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.

Clarion VRX785BT Review (VRX-785BT)

Clarion released a single-DIN multimedia receiver with a retractable 7" LCD touchscreen monitor that is also navigation ready. This top-tier product showcases one of the most attractive front-panel design with reliability and performance that is virtually second to none.The Clarion VRX785BT features a high-contrast LCD display that is perfectly beyond just "suitable" for watching movies, in fact, it's superb. The screen is capable of displaying your favorite DVDs and DivX file formats. It will also display other media information that is currently playing such as AAC, MP3, and WMA tags that contains artist, title, and album information. The unit will process all digital media files with its built-in 24-Bit D/A converter that could be classified as premium quality digital to analog processor, ensuring near loss-less audio and video quality.In addition, the Clarion VRX785BT has excellent audio adjustment controls featuring bass and subwoofer level adjustments along with a 3-band equalizer. It also has high pass filters and dual zone outputs allowing rear seat passengers to listen to something else that is playing in the front seat listening area. You could also expand the unit through its front, rear, and subwoofer channels RCA preamp outputs.

The VRX785BT does have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, eliminating the need for additional accessories and modules to conduct hands-free cellular phone operation. If you have XM Radio subscription, the VRX785BT could receive XM Radio signal with additional accessories. Control and operation of Satellite Radio is done from the VRX785BT's LCD screen. In addition, the Clarion VRX785BT features a USB port that is capable of receiving direct connection of any current dockable iPod models, effectively supporting playback and controls of the iPod. The additional rear RCA audio and video inputs are also capable of receiving additional source units such as remote mounted DVD players or even video game systems.To top it all off, the already incredible Clarion VRX785BT is fully compatible with Clarion's add-on navigation module. Upon installation of the NAX980HD, the VRX785BT becomes a single DIN in-dash GPS navigation unit. It will then feature over 10 million points of interest available as well as a built-in gyro sensor, turn-by-turn voice command in three languages, a 12-channel GPS receiver, and an additional front USB port for map or firmware updates. Moreover, the navigation unit adds to the VRX785BT an excellent graphical user interface menus with multiple navigation viewing angle.It is to no surprise that the Clarion VRX785BT could be considered one of the best single DIN receiver available. It has plenty of features for users to be satisfied with for years to come and has the ability for it to be converted into a navigation device. Clarion stands for great quality, and with that great quality, they've packaged great features into the very excellent Clarion VRX785BT.

Jensen VM9212N Review (VM-9212)

The Jensen VM family of single DIN in dash multimedia receiver are all specialized in various needs of the consumer. The Jensen VM9212N is specially designed to satisfy the need for navigation functionality in the vehicle without spending an astronomical amount of money in the attempt to do so. With the VM9212N, consumers are able to purchase an additional navigation module that will allow the unit to operate as a navigation receiver-- all of which will cost less than $600.The Jensen VM9212N is a single DIN receiver with a motorized flip-out / retractable 7" LCD touchscreen monitor. It features a nice and easy-to-use graphical user interface with attractive on-screen button designs. It truly gives the unit a more futuristic and high-tech look. It definitely saves a lot space since it is only a single DIN unit, capable of being mounted in more vehicles than double DIN units. The retractable mechanical function also serves as a passive security system, keeping the nice 7" screen out of sight and out of mind of curious onlookers.It is fully capable of playing DVDs, CDs, VCDs, with AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2, JPEG, MP3, and WMA file formats. All of these media formats are fully supported and covers almost every audio and video formats out there for you to use. If you're looking to use an iPod with the unit, they have you covered with an included audio and video to 3.5mm AV adapter, giving you full playback from iPod (note: does not allow for control through the VM9212 unit itself)

If you have an existing audio system set up in your vehicle, or are looking to expand your car audio, the Jensen VM9212 is equipped with 3 RCA preamp outputs, giving users the ability to expand the front, rear, and subwoofer channel into amplifiers or equalizers. In addition, there are also audio and video RCA inputs for the VM9212N to receive additional media sources such as a rear view camera, a remote mount source unit, or even a video game console like the Xbox 360, Wii, or PlayStation. Of course, we wouldn't feature just an average receiver. The VM9212 has the capability to function as a GPS navigation unit with the additional purchase of the NAV101 navigation expansion module. The combined total of the two units will set consumers to well under $650, a price that is very rare for an in-dash navigation unit. With the NAV101 module, the VM9212 will be able to receive up to 20-channels of GPS signal, thus allowing it to lock on to 20 individual orbital global positioning satellites-- giving maximum coverage and accuracy to the navigation feature. In addition, the module has 2 million POIs (points of interest) built-in with an upgradeable database through the SD Card reader.

