Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Brand New Kenwood Excelon Dnx6960 All-in-one Double Din 6.1" Touch-screen Monitor/dvd/player/navigation Combo Receiver with Dual Zone, Ipod Interface, Advanced Garmin Gps, and Remote Review

Brand New Kenwood Excelon Dnx6960 All-in-one Double Din 6.1 Touch-screen Monitor/dvd/player/navigation Combo Receiver with Dual Zone, Ipod Interface, Advanced Garmin Gps, and Remote
Average Reviews:

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I have three issues with this unit.
1. It takes about 4 - 6 seconds to load the album artwork for a song. During that 4 - 6 seconds you cannot skip to the next song. So it's very frustrating to listen to the ipod.
2. We use the ipod to play videos for our kids. When you turn the car off and then turn it back on the unit automatically switches the ipod to music. So if they're watching a movie and we stop for gas then when we start the car the music comes on and we have to navigate back to the movie and then restart it. It doesn't sound like much but it's a pain.
3. After buying this unit and becoming aware of these two issues above I searched the internet and found that these have been known issues for over 2 years. It bothers me that Kenwood has known about these issues and has done nothing to fix them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brand New Kenwood Excelon Dnx6960 All-in-one Double Din 6.1" Touch-screen Monitor/dvd/player/navigation Combo Receiver with Dual Zone, Ipod Interface, Advanced Garmin Gps, and Remote

Brand New Kenwood Excelon Dnx6960 All-In-One Double Din 6.1" Touch-Screen Monitor/Dvd/Player/Navigation Combo Receiver With Dual Zone, Ipod Interface, Advanced Garmin Gps, And RemoteFeatures:Kenwood DNX6960 In dash Navigation with Built-in DVD Player and Built in BluetoothRemote Control IncludedGarmin GPS Navigation Built-InParrot Bluetooth Built In6.1" TFT-LCD Monitor display Built in iPod audio interface through the USB input - simply plug your iPod into the USB with the cable that is included with your iPodFor iPod video playback you will need KCA-IP301VTouch Screen DisplayVariable color illumination Selectable wallpapers and customizable backgrounds Blue button lighting Peak Power: 50 watts x 4 channels RMS Rated Power: 22 watts x 4 channels CD Text Display MP3 ID3 Tags Display Title/Artist/Album namesPlays DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA, AAC, DIVX, MPEG1, MPEG2, and JPEG Radio tuner with 18FM/6AM presets Station name preset 24 Bit digital-to-analog converter System Q-EX/System E's+ enhance the audio playback 3-Band equalizer with six presets Speaker type settings - allows you to set size of your speakers to get the best sound out of your systemBuilt in high and low pass crossover system with selectable frequenciesBuilt in sub controls with level and phase controlsLoudness controlDolby Pro Logic II Source tone memory allows you to store System Q-EX and tone settings for each source RDS Radio Technology displays station names, song names, and moreDual zone capability 3 Sets of 5V preamp outputs (front, rear, and subwoofer) Supports Dolby Digital and DTS sound with 2 channel conversion so you do not need a center channel speakerNAVTEQ Traffic Tuner Ready - Requires Kenwood KNA-NT100SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio Ready - Requires tuner, antenna, and subscription serviceHD Radio Ready - Requires Kenwood

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Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver Review

Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver
Average Reviews:

