Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD Review

Pioneer has always been producing the highest of quality for their customers. They have earned themselves a respectable and trustworthy name. Any product that has that pioneer logo will live up to its expectations.

Pioneer’s AVH-P6000DVD it another one of their quality in-dash receivers with a lot of options. To start off, this unit is a double DIN receiver. Good thing too. How else are you going to have the room for a built-in 6 disc changer? In addition to the disc changer, the double DIN also provides space for a 7” widescreen LCD display. The 7” widescreen renders this unit perfect for watching your favorite DVD’s. The built in disc changer will hold and play both CDs (including CD-R and CD-RW) and DVDs (including DVD±R/RW), as well as DivX, AAC, MP3, and WMA. A lot of playback options and show pioneers attention to details. For convenience, the AVH-P6000DVD includes ID3 tagging.

The Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD has a motorized screen that scrolls down to expose the CD/DVD slot. Keeping this behind the display provides a cleaner and smoother look, while also providing room for a bigger screen. The touch screen itself is very bright and vibrant. Perfect for watching a movie or enjoying the many display options of the AVH-P6000DVD. Whether you have the clock displayed or the real-time vehicle performance data, the touch screen will always display bright and clear. The AVH-P6000DVD has options to display a wide variety of options such as acceleration, speed, RPM, horsepower, etc. A rear view camera can also be connected to display when the car is placed into reverse. A safety feature that is quite helpful.

With the correct adapter, the AVH-P6000DVD will support a direct iPod connection. When connected in this manner, the user can control the iPod by way of the touch screen. Once again, another small detail that makes a big difference for those iPod users. Satellite Radio and Bluetooth capability are other options that provide the user even more options in how to use the AVH-P6000DVD to their personal needs.

Pioneer Audio has really come through with this Double DIN receiver. It meets the needs of pretty much everyone because it does pretty much everything. If the features of the AVH-P6000DVD don’t grab your attention, the looks of it will. It’s a simple design, but it looks good. In the end, you can not really go wrong with the AVH-P6000DVD.

Written by Associate Writer Seth Wilde

Alpine iDA-X100 / iDA-X200 Review

Alpine has always been a trusted company when it has come to car audio. They have constantly and consistently produced quality units for the needs of the people. The newer in-dashes from Alpine are no different. The Alpine iDA-X100 and the iDA-x200 continue the Alpine legacy of superior products.

Both the Alpine iDA-X100 and the Alpine iDA-X200 are fully iPod compatible and house a USB/full speed direct connection made specifically for the iPod. They allow full access to the iPod from the in-dash and Alpine has made it easy for the user to navigate and search through the iPod. The iPod connection is becoming more and more popular among in-dash units and Alpine has really done it right. Along with being iPod ready, the Alpine iDA-X100 and Alpine iDA-X200 come ready for all of the following: Bluetooth, SIRIUS or XM radio, HD radio, and CD changer. These in-dashes are ready to do just about anything.

The Alpine iDA-X100 and the iDA-X200 are very similar digital media receivers and they only have a few differences between them. The first and major difference is the 2.2” full color display on the Alpine iDA-X100. The Alpine iDA-X200 has a 2.2”, two line LCD display that offers 2 colors. Obviously the Alpine iDA-X100 is going to look a lot better and more vibrant (as well as come with a bigger price tag). The really nice thing about the 2.2” full color display of the Alpine iDA-X100 is that when the iPod is connected it will show the album art of what is playing in a format that is strikingly similar to that of the newer iPods.

Another difference between the two is the power outputs. The Alpine iDA-X100 produces 50W x 4 on its built in amplifier, while the Alpine iDA-X200 turns out 45W x 4 on its amp. While it is not a huge difference, some might need that little bit of extra power. Other differences include the use of i-Personalize on the Alpine iDA-X100. I-Personalize is Alpines unique way to download and upload images to the in-dash. On the Alpine iDA-X100 it allows the user to place a wallpaper of there choice on the display to personalize and make their in-dash receiver uniquely theirs.

Of all the notable differences, the major variation is the full color display verses the two line display. That’s why the Alpine iDA-X100 is about a hundred more dollars than the Alpine iDA-X200. Of course that is the suggested retail for the Alpine iDA-X100 and the Alpine iDA-X200 is $400.00 and $300.00 respectively. If you are lucky then you might be able to find them cheaper somewhere. Some stores have somehow lowered their prices on the Alpine iDA-X200 to the low $200’s. It seems as though the Alpine iDA-X100 is sticking around the $400 range though.

After reviewing the details on both the Alpine iDA-X100 and the Alpine iDA-X200, it is clear that Alpine is still putting quality and excellence into the production of each and every one of their products. No one can make a wrong choice when choosing between either of these to in-dash receivers.