If you are looking for an interactive in-dash multimedia player with navigation capabilities, you will save a lot of money with the purchase of the VM9212N and the NAV101 module. Besides the benefit of the low cost, the unit is fully capable of delivering all of your favorite audio and video medias with the best experience you'll ever have.

Alpine IVA-W505 Review, Part II: Audio Features

Audio Features
This double DIN receiver features a few audio enhancement technologies that is sure to please any audiophile out there. We've already mentioned its 5.1 Dolby Digital capability with an optical digital output. In addition to that, the Alpine IVA-W505 features a high-pass filter that channels all high-frequency sounds to the appropriate tweeter or speaker, allowing your subwoofer or low-frequency capable speaker to properly produce low-frequency sounds without any high-frequency signals interference.
There are also 5 equalizer bands that users could adjust, including bass width, bass center, and subwoofer level adjustments. The double DIN headunit even features a high 24-Bit D/A converter that ensures optimal audio quality from various media files that you play through the unit. Since CDs, DVDs, and media files are digital mediums, the D/A converter converts the digital data to analog data that eventually becomes what you hear and see. A 24-Bit D/A converter is considered excellent in the car audio world, especially when compared to standard 1, 6, 8, or 12-Bit converters.

Let's not forget its 50 watts max per channel power output, 3 pairs of preamp outputs set at 2 volts, providing RCA outputs for front, rear, and subwoofer channels; and its optional ability to use the KTX-H100 Imprint tuner.
With the Alpine IVA-W505's Imprint Sound Manager, the system will analyze various listening locations from each seat and will determine the best setting for the vehicle. Since each vehicle is different acoustically, this Alpine innovation will greatly improve sound reproduction quality.


Back to Part I: Multimedia

Continue to Part III: Navigation and Summary

Alpine IVA-W505 Review, Part I: Multimedia

Alpine has competed well with Pioneer and Kenwood in the car audio industry, especially with in dash receivers. Coming soon to retailers summer 2008 is another one of Alpine’s arsenal in the receiver battle, the IVA-W505 double DIN receiver.

Display
First look of the Alpine IVA-W505 reveals a very stylish display that is both clear and full of color depth. The graphical user interface looks very modern and gives a high-tech feel to the unit. The Alpine IVA-W505 features a large 7" that is designed with motorized mechanisms that will allow it to adjust viewing angle according to user presets and controls. The screen is about the biggest any in-dash multimedia receiver could ever feature and certainly sets it apart from most other in-dash receivers.
Viewing anything on this 7" screen will definitely be enjoyable as it offers crystal clear contrasting display, perfect for movies or just simple media display. It even features a versatile S-Video input which could be used for laptop, portable media devices, or even some video game consoles.
Compatiblity/Integration
What the Alpine IVA-W505 does best is integration of many of today's popularly used technology. An obvious demographic to target are iPod users. As of April of 2007, there were over 100 million iPods sold since its first release. The IVA-W505 is designed for maximum compatibility with iPod audio and video playback. This means that all of your iPod-stored media files could be played in this unit seamlessly.

The IVA-W505 will display all media information such as artist, albums, etc. and even the accompanying album art. You have the choice of either connecting your iPod to the USB connection or a an optional direct iPod connection. You could even connect two iPods simultaneously! Don't have an iPod? Don't worry! Through its USB port and any loaded discs, users could play DVD, DVD±R/RW, VCD, CD, CD-R/RW with MP3, AAC, and WMA support.

With additional accessories, the Alpine IVA-W505 is capable of receiving Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio sources as well as HD Radio and Bluetooth Hands-free technology. The IVA-W505 is capable (with additional accessories) of hands-free calling, with call status and caller ID display as well as phonebook synchronization. The unit also features a very rare optical digital audio output with Dolby Digital encoding that could be used with the optional PXA-H701 Multimedia Manager module, allowing for complete 5.1 surround sound playback.

If you do decide to integrate HD Radio with the Alpine IVA-W505, Alpine has provided a way for you to "tag" a song you hear on HD Radio so that you can check them out when you get home on iTunes-- where you can listen to the song's preview or purchase it:

The IVA-W505 features iTunes Tagging in collaboration with HD Radio, which makes it easy for you to discover new music you hear while you’re driving. Simply add the Alpine TUA-T550HD HD Radio Tuner (sold separately, available summer). Now when you’re on the road, and hear a song you like from an HD Radio station that broadcasts metadata, just press a button on the IVA-W505 to “tag” the song. Info about the tagged songs are stored and transferred to your iPod. Later, connect your iPod into your computer, iTunes will automatically present the tagged songs in a new Tagged playlist giving you the option to preview, buy, and download the songs.
-- Alpine IVA-W505 iTunes Tagging Overview

Continue to Part II: Audio Features