The Dual XDVDN8290 stands out as a high quality all-in-one in dash navigation system. If you ask any car audio enthusiast a couple years ago on what they think about Dual audio, they would've said "Don't buy Dual audio." However, more and more people today are recognizing that Dual is a brand to reckon with. The good news with Dual audio video products is the fact that they're a relatively young company means that you will often find their products a bit cheaper than most other major brands. Fear not, their quality and design have far improved than where they were years ago. With all that in mind, let's review the XDVDN8290.

Display
The Dual XDVDN8290 features a double DIN 6.5" LCD touchscreen display that is both bright and high contrasting colors. This makes the screen much easier to see in direct sunlight, which drivers complain most about during the morning and evening hours when the sun is at the right angle to shine through the car windows. The unit even includes a Stylus-type pointer pen that allow users the option of using the pen instead of their fingers for greater accuracy and much less finger print smudges.
Audio and Video Features
Just like many Dual audio and video components, the XDVDN8290 features a high-power MOSFET power supply. Because it could put out 5.1 surround sound, this double DIN in dash navigation could produce a maximum 60 watts into each 5 channels. In addition, the XDVDN8290 is capable of multi-zone output, which allows rear seat passengers to play different medias than the front seat passengers.

Unlike most in-dash receivers, the unit also features a 24-bit D/A converter whereas most other units' 8-bit D/A converter. With this feature, users will be able to experience much better sound quality from their audio sources. In addition, it has 4 sets of RCA preamp outputs, which will allow you to expand the audio output into more complex car audio system.

If you're looking to play DVDs, you're in good hands. The XDVDN8290 features a 5.1 capable output with Dolby Digital and ProLogic II encoding capable. If you have DVD±R/RW, don't worry because it could play those too.

Expandability
As mentioned before, the XDVDN8290 features 4 sets of 2V preamp outputs. It also features built-in Bluetooth technology with an integrated microphone. This will allow you to do hands-free calling while driving and the unit will display call status and caller ID on its 6.5" LCD screen. It also features a built-in iPod direct connection, capable of controlling and playing your iPod. To top it all off, the Dual XDVDN8290 includes a remotely mounted auxiliary input adapter that could take RCA audio and video with an additional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Oh wait! There's one more! It even has an SD Card reader located on the front panel of the XDVDN8290. How about that for a plethora of options? The only bad thing about the XDVDN8290 is the lack of Satellite or HD Radio expandability options. This is quite surprising for a product so full of features, yet lacking in two increasingly popular expansions.

Navigation
This is what you've been waiting for, I know. But you wouldn't appreciate the unit if you hadn't known about the other features it has. In any case, you would be impress regardless.

The navigation component of the XDVDN8290 features a built-in navigation software with 2GB of included SD Card full of US and Canada maps. There are pros and cons to this. First the great thing is the fact that you do not have to switch in and out the navigation data through the disc slot. Unlike the AVIC-D3, you could keep your favorite CD playing while you're navigating, so that isn't a problem. However, you still have to swap the SD card, which for most people isn't a big deal.

It features 10 million points of interest. This number sets the XDVDN8290 quite above average when it comes to POIs. Remember that most navigation units have approximately 6 million or less. It is capable of split-screen navigation as well, allowing 2 angle view of the road ahead in either day or night modes. The unit also features the standard turn-by-turn technology with voice guidance, but no text-to speech technology.

In the end, the Dual XDVDN8290 is a great unit to have. If you don't mind not being able to upgrade your system with HD or Satellite Radio, then it's a nice unit to have. It's packed with features and the built-in iPod connection as well as the built-in Bluetooth adds a nice touch to the unit. Where as most major brands would price this at over $1000, you'll be able to find this unit for under $900.