Written by Associate Writer Seth Wilde

Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD Review

For some of us, there comes a time when the factory in-dash simply doesn’t cut it anymore. We then turn to the plethora of after market in-dash units. However, some of us feel limited because we need to find a double DIN in-dash unit. It is a little harder to find then, but they are still out there. For those that know of that pain and have been through it, come to appreciate a well built, quality double DIN head unit. For those that might be approaching this decision should look into the Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD. For the amount of features that this name brand unit has, the price is a bargain.

To begin, the Pioneer AVH-P4000 DVD provides a great solution to all the space that a double DIN offers with a 6.1” widescreen display. Of course, the screen is a touchscreen as that is becoming a standard on this category of units. The screen itself has an anti-glare coating on it, thus making it ideal for having in a car when driving in the sun happens often. The entire face also has intelligent dimmer controls, which will maintain the brightness of the display all day long as well as all night long

So what exactly can this unit do? Well, for starters it can play all of the following: DVD±R/RW, DivX, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA, MP3, and AAC. If you have audio or video on a disc, the Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD will probably be able to play it. Of course there are always exceptions to everything, but just about every audio or video file can be played. The Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD also comes ready with many ways to expand. It is ready for each of the following: SIRIUS or XM satellite radio, HD radio, Bluetooth, iPod, and controls for a CD-changer. The only set back here is the lack of a navigation unit. However, Pioneer does offer another unit similar to the AVH-P4000DVD that has navigation. The drawback to that is that it costs about two hundred more dollars, depending where it is bought from of course. So if navigation is not a priority and the cost is, then the AVH-P4000DVD is still looking like a great unit.

The AVH-4000DVD can also be programmed to display the video for a rear view camera. No one really knows just how nice this feature is until they have used a rear view camera themselves. Prevent accidents and mistakes with a visual image of your blind spots when backing up.

There are only a few drawbacks to the Pioneer AVH-4000DVD. It doesn’t have the biggest display on the market; however it is second only to the Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD. The AVH-P6000DVD upgrades the 6.1” screen to a 7” screen. The AVH-P4000DVD also lacks a built-in 6 DVD changer, which the upgraded model come with. So the Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD has a few more extras, but it also runs about three hundred and fifty more dollars. So when the price is considered, the Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD is an excellent choice to go in the double DIN space.

Written by Associate Writer, Seth Wilde

JVC KD-AV7100 Review

*** 06/02/2008 UPDATE: JVC HAS DECIDED AGAINST THE RELEASE OF THE KD-AV7100

TO BE RELEASED MAY 2008

Another great release expected in late first quarter of 2008 by JVC is the versatile KD-AV7100. It's a multimedia receiver with a retractable 7" wide touch-screen LCD display. The monitor slides nicely into the single DIN chassis and provides the screen with protection and an unseen security measure. It essentially utilize the idea of "out of sight, out of mind", avoiding notice from any scavenging thief on the streets.

This great single DIN receiver is also capable of playing a wide range of media formats from the rare VCD, DivX, and MPEG1/2, to the more popular MP3 and WMA. Of course, it is also capable of typical DVD, DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW playback. In addition, the KD-AV7100 has 5.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic capable audio output, giving the unit a significant advantage over most other similar single DIN flip-out multimedia receiver. It could put out four channels surround plus center channel and a subwoofer sound, enabling users to enjoy a 5.1 surround sound home theater in the vehicle! What's even better is JVC's high-voltage gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs, which significantly reduces signal loss and maintains high-fidelity sound quality for better media enjoyment.

What makes this unit great is its capability to retrieve and play media from its front SD Card, USB, and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs. The inputs are even hidden behind a sliding plastic cover, giving it a very sleek look without gaping holes and slots littering the front panel. If you have an iPod, you could use its built-in iPod connection to play music and control your iPod from the receiver. Want Satellite Radio or HD Radio? Not a problem! The head unit is capable (with additional accessories) of receiving both Satellite (XM or Sirius) and HD Radio.

Overall, the unit has great potentials for any multimedia junkie. Even if you're not technologically savvy, you can be sure that this unit will not be outdated for quite a long time. Whereas most in-dash receivers would be outdated by its inability to receive Satellite or HD Radio, this unit will definitely be ready for the next generation of digital music coming through the air. In addition, its plentiful auxiliary inputs will ensure that it will be able to receive additional external sources.

If you're looking for an insurance plan, this is the unit for you. This multimedia receiver will be able to keep you entertained for years to come!

Jensen VM9312 / DUAL XDVD8181 Reviews

Jensen and DUAL have both been recognized as some of the most affordable electronics brands available in the mobile electronics industry. It's especially difficult then when two brands like these release two identical products that are also priced similarly. Hopefully this review will help you decide on which in-dash touchscreen receivers you want by identifying some of the features most important to you.

