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