JVC KW-NX7000 Review, Part I: Navigation & Display

JVC is soon releasing its own double DIN in dash navigation unit to compete with the June debut of Pioneer's F-series GPS navigation systems. The JVC KW-NX7000 in dash navigation is one of many new-generation navigation units available to consumers to date.Display
The JVC KW-NX7000 features a large 7" LCD touchscreen that fills up almost the entire panel. The screen is centered but leaves about 1/4" trimming at the bottom side of the panel, allowing for 6 buttons and remote sensors to be placed there. The picture displayed on the 7" LCD monitor is rich in color and high in contrast, capable of displaying crystal clear movies and navigation functions even under the most glaring sunlight environment.Navigation
The KW-NX7000 finds itself in a fierce competition with the recent release of similar in-dash GPS navigation units. However, the JVC KW-NX7000 is one of the best when it comes to GPS usability. The on screen menu buttons are large and definitely easy to select, instead of smaller touchscreen buttons that are difficult to be precise in pressing them.The built-in navigation technology utilized by JVC is WAAS capable, which is the same GPS technology used on many aviation navigation systems-- a system that will ensure maximum coverage and accuracy when traveling at various speeds and elevations. In addition, the unit contains maps of the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and even the U.S. Virgin Islands with text-to-speech technology that supports 10 different languages. Whereas most units do not have the text-to-speech technology, the JVC KW-NX7000 features an intelligent computer that is capable of pronouncing exact street names and numbers from the on-board map database containing over 12 million points of interest.The JVC KW-NX7000 could also receive traffic data through a radio-based traffic receiver that capable of displaying traffic information on upcoming roads on the screen. In addition, the KW-NX7000 displays company logo icons of well known points of interest such as Shell or Mobil gas stations on the screen as you pass by. There is also a speed limit notification with speeding alerts and other driver-friendly tools such as ETA counter, distance calculator, and multi-dimensional navigation perspectives.

Continue to Part II: Media & Expandability

JVC KD-NXD505 In-Dash Navigation Review (KDNXD505)

The JVC KD-NXD505 is another JVC 2008 release that features plenty of multimedia playback functions and compatibility while not forgetting to include an excellent built-in in-dash navigation.

Pros
The built-in navigation unit features a 15-channel GPS receiver with nearly 13 million points of interests. This shows us that the JVC KD-NXD505 is a great improvement from JVC's previous stand-alone navigation that only featured 1-5 million points of interest with 6-10 channel GPS receiver. The combination of the two will provide users a good navigating experience, being able to lock on to 15 individual orbital GPS satellites. This will allow the unit to stay within the coverage of satellites. In addition, the GPS receiver is WAAS-capable, which is the same technology that most modern aviation uses to increase accuracy of location indicated by the GPS, integrity of providing early warning in the case of misleading data, and availability of GPS coverage. Along with 13 million points of interest, the JVC KD-NXD505 is likely to have your favorite places to eat, hang out, go shopping, and even fill up gas.

The navigation unit could also receive radio-based traffic messaging system that will alert users of slow traffic, accidents, and other obstructions that may cause traffic jams or detours, giving drivers plenty of early-warning to reroute their path.

The media playback of this already impressive in-dash receiver is capable of DVD and DivX video playback with MP3, WAV, and WMA audio playback support. It has a nice range of adjustments in its EQ options, offering 7 parametric bands you could twiddle around with and even supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS output from movies. What's even better is its built in 40GB hard disk that has 20GB reserved for the built-in navigation but could hold up to 20GB of audio or video files that you can access anytime after storage.

It also features gold-plated preamp outputs for all of you audiophiles out there, providing minimal signal-loss when connecting to an aftermarket audio system. The unit is ready for expansion, capable (with additional accessories) of receiving Sirius or XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free technology, and even the control and access of an iPod.

The front panel looks impressive and very clean, with a much more modern up-to-date look than JVC's predecessors. It even includes a remote and a GPS antenna extension that will assist in receiving better signal.

Cons
What we didn't like was the incredibly high price for this unit. It looks attractive and could do a lot, but it didn't strike us as a unit that is above and beyond the rest of the competition. Everything seems standard and even the screen seems smaller than most of today's in-dash navigation units, measuring only 3.5" diagonal.

The integration of the unit looks nice, but we just can't get over the price, that is set at around $1000. Maybe it's the built-in hard drive that costs the most?

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.

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.