Jensen VM9312

Let's start with the Jensen VM9312. The unit is a single DIN size receiver with a motorized, flip-out screen. The screen itself is quite large, showing off a 7" touchscreen that tucks away quite nicely into the single DIN receiver. It looks like a standard CD player when the screen is retracted, protecting the unit from coveting eyes and possible break-ins.The head unit plays virtually every possible file format and mediums out there. It plays all types of DVDs and CDs, as well as MP3, WMA, VCD, AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2, and even JPEG files. The VM9312 is iPod Ready as well as Satellite (XM or Sirius) Radio Ready, giving this unit great expandability options for users looking for extra features.

Another great aspect of the VM9312 is the included auxiliary input adapter that could be mounted virtually anywhere in your vehicle. It allows for audio, video, 3.5mm, and optional iPod link auxiliary connections that is easy to get to and definitely convenient to use.

Some of the features on this Jensen car audio unit aren't so pretty however. For instance, consider that most in dash receivers put out 50 watts maximum per channel, but the VM9312 puts out around 40 watts maximum. Unfortunately, for those looking for pre-amplified connections, the Jensen VM9312 only has two pairs of RCA outputs, lacking the coveted subwoofer preamp output.

DUAL XDVD8181
As I had mentioned before, the two units are very identical. The XDVD8181 also features a 7" touchsreen. It even retracts the same way that the VM9312 does, but there are quite a few key differences. First off, the DUAL XDVD8181 will not be able to play as many file formats as the Jensen. This may not be a big deal if you don't use AVI, MPEG, or VCD, for those who do, it may leave them with disappointment.

An excellent feature of the XDVD8181 is its ability to expand as a navigation unit. DUAL offers the XNAV9525 as an optional solution for those looking to turn this head unit into a GPS navigation system. This will allow users to utilize the 7" screen as a navigation guide as well as multimedia playback display such as watching movies and of course, listening to music.
It also features standard 50 watts maximum power output per channel, something a little bit better than the Jensen VM9312; however, the DUAL XDVD8181 lacks the ability to function as an iPod Ready or Satellite Ready receiver. However the unit still features a 3.5mm auxiliary input adapter that is included in the box and just like the VM9312, it could be placed anywhere in your vehicle; and whereas the VM9312 lacked a subwoofer output, the XDVD8181 comes equipped with 2 pairs of preamp RCA outputs as well as an additional mono subwoofer output. This addition to DUAL car audio line of products is definitely worth looking into.

Overall
It's ultimately up to you as a consumer to decide on which is best for you. You may not need all the features available on one but may want some of the key features on the other. Nonetheless, both of these units are available at a low cost. You can't go wrong in purchasing in-dash receivers with 7" LCD monitors for less than $300.

Jensen VM9022 Review

The demand for double DIN receivers is greater than ever. More and more cars have larger, double DIN receiver mounts, allowing for greater multimedia potential. Consumers are now given the opportunity to have an LCD screen as large as 7" installed within their dashboard.

Many of these receivers with built-in LCD screens are not affordable for most consumers and typically, only the biggest fans of the car audio industry would be willing to spend the money to get them. Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC are marketing these units anywhere from $800 to over $1000. Enter the Jensen VM9022 at an affordable $500, an affordable double DIN receiver with a 6.5" LCD monitor.

Pros
The first good thing about this unit is the affordable price. It's significantly less than most major brands, and it's still packed with features. It has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing users to safely and conveniently drive-and-talk on the cell phone.

Let's not forget that it plays DVD, VCD, and DivX video media format as well as AAC (iTunes), Mp3, and WMA music file formats. Don't worry, you could also play files from the built-in SD card slot that it has on its front panel. If your file formats support 5.1 surround sound, the unit is capable of handling Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II surround sound. In addition, the Jensen VM9022 is iPod ready and satellite radio ready, and even navigation ready with additional accessories. There are also lots of options for expansion including USB and additional audio and video RCA inputs.You will find that the large screen is nice for any occasion and integrates quite nicely to any dashboard. For the price of the unit, this double DIN head unit is packed with features that would otherwise go for hundreds of dollars more, setting this receiver superior with its "best-bang-for-the-buck" value.

Cons
Unfortunately, the unit does not support user selectable button illumination colors. You'll be stuck with blue, which is great if it matches your car's interior-otherwise, you'll just have to live with it.

The remote looks like it's from a 1989 television set. It's large and bulky and has a quite outdated style. Another thing worth noting is the USB port. Though yes it's definitely a great plus that the unit features it, the access to the port may be quite difficult since it is a rear input connection. The cable isn't very long, so you will not be able to extend it further than your front seat armrests.

