Valor NVG-606W 6.5-Inch Double-DIN Touchscreen Navigation System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Installation relatively painless. Purchased installation instructions, wiring harness and mounting bracket from other online audio supply dealer. Unit was installed in 2003 Ford Expedition. The installation was performed on a Saturday morning. The only SNAFU experienced was when powering on the system and trying to initialize the GPS a warning message would appear stating something to the effect of 'invalid license key' and then an input screen would pop up for key entry. Nothing in any associatated documentation regarding license key, unlock code, or how to obtain such. An email and then telephone message were left with tech support regarding the issue. Appears there is no support provided on weekends. Monday a friendly tech support returned the call with the unlock code and an email was also received with same unlock code. Once the code was entered the system functioned just fine.
Pros:
The sound is much of an inprovement over the stock CD / tape deck that was purchased with the vehicle. Nice match for the Infinity Kappa speakers I previously installed. The convenience of AUX, USB and SD all in the front panel were a big plus for me (I have not hooked iPod to the read media input, the front AUX is more convenient.)
Cons:
Confusion of the unlock code resulted in my spending a few hours trying to hack the system into working state while waiting for tech support to return calls. GPS only runs from maps in the SD card. This prohibits playing SD based music when navigation is enabled. (Not really a big issue.) The unit will display song titles for USB based songs, but does not for standard CD format music - just Track01, Track09, etc.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Valor NVG-606W 6.5-Inch Double-DIN Touchscreen Navigation System

This double-DIN dash receiver offers a built-in navigation system from NavMate; a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen display; playback of DVDs, CDs, SVCDs, VCDs, and various digital audio/video formats. It features front-panel SD card and USB ports, A/V input and outputs, and plenty more, all backed by a 4 x 45 Watt MOSFET amp. Add navigation and entertainment to your vehicle in one fell swoop.

6.5-Inch Touchscreen The NVG-606W features a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen display with 1200 x 234 pixel resolution. Movies, pictures, and GPS all look great on the brilliant screen, and accessing features is easy.
NavMate Navigation Getting where you need to go is a breeze with the NVG-606W. NavMate software provides turn-by-turn visual and voice assistance to direct you there, complete with text-to-speech technology.
The intelligent virtual keyboard is easy-to-use, and NavMate offers 2D and 3D map views, text and voice guidance in 25 languages, and comes with 11.4 million points of interest. Route to addresses, intersections, or points of interest, and easily find those POIs with an advanced search function. The NVG-606W includes maps of the U.S. and Canada on an included SD card.
DVD Playback and More Enjoy your favorite DVDs (including DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW), VCDs and SVCDs on the NVG-606W's brilliant screen.
You can also view JPEG image files. If your camera uses this format, it's a quick way to take a look at pics you took on the go.
On the audio front, you can play your favorite CDs and CD-R/RWs or opt for digital MP3/WMA files burned to disc or on USB devices.
If you'd prefer the radio, use the AM/FM receiver to dial up your favorite news or other programming, complete with 36 FM and 12 AM presets.
Front Panel SD/USB Easily connect USB devices with your favorite digital media, and easily add/update maps using these front panel ports.
A/V Input/Output Use the front A/V input to connect external audio or video sources, such as MP3 players or video game systems.
You can also send two separate video outputs to the rear of the vehicle if you'd like to install more monitors.
Rear Camera Mode Add a rear camera for safety and convenience. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, and an optional rear camera is connected to the unit, the TFT monitor will automatically switch to the camera input source.
Expandable With its 4 X 45-Watt MOSFET amplifier, the NVG-606W cranks out plenty of power, but if you need more, use the preamp outputs (front/back/subwoofer) to build your system.
What's in the Box NVG-606W Receiver, Remote Control, GPS Antenna, Trim Ring, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, User's Manual, NavMate User's Manual

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JVC KD-AVX44 El Kameleon Vehicle Multimedia Receiver w/ 3.5" Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was searching around trying to find something that I could use as my central "media" center without having to install a mac mini in my Pt Cruiser.
My needs were/are: Ipod integration (including video playback), Dvd Playback, CDs, Bluetooth and of course am/fm. After a long hard search of single-din units I choose this model.
[...]
What I liked about this unit is you have a video out. You can hook up your headrest monitors and if you have a game system (Xbox, PS, Wii...what have you) you can hook it up to the video in that it has to offer as well (with full playback to your headrests). This just allows you to have direct connection to your cars speakers.
Dvd Playback. It is very good. Turn the car off, it'll start right back up where it left off.
Bluetooth. My boyfriend has a Pioneer DEH-P9800BT which I installed as well (A great unit if you don't require Dvd play back). Unlike the pioneer unit there is no mic to install anywhere and the quality still sounds pretty good on both ends. Doesn't matter what source you are using Bluetooth will alert you when someone is calling by pausing your music/video and showing the caller Id. You can accept or decline.
AM/FM. I was a bit disappointed that the unit didn't have RDS. I have been using a factory unit that had it and kind of miss that feature. Seemed like a feature they could have added.
Ipod. Heres where I am on the fence. I had been using a fm transmitter for my ipod and finally wanted direct connect because I could not take the quality anymore. I purchased an Apple Composite AV Cable (THIS WORKS JUST AS GOOD AS A JVC KSU20 CABLE) Of course, The quality was 300% better than before. However, The Interface is a bit slow. I really hope that JVC comes out with a firmware upgrade that speeds it up a bit. When I go to play "The Killers" it takes me approx. 1 minute to get to the letter "K". But for the most part I keep it on shuffle. The unit charges the Ipod as well.
Ipod Video. This is a cool feature. With either the JVC KSU20 or the Ipod Composite AV cable. You can watch any video off your ipod and direct the signal to the headrest monitors as well.
Pros: Great Bluetooth, DVD, Ipod Video integration with a sleek (no button look). Love the 4 setting tilt screen (great for stereo units closer to the ground)And Love the Proximity motion light as well.
Cons: For a single din unit JVC did a decent job, Ipod interface is really my only complaint. I had looked at the JVC KD NX5000. But didn't like the look of the unit or felt the need for crappy navagation. The menu interface feels like it should be more user friendly (getting to the ipod artists list has to be done by hitting about 5 buttons)
I have not used satellite or the back-up camera (which I plan to install soon).
[...]
Good luck and have fun with this great little unit.*UPDATE*
A few new things.
Satellite Radio - Bought the Sirius Adapter through ebay. Though it's not as fast as a stand-alone unit, It sounds great and it's nice to have it integrated into the radio.
Iphone Compatibility - I was a little disappointed to see that, unfortunately, the Iphone does not seem to be compatible with the unit. Maybe with either an update from Apple or JVC this will change in the future. For now, I use my usable Ipod touch just as a music jukebox in the car and Iphone for everything else (gym, work, etc...). It's actually not a bad setup.
HD Radio - Buying the HD Adapter fixed my RDS problem. Any stations that send out artist info is now displayed. Without excellent reception, those extra HD stations are hit or miss. It's a nice feature to have. Quality can be exceptional at times.
I will keep those interested up-to-date if I come across any new info on the unit.
Have Fun,
Mary