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I JUST PURCHASED THE DNX7140 AND HAD IT INSTALLED IN A CHEVROLET 2500HD SILVERADO. THE SILVERADO HAD THE BOSE SOUND SYSTEM WITH ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, XM RADIO, AND ON-STAR. SINCE I WANTED ALL OF THESE ITEMS TO WORK AFTER THE INSTALLATION, I HAD THE GEEK SQUAD AT BEST BUY INSTALL THE UNIT. AFTER THE INSTALLATION, ALL PREVIOUS FUNCTIONS WORK VERY WELL.
THE NAVAGATION UNIT IS TREMENDOUS. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD VARIOUS GARMIN PORTABLE NAV UNITS SO I WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE NAVIGATION PART OF THE DNX7140. THE NAVIGATION IS QUICK AND ACCURATE AND THE DISPLAY IS "SECOND TO NONE".
THE SOUND QUALITY IS FANTASTIC. THE CD'S SOUND GREAT. THE PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY OF THE DVD ARE LIKE THE 5.1 SURROUND SOUND OF MY BOSE UNIT AT HOME. I HAVE A DROID CELL PHONE INTO WHICH I HAVE DOWNLOADED NUMEROUS MP3 SONGS. AFTER CONNECTING THE BLUETOOTH ON MY PHONE TO THE UNIT, I CAN LISTEN TO ALL THE MP3 SONGS ON THE DROID THROUGH THE SOUND SYSTEM. THERE IS NO LOSS OF SOUND QUALITY PLAYING THROUGH THE SYSTEM. IT ONLY TOOK ABOUT A MINUTE TO SYNCH THE BLUETOOTH WITH THE PHONE AND THE KENWOOD.
BASICALLY, THE UNIT IS QUITE EASY TO PROGRAM TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES. ALTHOUGH THE SPECIFIC CONTROLS ON THE UNIT ARE RELATIVELY SMALL, I DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH VOLUME OR FUNCTION CONTROL SINCE ALL THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS ARE FUNCTIONAL. WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, THE BUTTONS ON THE UNIT ARE A LITTLE SMALL.
NEGATIVES: 1) THE UNIT WORKS GREAT; HOWEVER, KENWOOD HAS NOT LOADED THE MOST RECENT FIRMWARE INTO THE UNIT. FOR THE UNIT TO WORK ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, YOU MUST GO TO THE KENWOOD SITE AND DOWNLOAD AN UPDATE FOR THE FIRMWARE. YOU THEN BURN A CD WITH THIS INFORMATION AND UPGRADE THE FIRMWARE IN THE UNIT. ADDITIONALLY, THE GARMIN SOFTWARE THAT IS LOADED IN THE UNIT MUST ALSO BE UPDATED TO A MORE RECENT RELEASE. HERE AGAIN, YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE, BURN IT TO A CD AND INSTALL IT IN THE UNIT. YOU CAN FIND THE FIRMWARE UPDATE AND THE GARMIN UPDATE AT THE KENWOOD WEBSITE AT [...] 2) THE UNIT COMES WITH A REMOTE CONTROL; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT FOUND THE REMOTE TO BE VERY HELPFUL.
I ONLY HAVE ONE REGRET - I WISH I HAD PURCHASED THE UNIT SOONER.

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The DNX7140 is an extraordinary all-in-one in-dash system with cutting-edge audio, video, and navigation technologies. Featuring onboard Bluetooth powered by Parrot, an advanced navigation system by Garmin, a brilliant 6.95-inch touchscreen, and a wealth of expansion options, it's sure to assist as much as it entertains.

6.95-Inch Touchscreen with Variable Illumination The DNX7140 puts intuitive control right at your fingertips with its 6.95-inch QVGA TFT Active Matrix Display and powerful, easy-to-use graphical user interface. Customize the unit's front panel illumination with the new variable illumination palette of colors--match your interior tones, dash lighting, or whatever tickles your fancy. Selectable wallpapers and customizable backgrounds offer further personalization.
Reverse Tilt Mechanism Depending on the vehicle, in-car monitors are installed in a variety of heights and angles, and this sometimes results in reduced visibility due to reflected glare from sunlight. Kenwood's solution is the exclusive Reverse Tilt mechanism: In addition to the traditional tilt mechanism that allows the bottom of the monitor to be tilted forward over five positions, Reverse Tilt also allows the top of the monitor to tilt forward to eliminate reflected glare.
Built-In Advanced Navigation--Guidance by Garmin This integrated advanced navi system guides you everywhere with ease and is beautifully displayed on a large 6.95-inch screen. All functions are intuitively controlled by touchscreen menus and voice guidance works over the vehicle's speaker system. There is no need to swap map discs since it comes with a built-in full-memory Garmin Navigation board that features maps of continental USA, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. New navigation functions include:
Roadside Assistance
Phone Number Search / Call (Using BT)
Brand Icon
Mileage Tracker

