't want to waste my time fiddling with incompetent navigation flaws in this unit.
The first phone I set up after I had the unit installed did go reasonably well, but this time it simply refused to bring up specific menu items. It also kept defaulting to "connect" which means you have to either cycle through the SOURCE button to cancel it, or wait for it to give you an error, then restart the procedure again.
2. Blue Tooth Microphone NOISE!
People are reporting to me that the noise from the BT unit's microphone is horrible, almost to the point they cannot hear me (e.g., "Sounds like you're next to the Los Angeles International Airport!!"). I have the microphone mounted right next to the rear view mirror near the headliner. There is no option for noise canceling either, so you're just stuck with poor BT microphone performance.
Last, the BT navigation from the head unit itself, well, good luck. It's about the same level of futility as trying to get the menu to work correctly to pair and set up BT options, as commented above. You'll have a wreck long before you find the number you want.
Voice activation for calling via your phone passes the commands over well, however.
There is something else that pissed me off too: A few of the options available are not defined, such as BT muting. This menu option--in the main menu, not the BT menu--gives you three option, Muting 1, Muting 2, and Off. You won't find what muting 1&2 do, though, simply because whoever wrote the manual decided you didn't need to know--"Just pick one and STFU!"
I actually would not recommend this unit because of the way it skips around the music on the USB drive after you start and stop your car, plus the horrible menu in the BT section. On the other hand, if you don't need BT options and you don't really care if your music skips to a random folder the next time you jump in to listen, it's a pretty good unit.
To be fair, I haven't tried loading up a CD with AAC or MPs files to see if it skipped around after shutdown and startup. I did have a CD loaded with about twenty songs from two different disks and I did not notice it jumping on startup and shutdown.
I also wanted to comment on something I thought was a negative in my first update. You must number the folders with the prefix 01, 02, 03, or 001, 002 and so on. This is actually a decent condition because then you don't have to play the music folders alphabetically. You can group them however you want using the numbering scheme. But then again, if you really do just want an alphabetical listing w/o having to number the folders, you're out of luck. I use a bulk renaming utility on my home computer to set all of the folders and songs up, so it's fast. Most people though don't have the time to figure out bulk naming software in order to do that, which makes the numbering scheme a one by one act of time consuming frustration.
Well, there you have it. I hope that this helps some. You may want to look at a few newer units coming out with this technology, such as Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine and Clarion--the higher end units, not the Target models for 99.00US
I'll have the installers remove the unit. I'll send it in, get it "repaired" and remount the microphone over the visor this time. And that reminds me!
This is another hit against JVC: The warranty is not a replacement unit, but repair ONLY using, at their discretion, refurbished parts! You don't believe me? Get a copy of their warranty and see it in black and white, or call and ask them. I couldn't believe that. The entire warranty is repair, use of refurbished parts (they mean used parts they scavenged off of other systems), and that's that!
So this means I'm out with a hole in my dash for around two weeks.
PS--Check out the...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: JVC KW-XG700 Double DIN In-Dash CD Receiver with Front AUX Input and USB Port J-Bus Expandable (Black)

JVC's KW-XG700 is a great replacement for your stock double-DIN unit, with CD/MP3/WMA playback, a front auxiliary input, iPod and Satellite Radio Capability, and front and rear preamp outputs for system expansion.

USB Port A USB port allows connection with an HDD, USB memory and digital audio players for playback of MP3/WMA/WAV/AAC audio files WMA-DRM protected music files can also be played (not compatible with DRM-protected music purchased from Apple iTunes Music Store).
Ready for Bluetooth Wireless Technology With KS-BTA200 optional adapter, Bluetooth Wireless Technology can be used with compatible devices. Use the adaptor with the KW-XG700 and you will be able to register a maximum of five mobile phones for hands-free calling. With voice-recognition mobile phones, you can dial by just saying the name in your phone book. The wireless functions work even if your mobile phone is tucked away in your bag or pocket. You can also stream music from a compatible digital audio player for listening on your car stereo.
CD and MP3/WMA Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or burnt CD-R/RWs, or get more bang for your buck with MP3/WMA discs--burn hours of music to one disc (or stream directly from a USB device) and get ID3-TAG support for display of artist and song info.
iPod Control Enjoy even more connections and full operation with the optional KS-PD100 adapter with all three units. The iPod can be controlled from the headunit, and song information is displayed with the same categories and layers as an iPod.
AM/FM Radio with HS-IV Tuner The KW-XG700's AM/FM radio has standard features like automatic presetting of strongest signals.
The HS-IV tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
To get even more from the airwaves, add a JVC adapter for Sirius or XM SAT Radio reception.
Auxiliary Input Use the front auxiliary input to connect external audio devices like MP3 players.
Two Preamp Outputs With a 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier, the KW-XG700 is ready to rock, but if you'd like to add onto the system, two preamp outputs are provided for setting up external amps.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.

Click here for more information about JVC KW-XG700 Double DIN In-Dash CD Receiver with Front AUX Input and USB Port J-Bus Expandable (Black)

Clarion VZ300 3.5" In-Dash DVD/CD/MP3/USB Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The two main features I use in the car work great: the radio and the AUX in line (for streaming Pandora from my phone). I haven't had a chance to try out the USB input yet, but I did try the DVD functionality and it works great too, although it does require the use of the remote for navigation. Here are my thoughts so far:
PROS
* Great sound
* Easy changing of audio settings
* Nice large display for displaying radio settings while playing the radio
* DIM function cycles through three settings great for day, night, and off
* Installation instructions were easy enough for me to follow
* Detailed instruction on how to connect hand brake wire (although the kit doesn't appear to include the right sensor)
* Lots of audio options: AUX in and DVD worked without any problems
* UPDATE: USB music plays fast with little delay
* UPDATE: USB music picks up right where it left off when you turn power on
CONS
* Lots of wires which make for a difficult installation into a standard stereo space
* DVD control requires use of the remote
* Display does nothing when in AUX mode (a screensaver or something would have been nice, not sure if that's legal though)
* UPDATE: Turning on power button in the dark is a guess game
* UPDATE: Navigation of USB music using remote is not intuitive (i.e. I have to read the manual)
* UPDATE: Received a USB Bad after leaving stereo off overnight
The installation for me went pretty smoothly. As mentioned above, the plethera of wires made sliding the stereo into place a pain. In order to get it to work, I had to pull out the DIN below the stereo and guide the wires down into the space below. Overall, I thought the installation instructions were good. They had the three most important items which are a step to remind you to disconnect the negative from the car battery, a diagram of the overall way the stereo is installed into a dash, and a wiring diagram. With those three I was able to do a standard installation (i.e. four speakers and the radio antenna) without any issues. By the way, this stereo was the first stereo I've ever installed.
By the way, another reviewer mentioned the audio would stop when they went into the settings. That may be true for USB audio or CD/DVD playback, but for radio and AUX in, the audio kept playing no matter what I did unless I hit the power button to mute.
UPDATE: USB functionality works great. You plug in a drive and it starts at the first song it finds. When you turn the power off and back on, it picks right up at the last part of the song you were listening to when powering off the stereo. I did receive a USB Bad error when turning the car on this morning, unplugging and replugging the USB in fixed the issue and it picked up at the last song it was playing. I haven't figured out all the details on navigating through the songs just yet, but with the remote it looks like you can search via artist, album, song title, etc. As the driver though, I'm expecting I won't be able to do much better than using the forward and reverse buttons (and the preview seek button) to navigate the music. Because of that, I grabbed some old 512 MB and 1 GB drives which I'm putting together different "mixes" that I can update at will and plug in as my mood changes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion VZ300 3.5" In-Dash DVD/CD/MP3/USB Receiver

