Pioneer AVIC-D3 Review

The need for in-dash navigation has increasingly surpassed all previous expectations. We see this in the way automobile manufacturers begin to integrate navigation components into factory configurations, allowing consumers to purchase brand new vehicles with GPS systems. But what about the majority of consumers who could not afford new vehicles? The answer is the Pioneer AVIC-D3.

Though it first came out in early 2007, the unit is still considered to be a current model because of its capabilities, performance, and design. The AVIC-D3 gives any dashboard of any vehicle an integrated look, similar to that of pre-installed navigation systems of newer car as users will be able to adjust the AVIC-D3’s color to match the button lighting in the interior of your car.

This double DIN receiver features a 6.1” wide LCD touchscreen display that could also be adjusted to match the color scheme of your choice. It is capable of course displaying its built-in navigation, DVD movies, and any audio information on any music file you’re playing. What’s nice about the AVIC-D3 is its ability to be expandable as it is capable of receiving Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Technology, iPod, and USB inputs with additional accessories. The price is set at its base cost, which is usually under $650. Expect to spend anywhere between $50-$100 per additional add-on accessory you want to add on to your system. With any additional accessory, the AVIC-D3 will be able to fully control and access devices like the iPod and even your mobile phone. You’ll be able to use the unit’s touchscreen to select songs from your iPod and make phone calls through its Bluetooth Ready interface.

The built-in navigation requires the use of the included DVD player and is capable of receiving XM NavTraffic. It has turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, 3D navigation zoom, and over 12 million points of interest (POI). The GPS receiver is capable of locking on to 8 different orbital GPS satellites, giving the unit the ability to use the data from one satellite if a connection is dropped. It’s always nice to have the XM NavTraffic, especially if you live in any major metropolitan areas. It gives drivers LIVE updates of traffic congestion and incidents. Avoid traffic jams and navigate around the slow-moving traffic and get to where you want faster.

In essence, the Pioneer AVIC-D3 comes with a lot of features that has, since its release, become standard. Thus, it is to no one’s surprise that the AVIC-D3 is STILL one of the most popular in-dash navigation units. It is indeed an all-in-one multimedia receiver that is sure to impress for years to come.

Valor NVG-670W Review

You, like many other millions of consumers worldwide, want a product that features plenty of options and functions with the lowest cost possible. It’s completely understandable because it is the typical consumer mindset. Double DIN navigation with 6.5” LCD monitor typically sell at around $750 to more than $1000 per unit. But look take a look at the Valor NVG-670W, a feature packed in-dash navigation with plenty of “bang” and a lot less bucks than more popular navigation units.

The first thing you’ll notice is the 6.5” LCD touchscreen display on the front panel. It is centered but bordered by a row of buttons on each side of the screen. This configuration does not make the unit appear to have an off-center installation like the Pioneer AVIC-D3. In addition, the DVD slot input is actually hidden behind the screen which gives it an even cleaner installation look.

The navigation unit is built-in but requires the included DVD media for it to function but still leaves the SD Card port and the USB input completely free for your audio or video uses. It is also capable of navigating in 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional course-plotting and features over 11 million points of interests (POI) and instructs drivers with vocal guidance.

Its multimedia features include the capability for it to play DVD±R/RW, CD-DA, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AVI, XviD, JPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MP3, and WMA in NTSC or PAL color format. Evidently, the Valor NVG-670W does not leave anything out and could play virtually any media format the world has to offer. The in dash receiver is also capable of dual zone audio output, giving the rear seat passengers the ability to listen to a different media than the front seat passengers. It also features a 24-Bit 192 kHz DAC with high and low pass crossover filters, which gives significant enhancement to the sound quality it puts out. You’ll also be able to expand with its front, rear, center, and subwoofer 2.5V preamp outputs, optional Sirius or XM Satellite Radio, and iPod capabilities. It even includes an iPod adapter and also built-in Bluetooth that will allow you to speak wirelessly through your existing car audio system, providing you with a safer way to communicate while on the road.

It is with no doubt that the Valor NVG-670W is a product to be reckoned with, especially true with its plethora of features and multimedia functions, built-in Bluetooth technology, integrated navigation unit, and a large 6.5” LCD touchscreen display. All this can be yours for less than $700!