Built-In Bluetooth--Powered by Parrot The built-in Bluetooth hands-free system enables easy, safe cellular phone communications from the car. Features include (not all features work on all phones):
High-quality noise-cancelling microphone
Register up to five Bluetooth phones
Holds up to 1,000 phone numbers per registered phone
Supports Auto Phonebook Download
Supports A2DP Wireless Music Streaming
Supports voice-recognition dialing
Supports incoming/outgoing short-message service (SMS)
Bluetooth firmware upgradeable

MSN Direct Traffic/Data Receiver Ready Don't be late or waste your precious time and fuel stuck in traffic; use the Kenwood KNA-M100 featuring MSN Direct. Once you activate your subscription, the traffic receiver will begin to receive real-time traffic and other useful data right onto your Kenwood touchscreen, providing quick access to alternative routing using Garmin navigation.
Audio enhancement all the time As part of the DSP for the all new Sound Excellence feature, the DNX7140 Entertainment/Navigation System includes a Space Enhancer and a new Bass Boost. Space Enhancer expands the sound field for the listener so that the audio signal can be heard clearly by the driver and front seat passenger. The new Bass Boost feature increases low-frequency output for each channel and listeners will be able to feel the more powerful sound.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media The DNX7140 is a media powerhouse, letting you play your favorite CDs and DVDs, along with several digital audio and video formats. The unit accepts DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, and CD-DA discs. It plays back AAC-LC, MP3, and WMA audio files; MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files; and can display JPG images. Throw your files on a disc or a USB device and enjoy them in your vehicle wherever you are.
And, of course, you still can listen to the AM/FM radio. Use Auto Memory to automatically add stations with good reception to presets, or enter them manually. The DNX7140 displays FM radio text when available as well as traffic information, and it allows you to enter station names.
Seamless Connection with iPod Video/Audio Connect an iPod using the optional KCA-iP301V cable to enable full video (for iPods with video capability) and/or audio control. You'll supply power to your iPod as well as charge it while you enjoy your music.
USB Direct Control You can enjoy your favorite music, video, or images from USB devices like flash drives or MP3 players. When connecting a USB device, playback starts automatically. When a battery-powered USB device like an MP3 player is connected to this unit, it also gets a charge, so it's ready to go with you when you exit the vehicle.
Input and Output In addition to the iPod and USB support, you can use the DNX7140's front auxiliary A/V input to connect external audio/video sources like video game systems.
The unit also features an A/V output for sending content to an additional screen in the vehicle.
For audio output, the DNX7140 has three sets of 2V RCA pre-amp outputs for system expansion (in addition to the on-board 50W x 4 amplifier).
HD and Satellite Radio Ready The DNX7140 allows you to enjoy SIRIUS (requires CA-SR20V cable + Sirius Tuner) or XM (requires KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner) radio in your vehicle. Enjoy a multitude of channels featuring music, news, talk shows, sports, and traffic information with CD quality sound.
You also can add an HD Radio tuner. When you connect an HD radio tuner, features of the unit are disabled and changed to HD Radio tuner features.
Rear Camera Input The DNX7140 is ready for a rear camera, allowing you to monitor behind your vehicle as you back up.
What's in the Box Kenwood DNX7140, sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, installation tools, installation manual, operation manual, warranty card.

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Garmin nüvi 1350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

Garmin nüvi 1350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
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I like this gps, which was purchased (refurbished) through Amazon. I received this gps about two weeks ago and tested it last week on an 800 plus mile drive from Temecula,CA, to Felton,CA. I was unable to distinguish this gps from a new one, in appearance or in performance. The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5, was I was unable to have the lady "directeur" repeat instructions at will, which I was able to do with my previous Garmin. . The repeatability is not only good company, but important to this WW II veteran with noise damaged hearing. If there is a way to have her recite on request, I would appreciate the information. Thank you.
Jules Darras
P.S. Any and all comments are welcome and requested, please. JD

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin nüvi 1350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

The widescreen nüvi 1350 redefines portable, affordable navigation. This ultra-thin GPS has preloaded maps for North America, announces streets by name, guides you to the proper lane for navigation, offers pedestrian navigation options and calculates a more fuel-efficient route with ecoRoute™.What's in the box:•Nuvi 1350 (Refurbished) GPS•Preloaded City Navigator NT•Vehicle Suction Cup Mount•Power Cable•Dashboard Disc•Manual