An affordable way to add multimedia to your vehicle, Clarion's VZ300 is anything but basic. It features a vibrant 3.5-inch LCD monitor, front panel USB input and iPod video playback (optional CCUIPOD3), an auxiliary input, and plenty more. The VZ300 is also HD Radio and Satellite Radio Ready if you choose to expand, and offers rear video zone entertainment. 40 Watts through four channels is a good start, but the VZ300 also features three sets of RCA preamp outputs, so you can build up anytime.

Enjoy a Wide Variety of Media The built-in optical disc drive is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW, DVD-RW/RW, CD-DA, HDCD, CD-R and CD-RW, so you're assured access to a wide variety of visual and musical entertainment.
3.5-inch LCD Screen The 3.5-inch LCD displays operational status of your iPod, CD and DVD playback, radio functions and more. It offers maximum usability within minimum dimensions.
iPod Playback Just connect your iPod using the optional CCUIPOD3 cable to control your iPod from the source unit.
Front USB Input Front USB input is included. This is really convenient and just attach your USB Memory stick and USB Memory and enjoy your favorite music library.
Front Auxiliary Input Enjoy music from external devices such as MP3 players with this handy front-panel input.
HD Radio Ready Connecting the THD300 lets you enjoy listening to digitally broadcast radio programs with all their superior quality and helpful information.
Rear Vision Camera RCA Input VZ300 is equipped with an RCA type video input that accepts video signals from Clarion's rear vision CCD camera. This enhances safety by automatically displaying a live picture of what's behind you on VZ300's LCD screen whenever you shift into reverse, enabling you to avoid hitting objects even if they're not clearly visible in the rear-view mirror.
24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren't possible with older 16-bit systems.
Built-in Low-Pass Filter For optimal subwoofer performance, Clarion equips its VZ300 with a built-in Low-Pass Filter. Offering users selectable frequencies at 50Hz, 80z, and 120Hz, Clarion's Low-Pass Filter stops mid- and high-range frequencies from entering the subwoofer output. This allows users to really dial in the bass so it hits harder and tighter.
XM Radio Compatible In addition to the many sources that can be connected to the VZ300, you can be connected with XM Radio. The VZ300 can be connected to the XM Direct 2 tuner for hours of entertainment.
6ch/2V RCA Output with Subwoofer Control With 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system. Also, independent volume control is enabled for the subwoofer so you can adjust the level of bass output to your liking at any time, regardless of the output level of the other channels.
What's in the Box VZ300 Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about Clarion VZ300 3.5" In-Dash DVD/CD/MP3/USB Receiver

USA SPEC PA12-BMW - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I installed this on my MINI. It works well and takes the place of the CD player. You use the buttons on the radio to access play lists on your IPOD.
I love being able to use the radio controls on the steering wheel to control the volume and select songs on the IPOD. It also allows me to use the IPOD in the normal way to select songs.
So what is the down side? After a period of use- it varies from 3 hours to 10 hours- the IPOD locks up. I do a soft restart of the IPOD and sometimes this will fix things. However, twice I have had to remove power to the USA SPEC- that is not just turn the car off but disconnect the power lead coming to the interface. That fixes things but is kind of a pain.
In case you are wondering, the text does not display on my radio. It just says CD1, CD2, etc. I thought text display might mean the name of the song playing might appear or at least the name of the playlist. But not so on my 2003 MINI.
So I like this unit overall, but if you want an install and forget it solution I can tell you there might be some frustration. I wonder if it is programmed by the same guys at that big computer software company.

Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA12-BMW - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter

The PA12BMW replaces the PA11BMW and provides direct connection for an iPod and an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ??s front panel. Allows selection of tracks or playlists and displays artist and title information on Text compatible radios. The new Hybrid Mode retains use of the iPod's clickwheel for faster searching. Compatible with all iPod models featuring the dock connector including the new iPod nano and 5G iPod video. Three operating modes are available- locked, unlocked, and Hybrid. In locked mode the controls on the factory radio will operate the iPod only, and the iPod's click wheel will be locked out for safety while driving. In the unlocked mode the iPod's controls can still be used to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the factory radio controls will still provide basic navigation functions including song up/down and FF/REW functions. Hybrid Mode offers the functions of both the locked and unlocked modes. All modes still charge the iPod while connected, for up to one hour to prevent over-charging. Compatible with: 3 Series - 1996-2005 5 Series - 1998-2003 X3/X5 - 1999-2006 Z3/Z4 - 1999-2006 Mini Cooper - 2002-2006 Special Note: The PA12BMW is not compatible with vehicles equipped with GPS, Satellite Radio, CD Changer or DSP system.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about USA SPEC PA12-BMW - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter

