Jensen VM9312 / DUAL XDVD8181 Reviews

Jensen and DUAL have both been recognized as some of the most affordable electronics brands available in the mobile electronics industry. It's especially difficult then when two brands like these release two identical products that are also priced similarly. Hopefully this review will help you decide on which in-dash touchscreen receivers you want by identifying some of the features most important to you.

Jensen VM9312

Let's start with the Jensen VM9312. The unit is a single DIN size receiver with a motorized, flip-out screen. The screen itself is quite large, showing off a 7" touchscreen that tucks away quite nicely into the single DIN receiver. It looks like a standard CD player when the screen is retracted, protecting the unit from coveting eyes and possible break-ins.The head unit plays virtually every possible file format and mediums out there. It plays all types of DVDs and CDs, as well as MP3, WMA, VCD, AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2, and even JPEG files. The VM9312 is iPod Ready as well as Satellite (XM or Sirius) Radio Ready, giving this unit great expandability options for users looking for extra features.

Another great aspect of the VM9312 is the included auxiliary input adapter that could be mounted virtually anywhere in your vehicle. It allows for audio, video, 3.5mm, and optional iPod link auxiliary connections that is easy to get to and definitely convenient to use.

Some of the features on this Jensen car audio unit aren't so pretty however. For instance, consider that most in dash receivers put out 50 watts maximum per channel, but the VM9312 puts out around 40 watts maximum. Unfortunately, for those looking for pre-amplified connections, the Jensen VM9312 only has two pairs of RCA outputs, lacking the coveted subwoofer preamp output.

DUAL XDVD8181
As I had mentioned before, the two units are very identical. The XDVD8181 also features a 7" touchsreen. It even retracts the same way that the VM9312 does, but there are quite a few key differences. First off, the DUAL XDVD8181 will not be able to play as many file formats as the Jensen. This may not be a big deal if you don't use AVI, MPEG, or VCD, for those who do, it may leave them with disappointment.

An excellent feature of the XDVD8181 is its ability to expand as a navigation unit. DUAL offers the XNAV9525 as an optional solution for those looking to turn this head unit into a GPS navigation system. This will allow users to utilize the 7" screen as a navigation guide as well as multimedia playback display such as watching movies and of course, listening to music.
It also features standard 50 watts maximum power output per channel, something a little bit better than the Jensen VM9312; however, the DUAL XDVD8181 lacks the ability to function as an iPod Ready or Satellite Ready receiver. However the unit still features a 3.5mm auxiliary input adapter that is included in the box and just like the VM9312, it could be placed anywhere in your vehicle; and whereas the VM9312 lacked a subwoofer output, the XDVD8181 comes equipped with 2 pairs of preamp RCA outputs as well as an additional mono subwoofer output. This addition to DUAL car audio line of products is definitely worth looking into.

Overall
It's ultimately up to you as a consumer to decide on which is best for you. You may not need all the features available on one but may want some of the key features on the other. Nonetheless, both of these units are available at a low cost. You can't go wrong in purchasing in-dash receivers with 7" LCD monitors for less than $300.

Jensen VM9022 Review

The demand for double DIN receivers is greater than ever. More and more cars have larger, double DIN receiver mounts, allowing for greater multimedia potential. Consumers are now given the opportunity to have an LCD screen as large as 7" installed within their dashboard.

Many of these receivers with built-in LCD screens are not affordable for most consumers and typically, only the biggest fans of the car audio industry would be willing to spend the money to get them. Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC are marketing these units anywhere from $800 to over $1000. Enter the Jensen VM9022 at an affordable $500, an affordable double DIN receiver with a 6.5" LCD monitor.

Pros
The first good thing about this unit is the affordable price. It's significantly less than most major brands, and it's still packed with features. It has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing users to safely and conveniently drive-and-talk on the cell phone.

Let's not forget that it plays DVD, VCD, and DivX video media format as well as AAC (iTunes), Mp3, and WMA music file formats. Don't worry, you could also play files from the built-in SD card slot that it has on its front panel. If your file formats support 5.1 surround sound, the unit is capable of handling Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II surround sound. In addition, the Jensen VM9022 is iPod ready and satellite radio ready, and even navigation ready with additional accessories. There are also lots of options for expansion including USB and additional audio and video RCA inputs.You will find that the large screen is nice for any occasion and integrates quite nicely to any dashboard. For the price of the unit, this double DIN head unit is packed with features that would otherwise go for hundreds of dollars more, setting this receiver superior with its "best-bang-for-the-buck" value.

Cons
Unfortunately, the unit does not support user selectable button illumination colors. You'll be stuck with blue, which is great if it matches your car's interior-otherwise, you'll just have to live with it.

The remote looks like it's from a 1989 television set. It's large and bulky and has a quite outdated style. Another thing worth noting is the USB port. Though yes it's definitely a great plus that the unit features it, the access to the port may be quite difficult since it is a rear input connection. The cable isn't very long, so you will not be able to extend it further than your front seat armrests.

Overview
This double DIN unit is definitely worth the price. It's packed with features and is much more affordable than the more popular brands. It is truly a hidden treasure in the mobile entertainment industry.