JVC KW-NX7000 Review, Part II: Media & Expandability

Audio and Video Media Support
The JVC KW-NX7000 presents itself to be a versatile unit because not only does it have excellent navigation functionality that even the most novice users could enjoy, but it also offers full support for audio and video playback. Take advantage of the crystal clear 7" LCD screen and turn your vehicle into a home theater system.The KW-NX7000 is capable of playing all sorts of DVDs and even DivX/DivX Ultra, MPEG1, and MPEG2 file formats. In addition, you could even display your favorite photos to show your friends and family riding in your car because it is also capable of JPEG display. Besides full video playback, the KW-NX7000 features AAC, WAV, MP3, and WMA playback support as well.

The wide variety of supported media formats could be accessed via SD Card, USB, CD, or DVD, allowing consumers maximum flexibility in the way they play their favorite music or movie.

Expandability
JVC designed the KW-NX7000 with technology in mind. There are many current technologies that consumers would like to have today such as Satellite Radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and iPod connectivity. Fortunately, the KW-NX7000 is capable of all of these expansion options.

This double DIN in dash navigation unit is also fully capable of receiving both Sirius and XM Satellite radio as well as HD Radio. With additional accessories, the unit could also operate as a Bluetooth-capable receiver, allowing drivers to do hands-free calling. The Bluetooth connectivity could also sync phonebooks with many Bluetooth-capable phones. The unit will then display not only call status but also the caller ID. For iPod users, the unit fully supports direct iPod connection and access for most current dockable iPods through its built-in USB port.

As we mentioned before, the unit also features not only a USB port but also an SD Card reader-- a feature that could be used to transfer music, photos, and even video from other sources to the KW-NX7000. If you're looking to expand your car's audio system, the KW-NX7000 features gold-plated high-fidelity RCA preamp outputs that delivers high quality audio signals to amplifiers or equalizers.

Conclusion
From what we've seen, we liked the JVC KW-NX7000. It featured lots, and lots of options and functions. Its GPS navigation offers great user-friendly features as well as excellent driving tools. It is capable of playing virtually every audio and video file formats out there so consumers wouldn't have to worry much about compatibility. It also had lots of expandability options, ranging from Satellite Radio to Bluetooth capabilities.The only thing we didn't like was its really high price. Priced at around $1200, this feature packed unit doesn't even feature a built-in Bluetooth-- a feature that becoming increasingly standard.

Back to Part I: Navigation & Display

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!