Magellan RoadMate 700 3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It was a battle between the Garmin 2610 and the Roadmate 700. My main criteria is ease of use and accuracy. Actually, I bought this unit for my wife who works as a home visiting nurse. She has been relying on Thomas Guide Maps eversince. So, I want a GPS receiver that is very user friendly, that even a grandma can use. I compared the 2 units side by side at Fry's. I researched the whole Cyberspace for the best car navigation system to date, and I found the answer in the Magellan Roadmate 700.
POSITIVE: Wow! The crisp display and big screen was one of the factors that attracted me to the Roadmate. The Garmin LCD has 256 colors while the Raodmate has a TFT with 32,000 color capability. The roads are more easier to look at because of the color rendition. You can even adjust color settings to make it look like the Thomas Guide Maps. We've been using the Roadmate for about 2 weeks now and so far the WAAS is always active. This results in greater accuracy. According to my wife once she is in front of her patients house, the Roadmate acknowledeges that destination has been reached. It also tells whether the house is in the left/right of the street. This proved to be very valuable since she doesn't have to look left and right looking for the house. It recalculates routes very fast in case you miss a turn or exit.
Another thing, don't worry about the flimsy aircon vent mount, just call technical support and they send you a windshield gooseneck mount which is very nice. Now that's what I call customer service! It grips very firmly to the windshield like your rearview mirror. I think it is better than the bean bag dash mount.
The LCD display is very intuitive. It automatically zooms in while your getting near your destination, and it also shifts to 3D when your approaching a turn. When you lose GPS signal while your in a tunnel, the display automaticlly goes to the turn by turn mode so you can still be guided. The touch screen is amazing. Those using the old GPS units with buttons will want this unit.
I also like the route exclusion feature. For example, I always want to avoid the 91 freeeway because of the terrible traffic. You can customize it to always exclude it or you can just touch the 91 route in the turn by turn display and tell it to disregard that freeway, and alas! you are directed to take another route.
The unit also assigns up to 3 users, each user setting is customizable, just like when you log in Windows. Within each user you can save up to 100 addresses. Previous destinations are also saved automatically. This is comparable to the waypoint feature in the Garmin 2610.
The voice guidance is all you need! No need to look at the unit while you are driving. As of this time, we have not been misdirected by the vocal guidance on any route. But I will update my review if we experience such. This equals to SAFETY while driving.
For those worried that having a hard-drive in a portable GPS unit might be bad, the internal harddrive that comes with this unit is similar to the microdrive in compact flash cards. The unit is made for rugged use, unlike the ones on PC's.
Roadmate 500 vs 700? I'd say go for the 700. The fact that you don't have to buy additional CF cards in the future justifies the $200 hundred dollar difference. Not to mention that you still have to pre-authorize CF cards for $50 prior to use, although your first one is free.
Another bonus, the unit can be used for off-road driving! I hav'nt tested it but the Magellan website says it is capable of that. I have to call tech support to confirm.
NEGATIVE: BAD! The one thing that really bothers me is that there is no post-office listings in the POI. How can they forget the USPS locations. I occasionally look for post-offices while I travel. There is a mention here that the documentation is bad. That is quite true. If you are a non-technical type of person, the manual will suffice. For example, I want to know how to update the firmware and maps, there is no mention of that in the docs. Even though the Roadmate 700 comes with an internal hard drive, it still has a compactflash port, there is no mention of that in the manual if it is operable or not. It does not come with a USB cord nor an AC adapter like the Roadmate 500. How come? This is the top of the line unit.
The waypoint feature of the Garmin 2610 is preferred by experienced GPS users over the previous destinations feature of the Magellan.
The price of the Magellan 700 is several hundereds more compared to the Garmin 2610 but I think it's features justify the additional cost. What I have listed here is the positives and negatives based on 2-3 week use of the GPS. Hey! The positives outnumber the negs. I also agree with the other reviewers that this isn't a perfect unit, but to date it's the best you can buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magellan RoadMate 700 3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

This powerhouse GPS unit just keeps gaining in popularity. Recently bestowed the honor of being named one of "Oprah's Favorite Things for Holiday 2004" it's just getting better and better every year. With the previous version of the RoadMate 700 lacking in included accessories this years RoadMate 700 hits a home run as Magellan has wisely included in the package a windshield suction cup mount, a 12V DC vehicle power adapter, 110V AC power supply, USB data cable, universal cradle and of course a user's manual.
The Magellan RoadMate 700 offers a powerful dash-mounted navigation tool with turn-by-turn voice prompts, making it easy to get to new and unfamiliar locales anywhere in the lower 48 U.S. states and Canada (For a fee it can be loaded European maps using the Magallen web site and the included USB connection cable). It also features a bright color TFT LCD screen (2.25 by 3 inches), touchscreen input, WAAS reception (for 3-meter accuracy), and multiple ways to select your route and then view it on screen.

The RoadMate 700 is one of the few GPS devices that's ready to go as soon as it's unpacked. Its whoppingly huge 20 GB internal hard drive comes preloaded with detailed road maps for all of the U.S. and the southern (most populated) section of Canada, so you won't have to fiddle with selecting map regions from a CD-ROM and having to transfer the data from a PC. If you keep your addresses on a PDA with IrDA capabilities then you'll enjoy the RoadMate's ability to upload the addresses wirelessly and point you right to your destination. In fact each of the 3 profiles that the unit keeps track of is allotted space for 100 addresses, making a total of 300 addresses available. Of course the most important address, home, can always be accessed with just a few clicks and from any menu and the RoadMate 700 will guide you back with ease.
If you are planning on using the RoadMate 700 with an older car--make sure it has a cigarette lighter power adapter, or leave enough time to charge it up in your hotel room or office with the supplied AC power cord. This also means that you won't be able to use the RoadMate 700 as a handheld device outside of your car. As for mounting, the included suction cup windshield mounting hardware is quite easy to use and allows you to mount the unit on any glass surface in your car. The RoadMate unit easily clips into the provided windshield bracket and can be tilted and turned with it's adjustable arm so you can see it easily and safely while you navigate.One of the benefits of the windshield mount is that because it's a suction cup mount you can move it in seconds from car to car with no problems at all. This newer suction cup based windshield mount is an improvement over the older three pronged mount that used to come with the RoadMate units. The older three-pronged mount was inserted into one of the middle air conditioning vents on your dash; the prongs are bendable to help you get the most secure fit, but never gave as secure of a fit as the windshield mount does.
But the RoadMate 700 shines as a virtual co-pilot. During our tests, it consistently acquired a satellite lock quickly (within a minute) and displayed our current position. From there, we searched through the vast library of POIs (points of interest) to find our destination (Seattle's baseball stadium). The RoadMate 700 has four different modes of getting you to your destination--shortest route, shortest distance, least use of freeways, and most freeways. Selecting shortest route got us to this venue using very practical directions that weren't far off from what we normally would choose.
If you're traveling to a destination that's not a widely known POI (such as a friend's home), no problem. You can enter the exact address into the RoadMate 700--using the touchscreen to tap letters and numbers into several search screens--to have it create a route. (You can also save 100 destinations in the address book.
The voice prompting was clear and audible (thanks to the two built-in speakers), and we were given ample warnings for upcoming turns. One of the RoadMate's nicest features is the Repeat button (which is smallish, but the only button found on the top of the device). If you miss a turn instruction, press it to repeat the previous voice prompt. Of the three view modes, True View was our favorite--it displays a 3D street-level view that helped us orient ourselves to our surroundings.
Overall, we were quite thrilled with the RoadMate 700's features: the color screen was bright and readable even in direct sunlight and the voice prompts were clear and not distracting to our driving. Best of all, the UI (user interface) screens are easy to navigate and--thanks to its large hard drive and map database--it's ready to go as soon as you open the box. While the price is not for the faint of heart, it will be a very valuable tool for many drivers (from business folk to parents) who need to get to unfamiliar locations quickly and smoothly. -- Agen G.N. Schmitz What's in the Box: RoadMate GPS, a windshield suction cup mount, a 12V DC vehicle power adapter, 110V AC power supply, USB data cable, universal cradle and a user's manual. Unit always ships with most current firmware.

