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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