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Boss BV9155B In-Dash Double-DIN 4.5" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel) Review

Boss BV9155B In-Dash Double-DIN 4.5 DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel)
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This had all the features we were looking for -- Bluetooth connectivity without a separate microphone to install, detachable faceplate, DVD support, SD support, USB and external audio input on the faceplate. I also appreciate the dial volume knob, and that many of the controls have hard buttons as well as touchscreen equivalents.
The sound is much better than our factory-installed stereo (in a Kia Sedona) -- richer sound, deeper bass, but not distracting or distorting (all with the factory-installed speakers). The tuner has slightly more static than our old stereo off the same antenna, but the difference isn't great.
The touchscreen excels on the tuner setting -- a nice display that shows time, radio station, and your current preset settings (each preset shows the frequency associated with it). While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that some high-end stereos have (it doesn't detect and display the station call letters), it does fine.
Where things break down a little is when you put in an MP3 source (CD/DVD or SD card -- I haven't tried USB yet but I assume it's the same). The screen is split into three sections. One tiny line across the top shows what's currently playing, on a slowly scrolling display. This display is way too small to be particularly useful -- you won't be glancing at the dash to see the name of the current song when you're playing MP3s. The left half of the screen shows the directory listing, and the right half shows the filenames for the current directory. The MP3 metadata only displays for what's playing, not for the file listings. Because the screen is broken up left-and-right, the width of each section is less than half the total width of the display -- which means if your MP3 files are named something like "01-First Song on the CD.MP3", then you'll probably see something like this in the directory listing: "01-01-F" -- the first 1 is the system telling you it's the first song on the list, and then you get about 4-6 characters of the filename itself. That makes finding the right song on a directory listing pretty difficult. While you play an MP3 source, you see this menu display -- and that's it. Blech. Sounds great, looks awful. They'd have been better off showing fewer directories and files on the screen at once, and letting them take the full width to show more of the names. Oh well, it works.
The bluetooth connection works well for handsfree phone calls, and the audio on it is surprisingly good for a condenser mike built into a faceplate -- not awesome, but for talking while driving it's pretty great. Road noise isn't bad, and the driver is quite understandable. I didn't hear any echo when I talked to my wife, and my voice was coming out the car speakers and hers was coming through the mike on the faceplate.
I haven't watched any video on the screen, as I didn't want to tear everything apart to figure out how to hook it up to the parking brake. This does point out one other annoying feature if you don't hook up the park brake (or use it with the park brake disengaged) -- changing to anything other than tuner pops up an ugly blue screen with a message warning about watching video while you drive, which stays up for several seconds. Even if you put in an audio CD, you'll see the warning before you get to a menu screen. It's obnoxious, but it's not a big deal. If you do put in a DVD, you can still listen to it even though the video won't show if you haven't hooked it up to the park brake or if you have and the brake isn't set -- if you have a music video DVD, this might be useful, though the sound is only stereo and not 5.1 Dolby or DTS or anything fancy.
The detachable faceplate comes with a little fabric pouch with a drawstring -- don't expect it to offer much protection beyond avoiding minor scratches.
All in all, pretty solid. Good sound and an awesome set of features makes the flaws sufferable, and it looks great in the dash (maybe I'll add pictures later -- comment if you want some). I'd consider buying another, if my other van's dash had a double-DIN slot (at 1.5-DIN, this just isn't an option).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss BV9155B In-Dash Double-DIN 4.5" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input (Detachable Front Panel)

The Boss Audio BV9155B is a double-DIN multimedia receiver offering Bluetooth connectivity and playback of DVDs, CDs and plenty more, including digital MP3/MP4/WMA files. This receiver features touchscreen navigation on its brilliant 4.5-inch widescreen display, a convenient front-panel auxiliary input, a USB port, and SD Card slot. With 80 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.
4.5-Inch Touchscreen The BV9155B features a detachable front panel with an 4.5-inch widescreen display. Touchscreen controls make navigation 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 BV9155B 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 BV9155B 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 iPods or MP3 players.
Power and Expandability The BV9155B provides 80 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 BV9155B Receiver, Wireless Remote, Mounting Hardware, User's Manual