Click here for more information about Magellan RoadMate 700 3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

ARKON SR052-S SatRadio 8.5-Inch Windshield Suction Mount (CM043ST + AP012 + AP020) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this holder because the holders that came with my Delphi Skyfi 2 were as cheap as you could get.
I've been very surprised by this. The suction cup is very strong. I've never had any problems with it coming loose, nor can I easily remove it without releasing the air lock. The flexible metal bar is very sturdy, so it stays in whatever position you put it in. It comes with a couple options to hook it up to the radio. Either a plastic plate that you can screw onto the back of your radio or a "hook" that slides into the hole that most XM/Sirius radios have on the back.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ARKON SR052-S SatRadio 8.5-Inch Windshield Suction Mount (CM043ST + AP012 + AP020)

The Arkon SR052 Windshield Pedestal XM/Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver Holder is approximately eight-inches long and is extremely strong. The suction on this pedestal has a suggested weight capacity of up to 20 pounds. This pedestal installs without tools and can be easily transferred from vehicle to vehicle.
About Akron Satellite Radio Mounts Arkon Sat-Mount solutions are car mounts and holders for XM and Sirius satellite radio receivers. The satellite radio mounts/holders provide users with sensible and convenient alternatives for placement of their satellite radio receiver in the car or vehicle. Arkon offers a wide variety of satellite radio mounts for XM and Sirius. All Arkon satellite radio XM mounts feature the T-slot adapter that connects directly into the back of the XM radio receivers. For those with Sirius satellite radio or other portable satellite radio receivers, a special adapter plate that converts the T-slot to the universal four-hole pattern is included with every mount and holder.
The Arkon mounts and holders are compatible with Delphi XM SkyFi and SkyFi2; Delphi XM Roady and Roady2; Delphi, Pioneer, and Tao MiFi XM2go; Sirius Sportster; Brix Streamer System SIR-STRPNP1; Jensen CK100SR; Orbiter SR4000; and Clarion Plug-and-Play Satellite Radio Mount Receivers.

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about ARKON SR052-S SatRadio 8.5-Inch Windshield Suction Mount (CM043ST + AP012 + AP020)

Pyle PLVW1443R 13.4-Inch FlipDown Roof Mount TFT LCD Monitor and IR Transmitter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I browsed this site for a week looking through video monitors before I settled on this particular one. Boy, did I choose wrong. I was looking for two specific products features, both of which this item clearly stated it had in its' item description, as well as on the product box that was included from the company itself. Those features were: Two audio AND video inputs, and built-in internal speakers. THIS PRODUCT HAS NEITHER OF THOSE THINGS. So if you were looking for a monitor that could be used without headphones, this isnt the one for you. If you're like me, you have a baby in the backseat who cant be expected to wear a pair of wireless headphones. Also, if you're like me, you wanted to be able to plug in two seperate items, with both items having audio and video. I needed this monitor to have two audio/video inputs so I can hook up the video and sound from both a dvd player, and my Sirius backseat tv. There were two video inputs, but only one set of stereo (red/white) audio inputs. What good is that going to do anyone if you need to have video and sound for two seperate devices? The answer is it wouldnt do you any good, unless you were willing to unbolt the tv from the mounting bracket everytime you wanted to switch between the tv backseat tv tuner, and the dvd player. Do yourself the biggest favor you can, and stay away from this product. One final note, the half page 'instruction manual' included with the package was written in very broken english. Obvious to me now that this thing is some cheaply made, falsely advertised foreign import piece of junk. Look at other product brands and avoid this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle PLVW1443R 13.4-Inch FlipDown Roof Mount TFT LCD Monitor and IR Transmitter

This flip-down roof mount TFT LCD monitor has a 13.4" screen for brilliant image reproduction. The screen has an 800 x 600 resolution at a 4:3 display format with wide angle, off axis visibility - perfect for the backseat. Hook up to two different devices, such as a DVD player or video game console, using the RCA inputs. Easily control the monitor with the front panel controls, or use the wireless remote control. Hook up the audio to your sound system, or use a pair of wireless IR headphones to let the backseat enjoy the movie in silence. Runs on DC 12 V supplied by your car's battery.

Get 60% OFF

Click here for more information about Pyle PLVW1443R 13.4-Inch FlipDown Roof Mount TFT LCD Monitor and IR Transmitter

Xovision GX1571D Overhead Monitor With Built-In DVD Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this item thinking I would install it. Opening the box, I realized the task was over my head, so I purchased the InstallerNet card and had it professionally installed. Very happy with the service of the installer - took less than 2 hours and they did a very clean, neat install.
A bit disappointed that the RCA jacks for input are NOT mounted on the exterior of the unit. They are part of the wiring harness and are hidden. To use them, they either need to be mounted hanging out of the edge of the unit (between the unit and the headliner) or run to some kind of hard mount somewhere in the vehicle using some form of extension. Not a show stopper, but it limits my boys' ability to use a gaming system with the monitor.
I used the DVD player once with no issues; however, since the first use, the monitor has had discontinuity lines in it and is worthless for viewing. I am currently contacting the seller to exchange the unit for another and hope this is unique to this particular unit. I will update once I am through with the process.
UPDATE: I contacted the seller (Discounts Jungle) and asked to exchange the unit. They balked at first due to the fact that I contacted them after 30 days although it was actually day 29 from delivery. They insisted I take it back to the installer first and if they verified the install was correct, they would exchange it. It took a little over a week to get back into the installer's shop, but they did get a look at it and verified it was in fact a bad unit, not the install. I called the seller again and once again they balked at a return saying I was way over 30 days now. The person on the phone said she would talk to her manager and call me back. Later the same day, she did call back and gave me the plan - I had to pay to ship it back and include a check to ship the new unit, but they would exchange it. I had to unistall it myself (and ultimately install the new unit or pay for a new install!!). Over all, I am OK with this, but a bit unhappy that I had to pay for shipping a faulty unit back to the seller even though I contacted them first within their return period.
So, how does this unit work - quite well! My boys are happy (the unit is a bit big for a crew cab truck, but they don't mind) and since the only way to hear the unit is with the headphones, I am happy. (NOTE - there is no external speaker on the unit - you MUST buy the wireless headphones to listen).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xovision GX1571D Overhead Monitor With Built-In DVD Player

* 15" widescreen flip-down monitor * Built-in DVD player * Built-in IR transmitter * Built-in FM transmitter * Swivel design for optimal viewing angle * Built-in super white dome lights * USB port and SD card slot * PAL and NTSC compatible * Includes remote control

