Power Acoustik PTID-8001N Review (PTID8001N)

The Power Acoustik PTID-8001N is a single DIN receiver with an oversized 8” monitor. The PTID-8001N is unique in its design, shedding what would otherwise be a bulky double DIN chassis. Instead, the receiver features a single DIN chassis that does not retract, but hangs down from its mount instead. Though the design requires a much more spacious installation clearance, the added advantage is its ability to fit in many vehicles lacking a double DIN installation slot.
Display
This unique single DIN receiver features a large 8" LCD touchscreen monitor. The display resolution is magnificent, especially with its 1440 x 220 total widescreen pixel resolution. The display is both clear and bright, but users would need plenty of clearance and unobstructed space under the mount. Though most car owners have the single DIN mounting slot, some vehicles have various angle mounting or air vents and console buttons that would prevent it from being installed properly.

Note: PTID-7001 is shown above to show mounting configuration and general shape of the unit

Capabilities
The Power Acoustik PTID-8001N is one of a kind with its ability to receive most audio and video file formats such as standard DVDs to DivX, XviD, MP3, and even MP4. On top of that, it is capable of receiving any dockable iPods with an addition cable adapter. The interface allows a user to directly control and access the iPod with ease and familiarity, all of which are made easy with the touchscreen display.There is a front-panel USB and AV auxiliary inputs, which enables the unit to receive many external and portable audio/video media devices like portable DVD players, gaming consoles, flash drives, and MP3 players. Power Acoustik even included an SD Card adapter for the USB port so that users are able to access the increasingly popular SD Card flash media.

DUAL XDVD8183 Review (XDVD-8183)

A versatile and new way of watching movies in your car, the Dual XDVD8183. Imagine having the ability to play your favorite DVD movies in your vehicle without a ceiling-mount LCD monitor or a bulky double DIN DVD head unit. The XDVD8183 features a retractable 7" LCD monitor that is both touchscreen and wide 16:9 resolution.Display
The great thing about the XDVD8183 is its ability to retract the large 7" LCD monitor neatly and seamlessly into a standard single DIN chassis. This is advantageous for a few reasons. The first is its ability to be installed virtually in any vehicle with or without a double DIN installation space. The second advantage to having a retractable screen is for its own protection. While it tucks safely in the chassis, the screen is protected from any incidental bumps, scratches, or potential punctures. In addition, it protects the LCD screen from direct sunlight, which is a known cause for LCD damages. One last great advantage is its function as a passive theft-deterrent measure. If no one can see it, then no one will be attracted to it. When the screen is retracted, the receiver looks like a plain single DIN car stereo.

Built-in Bluetooth and iPod
For Californian drivers, having Bluetooth is probably one of the most important things to do since the law comes into effect July 1, 2008. Don't worry, the XDVD8183 will feature its own Bluetooth hands-free technology, enabling drivers to make phone calls and receive calls with just one button. The unit includes a built-in microphone and an on screen call status which displays the caller ID and the phone status.

Moreover, the unit features an iPod port that will allow any dockable iPods to be interfaced into the unit, giving users full access and control of the iPod through the onscreen display. The menus and controls mimic iPod controls, making usage much more familiar and easy.

The Dual XDVD8183 even includes a remotely-mountable auxiliary input unit so that plugging in all your external audio and video sources much easier and accessible, even for the rear seat passenger.

JVC KW-AVX810 Review (KWAVX810)

The brand new 2008-released JVC KW-AVX810 features technology unique only to the unit itself. It's feature packed and capable of playing all of your favorite movies, music, and even capable of displaying your photographs.

Detachable screen??
The JVC KW-AVX810 showcases a widescreen 7" LCD touchscreen display that is complete in depth and full in color. You won't have a problem watching your movies or your latest hiking pictures on this double DIN receiver. What's completely unique only to the KW-AVX810 is its ability to have the front panel (which includes the screen) to complete detach. There are a few advantages to this. The first is obviously theft deterrent-- applying the principle of "out of sight, out of mind." The second is protection from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. The LCD screen is probably one of the most sensitive electronic components. The key to its longevity is your extreme care of it especially in the summer heat!High Fidelity Audio/Video
The KW-AVX810 is capable of playing today's popular media file formats, including standard DVD, DivX, JPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, AAC, MP3, and WMA. The crucial factor in the KW-AVX810 is its high-fidelity audio and video digital to analog converters. Whereas most other receivers feature a 1-Bit or an 8-Bit converter, the JVC KW-AVX810 features a 24-Bit audio D/A converter and a 12-Bit video D/A converter. Users taking advantage of these features will feature much better audio and video playback. You could also use the KW-AVX810 as a home theater component in your vehicle with its ability to put out Dolby Digital surround sound. Last but not least, the KW-AVX810 features a detailed 7-band parametric equalizer, allowing users to adjust seven different frequencies to their liking. For the more novice users, the unit pairs the equalizer with simple 8 presets.

Proximity Sensor
Similar to the KD-AVX44 and KD-ADV49, the KW-AVX810 features a proximity sensor that detects an approaching hand. Upon detection, the menu will conveniently display. Upon idle or undetected approach, the unit will hide the menu and the graphical user interface unless a video or other media is being played.Expansion Options
This versatile double DIN DVD receiver features 5-volt outputs through front, rear, subwoofer, and also a center gold-plated RCA preamp connectors. Looking for HD or Satellite Radio capabilities? Look no further! With additional accessories, the unit is capable of receiving SIRIUS, XM, and also HD Radio signals. The KW-AVX810 also could interface with iPod/iPod Video as well as Bluetooth-capable devices with ease and integration that is unmatched by any other product.

There are of course auxiliary RCA audio and video inputs, which typically comes standard with most receivers. However, the KW-AVX810 also has an SD Card reader and a USB port, allowing user access to portable media devices or storage containing their favorite media files.

Overall
Keep in mind that the JVC KW-AVX810 does not feature a built-in or expandable GPS navigation system. It is primarily designed for those of you who would like high-quality audio and video outputs with some neat features like a detachable front-panel and a proximity sensor. In addition it is also capable of operating most of today's expansion devices such as iPod and iPod Video, Bluetooth, Satellite, and HD Radios.

It comes with an above average price, within a range of $600-$700.