Overview
This double DIN unit is definitely worth the price. It's packed with features and is much more affordable than the more popular brands. It is truly a hidden treasure in the mobile entertainment industry.

2008 JVC Arsenal Series Review

Introduction
In February of 2008, JVC released an entire line of brand new Arsenal Series in-dash head units. First available on the market February 9, 2008, these Arsenal Series receivers set the new standard of what is to be the new generation of mobile audio and video entertainment.

The market could no longer settle for a typical CD player with AM/FM capabilities because technology is advancing incredibly fast. To answer the demand for high tech integrations, JVC released their car stereo systems that are equipped to fit the needs of modern day consumers.

Note: This review is a general overview of the entire JVC Arsenal Series receivers, please check back soon to see detailed reviews of specific products.

Pros
JVC Arsenal head units are designed for specific needs. The great thing about the Arsenal series is the fact that JVC does not try to cram every feature into one unit. This is good for many reasons. First, it tends to reduce cost on a specific unit versus a unit that does everything. Second, you can be sure that product quality on Arsenal receivers are not compromised like a feature-crammed unit made by a no-name brand.

Let me give you an example. Perhaps you have already bought a GPS navigation that mounts on your dash or your windshield, great. Now you want a 7" in-dash monitor but you obviously do not need the extra navigation feature. For this reason exists the KW-ADV790, a double-DIN in-dash LCD monitor with built-in DVD player. It costs about 300 dollars less than a similar unit that has built-in navigation features in it. It also features a touchscreen and rear view camera input that makes this unit both versatile and simple to its purpose. Sit back, relax, and watch a movie by the beach with the entire KW-ADV790.

Arsenal single DIN receivers generally look the same but each are tailored for specific features. The KD-ABT22 features built-in Bluetooth connectivity that will allow users to wirelessly stream audio into the unit or receive phone calls. It also features a rear USB port that will allow users to play MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, iPod, and even WMA with DRM. Similarly, KD-APD89 features everything but the Bluetooth connection.

If you're looking for a simple HD Radio tuner, the KD-AHD39 is the solution for you. It is simply a CD player capable of receiving HD Radio signals. No other fancy features, no confusing buttons. It plays just like a regular AM/FM CD player and comes equipped with a front 3.5mm auxiliary input.

For all of you iPod lovers out there, the KD-APD58 and the KD-APD49 are two head units that could be your answer to iPod integration for your vehicle. It has built-in connection to any iPod equipped with docking port. You could control and view song titles on your in-dash receiver so you won't have to navigate and scroll through your songs on your iPod while driving. The only difference between the two is the additional preamp output and AAC playback capability of the KD-APD58.



Last but not least is the KD-ADV49, also known as "the Kameleon". It features a sleek knob-less design that is brandished in shiny black glassy finish. It also features a 3.5" LCD display and is capable of playing DVD, DivX, Mpeg 1/2, AAC, MP3, WMA, and WAV. It has three sets of preamp outputs, giving you the ability to wire this source unit into an additional amplifier. It also has a rear USB port and could control and operate your iPod. Let's not forget the new proximity sensor that JVC showcases on this model. It knows when you are approaching the front of the screen so that a menu is ready when you want it and hides when you are away. Did I mention that the entire front panel disappears when you turn it off? It's literally a chameleon, blending into your dash when it's idle or turned off.

Keep in mind that all 2008 JVC Arsenal head units are (if they are not already mentioned) Satellite Radio ready, HD Radio ready, iPod ready, and Bluetooth ready, as well as equipped with a 3.5mm front panel input. This gives you a wide option to choose from, should you choose to expand your system at a later time. Additionally, WAV, MP3, WMA, and DivX playback are also standardized to any capable receiver.

Cons
Other than the KD-ADV49 and the KW-ADV790, the Arsenal single DIN receivers does not look anything out of the ordinary cosmetically speaking. It seems that JVC needs to push ahead into the new age of mobile entertainment and start designing front panels like Kamaleon. And unfortunately, they all have dot-matrix type displays and has no significant edge over other brands when it comes to front panel displays.

Another thing to notch a negative point on is the remote design. It's rather bulky and also old-fashioned in design. Not exactly credit card size, but it could clip on to your key chain if you don't mind it being a little unwieldy.

Conclusion
If only one word could be said describing the Arsenal Series head units, it must be "integration". JVC has made great efforts for their product to supply the demand of new technology by integrating increasingly used technology such as HD Radio and Satellite Radio, as well as iPods into their units.

It is definitely a series characterized by advancing technology and giving consumers the ability to expand their system with just one source unit. It is a great buy if you don't mind the standard CD player front panel design on most of the single DIN head units. So enjoy your movies and your digital music. Relax and enjoy the Arsenal Series head-units.