Click here for more information about Xovision GX1571D Overhead Monitor With Built-In DVD Player

Qstarz BT-Q1000eX Professional BT Data Logger GPS (Lap Timing Analysis, Beeper, Vibration Sensor, 5Hz, 400,000 waypoints) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This GPS data logger works great for the price as a motorcycle lap timer with the added bonus of GPS location info allowing analysis of any part of the track such as corner speed and location at 0.2 second intervals. However, it would be nice if it logged at 10Hz versus 5Hz. With GPS accuracy of 6-9 feet I don't know if it would really give you much better information as far as track location on the width of the track but would give you more information on speed through the corners as even at 60 mph you are traveling 88 feet per second and so at 5Hz you are only getting points every 17.6 feet. 10 Hz would bring the data points inline with the accuracy of current GPS systems with a recorded point approx. every 8.8 feet when traveling at 60 mph. You must download the data to a computer and use the companies Qsports software with lap analysis function enabled to view data since no local LCD screen controls etc..., but if Qstarz added these would definitely raise the costs which at the current price is a great deal and why I decided to purchase. A couple recommendations I have for using the gps data logger as a lap timer are to not select the check box to remove drift points when importing data from the device, I have not been able to determine from the literature what removing drift points actually does, but has messed up some data. The other recommendation I have is to download/import data from the device to the computer after each session on the track and delete the data stored on the device after successful import. The time for import is not as long and it ensures your sessions are kept as separate data files.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Qstarz BT-Q1000eX Professional BT Data Logger GPS (Lap Timing Analysis, Beeper, Vibration Sensor, 5Hz, 400,000 waypoints)

BT-Q1000eX is an extraordinary GPS Lap Timer with eXtreme 5Hz log speed which enables Q1000eX to log up to 5 times per second providing most accurate measurement of track, speed, and distance. Such characteristic makes Q1000eX very suitable for every kind of extreme sports activity, especially for super moto, road course motorcycles, oval cars, or road course autos. And drivers can also improve their lap time by valuable driving information.Q1000eX GPS lap timer is simple and easy to use. It's stand-alone without the help of other accessories like transmitter are unnecessary. It adopts the GPS technology to log your race and later you can upload your driving information via USB or Bluetooth to PC for the included Lap Timing Analysis software to analyze the data. After manually define the start, finish, and split point on Google Map, you can see the very detailed driving information as following: Avg/Min/Max speed by each lap, Sector time (the time from one split point to another), Split time (the cumulative time from start point to split point), and point current speed.Other than as a GPS Lap timer, BT-Q1000eX is also a very powerful data logger with 8MB memory size able to log up to 40,000 waypoints and long battery life to continuously operate 42 hrs, which give a very strong base to support the huge demand by 5Hz log. It also integrates A-GPS, beeper, vibration sensor. A-GPS can boost the GPS warm start time to less than 15sec, Beeper can notice the device status, and Vibration sensor can smartly save power and recordable waypoints. The included dual software: QTravel and QSports even strengthen the applications of Q1000eX on many aspects, making it become a multi-functional device no matter for lap timer, for navigation, for travel log, or for sports log.

Click here for more information about Qstarz BT-Q1000eX Professional BT Data Logger GPS (Lap Timing Analysis, Beeper, Vibration Sensor, 5Hz, 400,000 waypoints)

Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Not too bad. If you're in the market for a dvd player than this isn't a bad purchase for $300. Not as fancy as the others but it does the job. Has rca outputs for everything minus subwoofer. That isn't too important unless you plan on competing in audio. I have this wired up in my envoy and really like it as do my kids. Screen is bright enough. The usb input is awesome, allowing you to play music files recorded to things like mp3 players and flash drives. Overall a great dvd player if you don't need the name brand.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input

Boss Audio's BV9055 is a great solution for those looking for a basic in-dash DVD player. With a 6.2-inch touchscreen, USB port, front auxiliary input and other convenient features, it's got plenty of bang for your buck. Ready to grow with two RCA outputs and video inputs for a rear view camera or GPS device, it's a perfect way to get your mobile mediaplex started.

6.2-Inch Touchscreen The BV9055 features a brilliant 6.2-inch touchscreen with a 1200 x 234 pixel resolution, perfect for quick navigation to the unit's features and for watching video.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite movies from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs or even MP4 files. Or enjoy audio from CDs or data discs full of your favorite MP3/WMA files. You can also view your favorite JPG pictures and zoom in for a closer look.
Dial in your sound with separate bass and treble controls, along with balance/fader and a mute when needed.
Front Panel USB Port Enjoy your digital audio (MP3/WMA) or video (MP4) files in a snap by putting them on a USB thumb drive. Enjoy hours of entertainment quickly and easily.
Front Auxiliary Input Easily connect external devices like iPods or MP3 players via the 1/8" mini auxiliary input.
Rear View Camera and GPS Video Inputs Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience, or send your GPS video to the BV9055's screen for navigation.
AM/FM tuner This unit also features a PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
It will also display Radio Data System messages for stations broadcasting them.
Plenty of Power With 80 Watts through four channels, the BV9055 packs a punch. Dual (front and rear) RCA outputs let you expand your system.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling all receiver functions.
What's in the Box Boss Audio BV9055, remote control, mounting sleeve, trim frame, wiring harness, installation hardware, user's manual

Click here for more information about Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input

Dual XDVD8183N DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Touch Screen LCD, Built-In Bluetooth, and iPod Control(iPod Cable NOT included) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this item last month and it rocks, can't beat value & reliability for price. I do have a few little gripes.
Good:
This is a decent head unit with very good interface, screen clarity and DVD playback. Sound quality was very good considering I have no amp and I liked that sound options could be configured. I read reviews on other sites before buying and as advertised most of the functions worked. I was able to play DVDs, MP3 CDs, and regular CDs. The bluetooth worked ok for audio transfer (with Nokia 6230 & Blackberry Pearl), and handsfree mic sounded ok on receiving end. I like the piano black with brushed chrome look and feel. I did not install the backup camera, and did not get the tv tuner unit in time for the install, but the aux-in port works fine.
Gripes:
I haven't gotten the ipod interface to work yet though - i currently have an Ipod nano (3rd gen). The Dual logo displays on the ipod, but the head unit keeps saying "connecting..." I think it may be a compatibility issue with the nano firmware version. Will check this out, but I can use the 3.5mm in jack as an alternative, and the nano does get charged using the ipod jack connection. I had to use a by-pass for the parkbrake - had a little trouble at first, but resolved this. Would have liked this unit to come with Divx and have more functionallity with the bluetooth - does not read call address book on blackberry pearl correctly. Tends to get warm quickly.
Overall:
This unit was professionally installed in a '04 "Corolla". Installation was quick and almost pain free (by-pass to parking brake took some time - I do not live in a state with video restrictions). I would recommend this unit to any one. Its a good sturdy unit with lots of features, and I could not find another unit at lower price vs reliability concerns.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XDVD8183N DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Touch Screen LCD, Built-In Bluetooth, and iPod Control(iPod Cable NOT included)

Turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center with this affordable single-DIN DVD receiver from Dual Electronics. Make hands-free Bluetooth calls using the built-in microphone. Play back your favorite DVDs and CDs, burn MP3/WMA files to disc for hours of music, or just listen to the radio. Set up an in-car surround system with the 5.1 channel RCA outputs, and send video to rear monitors with a pair of video outs. Options abound, and your wallet will thank you as much as your passengers.

