Pioneer AVIC-F700BT / AVIC-F900BT / AVIC-F90BT Review

TO BE RELEASED JUNE 2008

When the AVIC-D3 came out last year, the car audio industry was deeply impressed by Pioneer's ability to seamlessly integrate an aftermarket in-dash navigation system to make it look like an OEM system. Consumers and experts alike agree that the AVIC-D3 looked as good as it performed. However, many were still skeptical about its cumbersome DVD navigation system-- forcing users to shuffle for discs while switching from media playback to navigation.
On April 19, 2008, Pioneer had a press release that announced the upcoming release of the AVIC-F series. They boast a truly innovative navigation with feature-packed media playback capabilities. There will be three levels of the AVIC-F release: AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT.

Intelligent Voice Recognition
All of them feature a voice-recognition system that is both intelligent and conversational. You may be annoyed by the voice command system of your phone... you know what we mean because you've experienced trying to dial a friend by saying his or her name 4 or 5 times before you get it right. The voice command system is a lot like that found in the new Ford Fusion. Just like the Fusion, you could tell it to play songs from a specified artist. In addition,

"The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function. In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command." -- Pioneer USA Press Release 04/19/2008

Similarities and Differences Between Each Model
The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT all feature the same 5.8" LCD touchscreen monitor. The screen is smaller than the AVIC-D3, but not by much. In exchange for the smaller monitor, users will also experience (what seemed to us) a much clearer display and a greatly improved graphical user interface. All three in dash navigation units are capable of receiving Satellite and HD Radio with additional, but optional, accessories. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT also features AAC, MP3, and WMA playback capabilities through USB, SD, and standard CD medias. However, the AVIC-F700BT does not feature any DVD playback capabilities. On the other hand, the AVIC-F900BT and the AVIC-F90BT could play DVD movies. Without the DVD playback capabilities, the AVIC-F700BT is rendered much more affordable at an MSRP that is set at $850. But expect retailers worldwide to sell them at around $650-$700.

All three double DIN receivers have built-in Bluetooth technology and could also control and receive audio and video signals from iPods or iPod Videos. However, only the Premier AVIC-F90BT includes the cable adapter that interfaces the iPod to the unit. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features 3D landmark icons and a built-in MSN receiver which allows the unit to receive traffic conditions, fuel prices, local weather information, and personalized local city navigation by the MSN network. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features an enhanced high voltage RCA preamp outputs as well as a 2-year warranty. The list price for the Premier AVIC-F90BT is set at $1200.

The borderline unit, AVIC-F900BT also features DVD playback, and an MSN receiver. However, it does not feature the 3D landmark icon. It comes with standard preamp outputs, iPod audio/video capable but without interface cable, and a 1-year warranty instead of a 2-year warranty. The AVIC-F900BT is set at a list price of $1100.

Navigation Features
A greatly feature aspect of the AVIC-F series from any previous Pioneer AVIC units is the implementation of a built-in navigation system instead of a DVD navigation. You will no longer need to shuffle for discs or stop listening to your favorite CD while navigating, but instead you could do everything virtually at the same time. The unit features a TeleAtlas map database of all 50 states of the US, as well as Canada.

The built-in navigation system also features 12 million points of interest, which should cover all your favorite hot-spots and hang-out places. Of course, what good would all these features be if it doesn't have Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, right? Don't worry, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT all feature TTS technology that give drivers instructions with real street names being spoken instead of distance to turn which could be hard to determine.

More navigation features will be reviewed here as soon as we get our hands on the products

Seamless Integration
What the AVIC-D3 excelled in was integration. It truly amazes every AVIC-D3 owner when they see how great the AVIC-D3 could fit into any dashboard of any vehicle. So Pioneer did the right thing and kept the feature for the AVIC-F series. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will all feature up to 32,768 user selectable colors. There is not a dashboard on this planet that the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will not fit into.

Other Features
As we conclude, we'll also point out that the AVIC-F units could also display any secondary source audio and video including back up cameras. You could even wire up your favorite gaming console or any other external sources you want to hook up.

In the end, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will highly be anticipated. Though our review here is limited to what Pioneer has released, additional information will be added as soon as actual products are released. With all the great features, improved software and interface, built-in GPS navigation, and a highly intelligent voice command, it seems that the AVIC-F could sell itself with these features. If you're looking to get the better version of the AVIC-D3, this is it!

First Look Video Review

Dual XDVDN8290 (XDVDN-8290) Review

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.