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Kenwood DNX5120 6.1-Inch-Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Navigation with USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver Review

Kenwood DNX5120 6.1-Inch-Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Navigation with USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver
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I also have this radio and think its great.. very easy to use and looks awesome.. Martins wrote in his review "and all the streets are pre-programmed, any updates come straight from Garmin via satellite, " - thats NOT true. Software updates need to be downloaded from Garmins website and burned to a CD and copied over. Map updates are usually done yearly and must be purchased (for $140) from Garmin (or another authorized re-seller) - they are NOT free and are NOT sent straight from a satellite.
It doesn't change how good this radio is, but I just wanted to make sure no one was basing their purchase on an incorrect statement.

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in-dash DVD/CD player with internal amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels) * 6.1" touchscreen * built-in memory for navigation with maps of Canada, USA, and Puerto Rico * live traffic and weather data availablewith optional TMC receiver * plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3/WMA/AAC files on disc * compatible with Kenwood iPod adapter, Bluetooth adapter, HD Radio tuner, and satellite radio *

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GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-430 4.3-inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

GPS Navigation For Dummies FD-430 4.3-inch Portable GPS Navigator
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GPS for Dummies FD-430 lives up to the add. Nice to have street names spoke though the computer voice has a hard time pronouncing the names.(tom tom's voices better(more money though))All in all a good deal for the price.

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Need to get where you are going easily, quickly, and accurately? GPS Navigation For Dummies is the answer. The state-of-the-art For Dummies personal GPS navigation device ensures you get to the destination quickly. Designed to be the world's most user friendly interface, GPS Navigation For Dummies is perfect for automobiles, backpacks, purses, RVs, or bicycling. The name says it all--the easiest and most intuitive personal GPS navigation on the market.

GPS Made Simple The FD-430 comes with the For Dummies GPS Navigation software, which boasts a familiar and easy-to-use interface worthy of the Dummies name. A 4.3" widescreen LCD color touch-screen with 480 x 272 resolution makes for easy navigation in both 2D and 3D map viewing.
Ultra-Portable This GPS unit's compact design means you can take it anywhere, and the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 4 hours of use on a single charge.
Enjoy simple charging and data transfer on any PC with USB plug-and-play, or use the in-vehicle charger when you're on the road.
Entertainment Options Grab your GPS when you've got a travel break and enjoy a digital music player and picture viewer, along with a headphone jack for private listening.
Competitive GPS Features Ease of use doesn't mean a light feature set. Enjoy complete mapping of North America--the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada--with over 4 million searchable points of interest. Visual and voice turn-by-turn navigation lets you keep your eyes on the road while navigating, and text-to-speech means you hear actual street names. Automatic re-routing calculates a new travel route when you stray from the original.
FD-430 Features:
For Dummies GPS Nav software with familiar, For Dummies style user interface for simplyfying the GPS navigation operation
4.3" widescreen LCD color touch-screen with 480 x 272 resolution
Digital mapping with browsing capability
Voice & visual turn-by-turn navigation speaking actual street names (TTS)
Complete mapping of North America: the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada
Over 4 million points of interest(POI) with search capability
Included application for playing digital music and viewing digital picture
The familiar, easy-to-use For Dummies style user's manual leading you through the core GPS software user interface

What's in the Box GPS For Dummies FD-430 4.3-inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech, Pre-loaded maps, In-vehicle charger, Suction cup mounting kit, User's manual, Mini USB cable

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Dual XDVDN8190N AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch, Navigation,Bluetooth Interface (Black) Review