Seven-Inch Touchscreen Monitor The XDVD8183N features a motorized, seven-inch touchscreen TFT LCD monitor with 480 x 234 pixel resolution, for great looking video and ease of navigation. When not in use, the screen folds back into the receiver seamlessly, with a smaller blue/white dot matrix secondary display to pick up the slack.
Bluetooth-Enabled The XDVD8183N features built-in Bluetooth technology, which communicates with most Bluetooth-enabled phones. A built-in microphone for hands-free operation. Answer and place calls via the unit's touchscreen, along with one-touch dialing from the phone book, and on-screen caller ID.
Enjoy Your Media Play back your favorite DVDs and CDs (including burnt DVD-R/RWs, DVD+R/RWs, CD-R/RWs) in the disc player, with full access to disc menus, subtitles, zoom mode, angles, etc.
You can also burn your favorite MP3/WMA music files to CD/DVD for hours of music on a single disc.
AM/FM Tuner Tune into your favorite radio programming with the AM/FM radio, complete with 48 Station presets for instant access to your stations.
iPlug Interface Cable (Purchase Separately) The iPlug cable uses a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect your digital music player to the receiver using RCA inputs. It's a breakout aux input, essentially, allowing you to connect your iPod, MP3 player, or other device for enjoyment in your vehicle.
Serious Sound The built-in 50 x 4 MOSFET amplifier provides efficient performance and great fidelity. Dial in the audio further with standard bass/treble and balance/fader controls.
5.1-Channel Audio Outputs With 50 x 4 Watts, the XDVD8183N delivers plenty of high-quality sound, but if you want to get a serious mobile entertainment center going, it offers full 5.1 channel RCA audio outputs: a pair of front outputs, a pair of rear, center channel, and subwoofer.
Audio/Video In/Out Connect a game system, camera, or other source using the A/V input, and send the signal to additional monitors in your vehicle with two separate composite video outs.
Rear Camera Input An RCA rear camera input is provided. Connect a compatible camera and enjoy the convenience and safety of backing up with added visual input.
Remote Included A full-featured Infrared remote control is provided.
What's in the Box Dual XDVD8183N Receiver, Remote Control, Trim Ring, Installation Hardware, Wiring Harness, User's Manual

Get 69% OFF

Click here for more information about Dual XDVD8183N DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Touch Screen LCD, Built-In Bluetooth, and iPod Control(iPod Cable NOT included)

Clarion VRX485VD 7-Inch Single-Din Multimedia Station with Fully Motorized Touch Panel Control and iPod Ready Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one fantastic car stereo, but it has two flaws, IMHO...
First, the volume knob is quite small and doesn't protrude out very far, making it difficult to turn the volume up or down while driving, especially on bumpy roads. I think Clarion should have done two things here. One, make the volume knob pop out farther with a push and then push back into place. Second make the volume control adjustable on-screen, either by dragging and dropping the volume bar or by pushing the icons for more volume or less volume. Either or both of these changes would greatly improve the controls.
Secondly, for some reason if the stereo isn't on the Ipod input when you turn the car off, then it will not recognize that there is an Ipod attached when you turn the car on until you remove and re-attach the Ipod, which is not a huge deal, unless you keep the Ipod in your locked glove-box then it is a pain in the ......
For these two reasons I give it four stars, but other than that it is AWESOME!!! And, as always, Amazon is impeccably priced and their service is top-notch!!!
Also, one last note...I wanted to redo my interior with more brushed aluminum and this stereo looks killer in the dash. I love the brushed aluminum look!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion VRX485VD 7-Inch Single-Din Multimedia Station with Fully Motorized Touch Panel Control and iPod Ready

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Clarion VRX485VD 7-Inch Single-Din Multimedia Station with Fully Motorized Touch Panel Control and iPod Ready

Clarion THD309 HD Radio Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great upgrade to your radio but I live in the sticks so it doesn't allow me to use all the features.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion THD309 HD Radio Tuner

Add HD Radio to your Clarion VZ309 receiver. This add-on HD Radio Tuner receives both analog and digital signals, and does not require an additional antenna or subscription fees. Enjoy the unmatched fidelity of HD programming, along with real-time info from stations, to expand your entertainment horizons.

HD Radio technology HD Radio technology allows CD-quality digital broadcasting of your local AM and FM radio stations. HD Radio broadcasts can include multiple channels on the same frequency, which is called multicasting. With multicasting, you can receive up to eight additional multicast channels. With the installation of the THD309 Radio Module, you will receive HD Radio digital broadcasts automatically when tuned to a station that offers HD Radio technology.
Not all FM or AM stations offer HD Radio (digital) broadcasting. However, you can receive both analog and digital stations with the unit.
Real-Time Data The VZ309 can display information provided by various HD stations, along with the default display of stereo indicator, frequency, band, and clock.
Radio stations are offering a variety of useful messages that scroll across radio display screens, including:
Artist name and song title
Live weather and real-time traffic updates
Local news, sports scores and school closings
Emergency information and much more coming soon!

The amount of information displayed when receiving HD Radio signal is dependent upon what is being broadcast.
HD Radio Program Type Scan Equipped with the THD309, The VZ309 displays "Program Type" categories for HD programming. This allows you to find similar programming by genre. Just rotate the knob to change the category, press the rotary button to select program category, and the radio will start scanning for stations broadcasting in the selected category.
Store preset stations Up to six stations on each band (3 FM and 2 AM bands for a total of 30 analog or HD presets) can be stored as presets, which can then be instantly recalled by pressing the associated preset button.
What's in the Box THD309 Radio Module, Connection Cable, Mounting Hardware, Warranty Information

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Clarion THD309 HD Radio Tuner

Pioneer GEX-P920XM XM Satellite Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was really tired of the cheesy little XM receiver that I had - it clipped on to the vent and had three wires (antenna, power, and sound to the head unit). It was time to change.
My Pioneer DEH-P980BT is Satellite Radio ready and this unit is compatible. So I ordered it and installed it. It was just as easy to install as the cheesy unit and has the added benefit of being hidden away, and integrated into the display of my Pioneer Head Unit.
What I had not counted on was the improvement in sound quality. Even directly wired through the AUX connection of my stereo, the cheesy XM radio had some sound limitations. With FM Modulation (wired or wireless), it was horrid. The GEX-P920XM puts all that behind you!
Now I have XM as another sound source on my main stereo, all the info displays through the main unit, I have 18 presets, can search by category or station, and there's nothing blocking my air vent!
Get this - you will not regret it. Even if you already have something plugged into your IP-BUS port on your Pioneer Stereo, you can add this - they string together like a network so you are not limited to just one unit! I use this together with the CD-IB100II iPod Adapter and it's bliss!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer GEX-P920XM XM Satellite Tuner

This XM Radio Tuner designed for Pioneer "SAT Radio Ready" and "XM Ready" Headunits and AV Receivers.

