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.

Absolute USA DD858 Review (DD-858)

The Absolute DD858 is a very, very affordable double DIN receiver that features both audio and video playback in almost any format. Where most other brands is set at around $450 and up for a basic double DIN audio/video receiver, the DD-858 is set very cheap at $299, while featuring some of the most coveted functions such as iPod playback, audio/video support, TV tuner, and even backup camera input!The double DIN head unit features a large 7" LCD touchscreen monitor that is capable of displaying video playback from DVD, DVD±R/RW, VCD, SVCD, DivX, JPG, and AVI media formats. This pretty much covers most of what everybody use today, so your favorite movie or music video won't be left out-- a feature rarely supported by major brand units like Pioneer or Kenwood. In addition, the DD858 is capable of playing your favorite MP3s as well as WMA. The unit will display song information the screen such as artist, song title, and album information for each tagged music file. Moreover, there will be able to put out any audio signal into a surround sound 5.1 channel output.There is also support in the Absolute DD858 for iPod charging and playback. So for all of you iPod owners out there (we know there are tons), the Absolute DD-858 supports your standard iPod or iPod video! There is also support for SD Cards as well as portable media storage through its integrated SD Card reader and a mini USB port.

One last critical feature of the Absolute DD-858 is its built-in TV tuner which also includes a TV antenna with each purchase. Now you can watch your favorite shows on the road (while parked of course), from channels 2-95 (if receivable).

The double DIN DD858 is truly a versatile in-dash media center, capable of delivering audio and video entertainment to the consumer at a minimal price. Along with its iPod support, SD Card reader, and mini USB port, the DD858 will satisfy the consumer's need for an AV unit.

Clarion MAX385VD Review (MAX 385VD)

The Clarion MAX385VD is a double DIN receiver capable of diverse multimedia playback as well as a variety of expandability options available for the unit. The Clarion MAX385VD features a 6.5" LCD touchscreen that is capable of displaying DVD movies and of course any media information being played.
The 6.5" screen is a nice fit for this unit, placed right at the center of the unit instead of off-center application made by other companies like Kenwood and Pioneer. However, the CD/DVD slot-in is located just behind the screen itself; forcing users to always flip open the screen before inserting the disc. The front panel design is relatively simple, yet still possesses plenty of high-tech feel to it. The buttons are made of silver-painted plastic pieces with a metallic/chrome finish rotary dial.
This double DIN head unit is also capable of receiving your downloaded MP3 and WMA files through CD or DVD mediums. It will display currently playing artists, songs, and albums on the screen and users could easily browse through media folders. Users will also notice a much better sound quality in the MAX385VD than most other in dash receivers, primarily due to its high 24-Bit D/A converter, which converts digital media signals to signals that could be produced by your speakers. The higher the bit-rate, the more likely users will experience a higher sound quality (though it could still depend on the quality of your downloaded digital music.)

The Clarion MAX385VD features a Sirius Satellite Radio add-on option, allowing consumers to enjoy high quality, specialized programming satellite radio anywhere they travel. Clarion also realized that many consumers out there are likely to own an iPod. To this thought, Clarion has developed its own iPod adapter, allowing for iPod playback and controls from the in-dash controls. If you have more components and want to display them on the screen, there are even additional RCA audio/video inputs for external devices such as cameras, video game consoles, and any other portable audio video sources you may have.

Priced at a competitive low cost, the double DIN Clarion MAX 385VD receiver will be attracting a lot of attention sitting on only a $430 price tag. If you’re looking basic multimedia playback with Satellite Radio and iPod expandability options, then the Clarion MAX385VD is an excellent choice that combines both versatility and dependability.