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.

Blaupunkt Key West MP38 Review

The Blaupunkt Key West MP38 is a brand new 2008 released car stereo receiver with full Bluetooth and iPod support. The unit is the upgrade to Blaupunkt's previous Key West release, the Key West MP36. The Key West MP38 features a highly improved front panel design that is both attractive and modern in appearance. The dot matrix display features back-lighting that could be easily adjusted to any one of 4096 colors of choice, easily adaptable to match your car's interior or your favorite color.

This attractive single DIN head unit is capable of MP3 and WMA playback through regular CDs. However, the Blaupunkt MP38 could also receive USB sources with additional accessories. The MP38 has several audio enhancements to make audio playback experience the best it could ever be with the stereo system. It has a 3-band parametric equalizer that will allow users to adjust low, mid, and high frequencies and even a bass-boost feature. If you are looking to expand your car audio system into more complex setups, the receiver features two pairs of RCA preamp outputs. In addition, with optional accessories, the Blaupunkt MP38 is capable of receiving iPod audio with full access and control through the units own controls. The MP38 is also capable of operating Bluetooth wireless capable phones with optional accessories.

The Blaupunkt Key West MP38 is an attractive single DIN receiver with Bluetooth and iPod capabilities. The price isn't bad either, set at under $170. However, the need to have additional accessories may create more complex installation and additional expenses.

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