Add XM Radio to Your Pioneer Receiver There's a world beyond AM and FM. XM Satellite Radio. Up to 130 channels. Coast-to-coast coverage. Digital quality sound. With many commercial-free music channels. Plus the best sports, comedy, talk, news and entertainment.
Enjoy all of the benefits of XM Radio, including:
Over 170 Digital Channels Coast to Coast
Over 80,000 Hours of Entertainment Each Month
Live Concerts and Exclusive Interviews
Official Satellite Radio Network of Major League Baseball--Every Team. All Season Long.
Exclusive Satellite Radio Network of NASCAR. Every Race. Every Turn.
Only XM features MTV, VH1, Opie & Anthony, Bob Edwards, College Sports from ACC, Big Ten and PAC-10

Display Broadcast Info The tuner will receive and transmit display information such as channel name, channel category, artist/feature name, song/program title, or composer.
Store Your Favorite Channels Up to 18 channels, six for each of the three XM bands, can be stored in memory.
Note: This product cannot be used with the following headunits: AVH-P6400CD, AVH-P6400, DEH-P8500MP, DEH-P850MP, KEH-P2030. XM Radio is a subscription service.
What's in the Box Pioneer GEX-P920XM XM Satellite Tuner, Antenna, Mounting Hardware, User's Manual, Installation Guide

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Pioneer GEX-P920XM XM Satellite Tuner

Power Acoustik PTID-7002NR Detachable 7-Inch AM/FM Receiver Oversized Single Din Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this head unit installed now for a month and really like it. It has some drawbacks but over all it's pretty good. I wanted to make this video for people who are interested in what it looks like and how it functions.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Power Acoustik PTID-7002NR Detachable 7-Inch AM/FM Receiver Oversized Single Din

Power Acoustik PTID-7002NR Detachable 7-Inch AM/FM Receiver Oversized Single Din

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Power Acoustik PTID-7002NR Detachable 7-Inch AM/FM Receiver Oversized Single Din

Boss BV9996B In-Dash Motorized 7" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just installed this unit. First thoughts are it's put together sturdy and doesnt appear too cheap. After getting it in the dash the bluetooth was a snap to pair and get working. I called my son in another state who works for Verizon and he ask if I bought a new phone because it was so clear. You have to position the microphone right or you sound like your in a can.
The screen looked pretty good, I put in Cirque Du Soliel the crazy circus dudes, it was more than I expected. The sound with DVD's is spot on and with some power rocks the car and you think damn this is as good as the theater with exception to screen size, well thats what I thought I got 5600 watts peak, rms is about a third but loud enough to shake, rattle and roll. The radio plays good although I dont listen to the radio so I really didnt care if it worked or not.
The bluetooth audio is a headache, I have a samsung phone and when I get into the car it automatically pairs with the phone half but for bluetooth audio I have to disconnect and reconnect everytime I the car turns off and back on. A minor inconvenience, but then try to put in a cd and so far you have to fold down the removeable panel and push a eject button, no problem unless your fingers are big like mine, still a minor inconvenience. In bluetooth mode I still havent figured out how to adjust bass and treble, but throught the remote I can adjust the EQ I think. Luckily the phone has a built in sound processor.
The subwoofer output only has one output so you need a splitter which is ok if you only have one amp, but if you have two sub amps like me the 2 volts out split between four inputs degrades the sound. there is no built in crossover so if you have multiple amps a crossover is a must, not an option!
Then theres the view, like I said the picture quality is good, better than you might think but the sun will wash it out with a quickness, So plan on getting your windows tinted dark or dont waste time watching in the day, night is on point and works fine. I have parked everyway i think i can to view a dvd while waiting for my wife around noon and at best I can watch but details and faces are dark.
The Manual, well can you say mickey mouse? It really doesnt tell you much that you cant figure out and the mis-spelled words make you wonder what country it's translated from.
All in all for the first week everything is good and I would recommend this unit if your on a bugdget, but if you have money to spend I recomend swimming upstream. The more reputable companies give you more ease of use and convenience. Oh dont let me forget the remote, it's filled with buttons, too doggone busy for me but I guess I'll have to try and memorize the buttons for on the fly use, but it's a joke. So far not a deal breaker but all in all you get what you pay for. It's a cool addition and from what I see out there I think it's your best bet in the price range. I'm holding off on saying whether or not it sounds good for an audiophile, cause i need to pick up a crossover and tweek the sound, so stand by I'll get back.
The volume control on the faceplate doesnt work when you first turn the thing on after sitting for awhile. A few times i have went out and started the car and pulled off only to have to pull over frantically trying to turn the volume down. I turn it down and it goes back up on its own. not louder but to the same as it already was. Finally I have to fumble for the remote in order to turn it down.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss BV9996B In-Dash Motorized 7" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel)

The Boss Audio BV9996B is a single-DIN multimedia receiver offering Bluetooth connectivity and playback of DVDs, CDs and plenty more, including digital MP3/MP4/WMA files. This receiver features touchscreen operation on its motorized, flip-out 7-inch widescreen display, an auxiliary input, USB port, and SD Card slot. With 85 Watts through four channels, it offers plenty of power, but front/rear and sub preamp outputs offer room for further growth.

