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