Dual XDVDN8190N AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch, Navigation,Bluetooth Interface (Black)
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I received this as a Christmas gift. Installed the next day. Loved the idea of all the features (DVD, navigation, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth) as this replaced an existing GPS and iPod FM transmitter. Even better was the fact that it looked like a cheap in-dash CD player to potential thieves. All the features worked as expected. The DVD feature is nice for long trips but the built-in screen can't be used while the car is in motion (there's a connection for an external monitor). The navigation feature is nice, but the user interface is a bit 'clunky' in my opinion. The main reason for choosing this unit was the built-in iPod connectivity as I spend about 3 hours commuting daily. The on-screen iPod controls are much easier (and safer) to use than the iPod controls. However, don't expect it to mimic the controls from the iPod exactly. It's great for basic playback but is best used with playlists. Bluetooth phone connectivity is a great feature but the built-in mic makes it difficult for callers to hear you (even sitting still with the engine off). An external clip-on microphone would have been a much better choice and sadly there's no option to add one. Otherwise the phone book and caller display works well. After my initial impressions I would give this unit 4 of 5 stars.
Now for the long-term review...
After using this unit for nearly a year, I'd like to report how I feel about it, what I've experienced, and why I wouldn't recommend this product now.
The DVD feature is nice but I noticed that the unit has a tendency to overheat after a few hours of use. I've read on other sites that adequate ventilation was necessary for this unit. There's a small rear-facing fan that must be clear of any obstructions. I ensured that it wasn't blocked (my 2002 Intrepid has plenty of room behind the head unit). While the 'overheating' didn't affect playing the iPod, the Bluetooth, or the navigation, it did severely affect DVD playback. After about 45 minutes of playing a DVD the video would get blocky and studder, or the sound would cut out, as if the DVD was scratched. I tried several including a couple of brand new discs and had the same issue. Haven't used the DVD in a while now.
The navigation worked well until suddenly it just stopped one day. After getting the 'press here to accept' message I began getting some kind of error indicating that the GPS software couldn't load. On a side note, it appears that this unit uses an embedded version of Windows CE, as the dialog box from the error looked very much (read exactly) like error messages I'd seen before of CE-based devices. I tried restoring the navigation data from the DVD included with the unit but that didn't help. After exchanging e-mail with Dual's technical support I was told that I needed to send the CF card back and they'd check it. Would've been easier if they'd included the application software on the DVD instead of just the navigation data so that I could try a different card myself. Still haven't sent the card in but guess I will have to if I want my navigation back.
The main reason I wanted this unit was for the iPod connectivity. It works OK but the on-screen user interface is buggy. For whatever reason, when using my iPod Video and the on-screen pause, it locks the head unit up. For example, if you press pause while playing a song, the unit will pause the song but I can't resume it. I have to switch to the radio tuner and then back again to get it to play. And it skips to the next song, it doesn't resume the song I was listening to. I don't have these problems with my iPod Nano. Since I use it to listen to audiobooks and podcasts I don't pause that much. I've learned to use the mode button to switch to the tuner if I need to pause the audio. As I have the audiobook feature turned on on the iPod, it resumes where I left off when I switch back to it.
My biggest complaint, though, is when shutting off the car. If the radio, or iPod, is playing when I turn off the ignition there's no audio when I re-start the car! If I turn off the radio before shutting the car off this isn't a problem. To get audio back, I have to turn the radio off and back on again. And, no, it's not a wiring problem (I've checked and had it checked by a professional).
As I noted earlier, it appears this unit is running an embedded version of Windows CE. Dual has promised updates on their website since I bought the unit but as of this writing they haven't made updates available. I can only hope that sometime soon they will update the software and fix what is otherwise a great product for the price. Until they do, however, I'm sticking by my 2 star rating.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XDVDN8190N AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch, Navigation,Bluetooth Interface (Black)

AM/FM/DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized, Touch,Full Bluetooth interface ,SD card reader, Full integrated Navigation, 11 mil POI 240 Watts Peak (60x4) 1.0 DIN chassis (all-in-one) Import ISO/DIN mountable Internal cooling fan Motorized touch screen monitor 7" TFT active matrix LCD 16:9 Widescreen format 480 X 234 (RGB) resolution CCFL backlight Electronic volume, bass, treble, balance, fader MOSFET audio output , Rotary encoder control 5.1 Audio outputs (RCA) 1 Audio/video input (RCA) 1 Rear camera input (RCA) 1 Rear-zone DVD A/V output (RCA) 1 Composite video output (RCA) 24 Bit D/A converter Infrared remote control included 9 selectable EQ curves Mute Loudness Navigation

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