Power Acoustik PAVN-4210 Review

Now here's an excellent example of an affordable, yet high performing in-dash navigation. The Power Acoustik PAVN-4210 is a single DIN head unit that has built-in navigation. The PAVN-4210 is Power Acoustik's answer to the increasing demand for vehicle navigation devices.

Display
First off, the front panel is slightly larger than a standard single DIN size mounting. This may be a problem for those with limited mounting space on their dashboard console. However, it does feature a large 4.3" LCD touchscreen monitor that is both bright and attractive to the eyes. A typical single DIN receiver features a maximum 3" LCD display, unless it is a retractable, flip-out type which could typically house a 7" LCD screen. The 4.3" LCD display is a nice feature to have, since it makes the unit unique as well as versatile. It could even drop to three different positions to accommodate for better viewing angle.

Compatibility Features
The PAVN-4210 is capable of playing common media formats such as MP3, MP4, and standard DVD/DVD-R/RW. But it could also play DivX file formats; all of which could be displayed as NTSC or PAL color system for greater compatibility. This means that the unit could play display video from virtually any country of origin where NTSC or PAL is the standard color system.

Expandability Options
This versatile unit is also capable of receiving (with additional accessories) Satellite Radio (both XM and Sirius). Satellite Radio information will be displayed on the screen which would display station information and current program. In addition, this in-dash navigation multimedia receiver features a mini USB port as well as an SD Card input, allowing users to play their favorite MP3 or MP4 files or even update their navigation maps.

Navigation Features
The unit comes with a 2GB SD Card with map information as well as 7 million points of interest. The internal processor is a 400 MHz Sirf Star III chip running a Linux-based software. This means that users will not experience much lag or sluggish performance while navigating and calculating routes while driving. The GPS receiver is even capable of receiving 20 parallel channels, allowing connection of up to 20 orbital GPS satellites which greatly reduces the likelihood of signal loss while traveling long distances. The GPS receiver will also receive signals from traffic alerts, notifying you of accidents as well as traffic status in major US metropolitan cities.

As you can probably gather from what is covered in this review, this affordable single DIN in-dash navigation is packed with features that are usually reserved for more expensive units. However, for the price that is offered ($429.99), you can't get a better deal than the Power Acoustik PAVN-4210.

Kenwood DNX-5120 / DNX-7120 Product Review

Introducing the Kenwood DNX-5120, this in-dash navigation and multimedia receiver is both attractive and versatile in performance. It features a large double DIN 6.1" LCD touchscreen with a disc slot insert right above the monitor.
Display
Let's go over some of its features and I will ensure you that you will not think twice about getting one of these. The first advantage of the unit is the large 6.1" touchscreen. A typical portable navigation device features a screen that is 3.5" to as large as 4.3" touchscreen. The decisive advantage here is the 2" bigger screen than an ordinary portable GPS device. This will allow for greater visibility as well as a more enjoyable media playback, such as DVD playback or image viewing.

Compatibility
This receiver is compatible with most media files that you are probably accustomed to. It will play your favorite DVDs and of course CDs. However, it will also play MP3s and WMAs that you had recently downloaded, but not only that, it is also capable of playing Apple iTune's AAC file formats. The DNX-5120 could even play the much rarer DivX and VCD file formats as well as image viewing of JPEG files.

Audio Features
How would you like to experience home theater in your car? Well now you can! This multimedia receiver is capable of Dolby Digital playback, allowing you to enjoy a surround sound experience with support for a center channel and subwoofer channel outputs.

Expandability Options
Kenwood's DNX-5120 has virtually limitless expandability options as it is Satellite and HD Radio ready, iPod ready, and even Bluetooth ready. It also features a 3.5mm front auxiliary input, allowing users to plug in any device with a headphone jack output. In addition, it has a rear USB and additional RCA audio/video inputs, giving the unit plenty of options for media playback and source expansions.

Navigation Features
The built-in GPS navigation features 6 million points of interest. The internal software is actually Garmin designed, so you can be sure that your navigation will always be accurate and quick to respond.

With the amount of features that the unit has to offer, it would not be surprising to see this double DIN in-dash receiver to be one of the top competitors in its category this year. The bigger Kenwood DNX-7120, features similar functions and compatibility but has a 6.95" (virtually 7") screen rather than the 6.1" touchscreen. The DNX-7120 also fills up the entire face with its touchscreen and has its DVD insert slot hidden behind the screen. ready, iPod ready, and even Bluetooth ready. It also features a 3.5mm front auxiliary input, allowing users to plug in any device with a headphone jack output. In addition, it has a rear USB and additional RCA audio/video inputs, giving the unit plenty of options for media playback and source expansions.

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