Bluetooth-Enabled Pair with your mobile phone for hands-free calling and other Bluetooth features.
7-Inch Touchscreen The BV9996B features a motorized, slide-down front panel with 7-inch widescreen display. Touchscreen controls make navigation of receiver features a breeze, and the brilliant monitor features a 1440 x 234 resolution and 600 NIT brightness--your video will look great.
Enjoy Your Media The BV9996B will play back your DVDs/SDVDs, SVCDs/VCDs, CDs, CD-R/Ws, and WMA/MP4/MP3 files. The ESP anti-skip mechanism ensures your music or video isn't interrupted by any bumps in the road, and playback features such as a mute function, intro scan, and last position memory are all included.
When listening to digital files, enjoy full ID3 tag display of artist/track info.
Dial in the sound with separate bass and treble EQ controls, along with balance/fader.
USB and SD Connectivity The BV9996B features a USB port and SD Card jack, so you can instantly switch out USB thumb drives or SD cards with a fresh batch of MP3 tunes/podcasts/etc.
AM/FM Radio Enjoy your favorite radio programming with the PLL-synthesized tuner, featuring 30 station presets for instant access to your preferred stations, and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
Auxiliary Input The convenient front-panel auxiliary input (3.5mm mini jack) is a great way to enjoy audio from external devices such as MP3 players.
Power and Expandability The BV9996B provides 85 Watts through four channels to start, and if you'd like to expand your system, use the front/rear and subwoofer preamp outputs to add external amplifiers.
Rear View Camera Input Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience when your vehicle is in reverse.
Remote Included A wireless remote control is included for convenient control of the system.
What's in the Box BV9996B Receiver, Wireless Remote, Mounting Hardware, User's Manual

Get 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Boss BV9996B In-Dash Motorized 7" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel)

Power Acoustik PTID-8970NRB 7-Inch In-Dash Widescreen TFT/LCD Monitor with DVD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't normally write reviews, but I decided I should for this product since there aren't many and I think the manufacturer deserves credit. I've used Power Acoustik amps and speakers before and liked them a lot. The company produces quality products but gets non-name-brand prices. So I wasn't too scared rolling the dice on this unit. I've been using it for a half a year now and it hasn't disappointed.
Sound is just fine. I doubt its audiophile quality, but it will stand with a good portion of the Sonys and the Pioneers. My one gripe there is that it doesn't seem to filter the low pass signals out of the main channels if you tell it to output to the sub channel, but this is a relatively minor problem and if you're not using a sub, you won't even care. The volume is sufficient.
Menu/control system is pretty good. You get some geek cred for having a touch screen and the basic functions are as you would expect. The external controls on the faceplate are a little weird. I definitely would have made the source easier to change than scrolling through by tapping the power button (I've never accidentally shut it off though--it's just you would think this would get its own button). I do like having the call pick-up and disconnect buttons that you can use when the faceplate is down.
iPod control is weird and I honestly don't use it. It's 100x easier to navigate your songs on the iPod itself. But I don't have use the custom ipod input because the basic audio input off a headphone jack is all i need there anyway and it lets me set my iPod in the console right side up. I suppose if I got into video on my ipod I'd give the ipod control another try, but it doesn't really worry me.
The Bluetooth handsfree option works fairly well. When someone calls you, no matter what screen you are in, it mutes your music, comes up with who it is and lets you choose to answer. It will also dial out strait from the head unit and interface with your phone's phonebook. It had troubles interfacing with mine. I actually prefer to just make the call from the phone and then the head unit takes over. I'm still out on whether I find the audio quality acceptable. In town its fine, but at highway speeds I think it picks up too much noise. Still, it's definitely usable.
Movies are pretty good. They can be a little washed out in the day depending on where the sun is etc., but generally the picture is great. I also like that it's not just a DVD player but a divx/xvid player and can use SD and USB storage devices. I haven't really used it, but I like knowing its there. If I did want to watch movies etc, I'd definately be using more the xvid/divx stuff than off the ipod. My one grip is that you have to use the remote for some of the navigation of the movie menus. I wish this was all touch screen, but you don't need it that often.
Navigation is the killer app for me. I just love it. It's also the part that I was most ambivalent about since there were no reviews of it. Well I'm glad I took the plunge. It's $200 extra, but well worth it. It's well programmed, you won't have a problem switching from a Garmin or a TomTom. It finds the satellites a lot quicker than my Garmin too, and I assume (though I don't have many tall buildings or mountains around me that it will hold on signal better there as well. And I have the antenna buried behind my glovebox. I imagine if I gave it more prominent positioning, the signal would be even better. The maps seem to be better than my garmin: it has less unnamed streets in my experience. And the fact that it's built into your dash and you don't have to sucker it onto your windshield is great. I'm really interested if anyone knows about software updates for it (just because I'm geeky that way). The website it points to doesn't seem to exist. You can quickly switch between your nav screen and your audio screens. You can continue listening to your source audio while in the nav screen and you can continue to get audio nav directions when off of the nav screen.
The security feature sort of scares me. The removable part isn't all that noticable when it's removed. It doesn't seem like much of a deterrent, which is all that really matters. I once had a head unit with top of the line smart card security. Well, it was stolen even though the card was out. All the thieves got was a dead stereo, but that didn't help me any. Anyways, this unit is so reasonably priced that I think the risk is worth it.
So all and all: everything is a little rough around the edges, it seems like it was designed a little hastily--maybe by the engineers, but it's feature-rich and most of the features work well. And if you tried to get anything similar from a big name you'd easilty be paying twice as much, which makes this a great buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Power Acoustik PTID-8970NRB 7-Inch In-Dash Widescreen TFT/LCD Monitor with DVD

7-inch In-Dash Widescreen TFT/LCD Monitor with DVD

Get 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Power Acoustik PTID-8970NRB 7-Inch In-Dash Widescreen TFT/LCD Monitor with DVD

Dual XDVDN9131 4X50 watt AM/FM/DVD with 7-Inch Touch LCD/USB/SD/BT/NAV/iPod Multimedia Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Dual DVDN9131 at Wal-mart on 1-23-10. Today is 3-6-10 and I just shipped it back to Dual to be fixed or replaced. The unit worked fine when I first installed it, but now when I try to use the blue tooth to make phone calls people cannot understand what I am saying. My voice is Garbled like I am talking under water or something. I contacted Dual customer support and they told me to ship it back for repair or replace. I don't know what to expect from here, I have never owned any Dual products before. This radio seems to be a nice unit, I just hope they take care of the problem in a timley manner.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XDVDN9131 4X50 watt AM/FM/DVD with 7-Inch Touch LCD/USB/SD/BT/NAV/iPod Multimedia Receiver (Black)

AM/FM/DVD w/7-Inch Touch LCD/USB/SD/BT/NAV/iPod, 4X50 watt. 200 Watts Peak (50x4) Motorized 7-Inch touch screen TFT LCD monitor Integrated Navigation DIN chassis (all-in-one) Import ISO/DIN mountable Fold-down detachable front panel Internal cooling fan Electronic volume, bass, treble, balance, and fader MOSFET audio output 4.1 audio outputs (RCA) 1 Audio/video input (RCA) 1 Rear camera input (RCA) 1 Composite video output 1 Audio/video input (3.5mm) 24-Bit D/A Converter Infrared remote control

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Dual XDVDN9131 4X50 watt AM/FM/DVD with 7-Inch Touch LCD/USB/SD/BT/NAV/iPod Multimedia Receiver (Black)