Navigation Ready
Along with the the plethora of features already highlighted on the previous posts, the Alpine IVA-W505 also features the ability to dock the Alpine PMD-B200 Black Bird II portable GPS navigation device. The front screen flips down and the GPS navigation unit is stored in a fitted location. Users could then use the Alpine IVA-W505 7" screen to control and navigate with the unit. Since the Alpine PMD-B200 has built-in Bluetooth, you could use the Bluetooth technology through the IVA-W505 controls!
So with the Alpine PMD-B200, users could integrate GPS navigation and Bluetooth technology into the double DIN receiver and enjoy full functions of the Black Bird II.

Summary
The Alpine IVA-W505 is a very nice in-dash multimedia receiver with a lot of rare and unique high-tech features. The graphic user interface is both high-quality and modern, and is thoroughly enhanced by the clarity and vivid colors of the large 7" screen. It is compatible with a plethora of media file formats and optional additional components like HD Radio or Satellite Radio. Its audio features will surely impress any audio enthusiasts and could definitely be categorized as an audiophile product.

The one thing we find lacking in the IVA-W505 is a built-in navigation. It seem as if they have everything multimedia-related featured in the unit, but missed a key factor in today's mobile electronics market: the demand for GPS navigation functionality. It's also relatively expensive at around $1000, and that's before GPS navigation or any other additional purchases for optional accessories such as XM or Sirius Satellite Radio tuners or Bluetooth module.

If you're willing to cough up the cash, you will be rewarded with a great audio/video receiver at a premium audiophile-grade level-- there's no doubt about that. Just don't expect this unit to be a cheap investment because you'll need additional accessories to keep up with the latest technology and services.

Back to Part II: Audio Features