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Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT 7-Inch Flagship In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm glad I didn't read the review here before I bought this unit, or I'd have missed out on what is for me a great unit. Let me address the previous review line by line with the differences I see.
- no support for cd changers but many feel that because of usb drives and ipods, changers are legacy...whatever!
What's a CD? Does anybody use them anymore? :)
- touch screen has a sweet spot that is small and off-center so it's easy to make the wrong selection and have to waste time on a redo...
Haven't noticed it yet. There is a calibration for the screen that needs/can be done so maybe that would fix your issue.
- no IR functionality which means wireless remotes cannot be used and this unit really needs one...
I never liked remotes in a car. I've had three head units that had remotes, including the one I just took out. Never put a battery in them. The head unit is arms length away, the remote is under the seat, stuck to a french fry, whatever. What is the remote for? I know some people like them, I just never have.
- xm works great BUT xm traffic is not supported, only msn direct...
Yeah, XM traffic would be better. MSN is a no go. Per their website they are shutting down the service. However, all the online reviews of this unit say getting the MSN is a no brainer, that it's data in invaluable. Go figure.
- no exterior mute button....
Hold down the voice prompt button and it mutes. I luckily noticed this in the manual when I was perusing it during the install.
- installing the hd radio module disables regular am/fm functionality...
Hmm, that's odd. I asked about it and wasn't told this was an issue. I didn't get HD radio so I cannot comment.
- route guidance has no introductory statement to start your route, you just start driving and eventually it begins giving directions...
Good. The less it talks the better. I have people in the car, the telephone going, stuff to remember to do. Just tell me where to turn already, skip the rest.
- route guidance audio does not identify by exit number, street or exit name, just take next and you must look at screen for what next is...
Hmm, good point. I didn't think about this before. I guess refer to the point above for me. Just keep me from blasting by the turn. I'll handle the rest. The road, distance, and direction of turn are on screen.
- last unit i had gave me my vehicle speed as well as the current posted speed limit, this unit gives neither...
Agreed! Sorta. I love having the GPS speed on screen for some strange reason. The GPS speed is available on a setup/calibration screen, but not on the main screen to my knowledge. I guess I can get my GPS calculated speed fix there. As for the speed limit on the GPS, I think I'll trust the handy dandy signs that were happily stuck in the ground for my personal amusement along the side of the road.
- adding a route is real work. to start a route you must type each and every complete word exactly, it does not help you complete words with suggested common choices nor is it flexible when searching...
Type in part of the word and hit enter, it'll show the most likely matches. The route seemed perfectly easy to enter to me, and thank God, the keyboard layout is a QWERTY so you know where the letter is without singing the alphabet song.
- when recalculating a route, it says nothing and starts the process very slowly.
Again, thank God. Say less, do more. I hate it when you are going off route manually and you don't want to key in your change. "Recalculating route....Recalculating route...etc, etc until you give in and either cancel the route or get through your detour."
- there is a search by address voice function, but it's slow and awkward, using it is a real struggle...
All voice commands are slow and awkward to me. I've been amazed at how accurate this thing has been so far.
- no voice commands for basics such as "go home", "cancel route", etc. so you must touch screen through several menu layers for them...
I haven't tried this yet. Go home should be a voice command. I agree. Good points. I did take the time to setup my custome home screen. It has icons for cancel route and go home so they are right there on the home screen. Nice.
POI TRULY SUCKS...
I already tried some POIs. They were not in there as often as I'd like so I agree. But, via the SD card you can load POIs so I'll give it a pass. If it's something I need I'll load it. If not, oh well. I can always look up the address. I did take the time to load some POIs just to see how this worked. I now have every Hooters in the US on my GPS. Sorta overkill as I really don't like chicken wings that much but considering how easy it was to add thousands of esoteric POI waypoints, I think it would be hard to knock what they have built in.
So far, this unit has been pretty much everything I wanted. I pulled out and replaced a Clarion 675 VXD with this Pioneer. It's so much better than the Clarion it's hard to imagine. Everything works as it's supposed to on the Pioneer. Not so on the Clarion. And Pioneer is using Parrott's bluetooth technology. I love Parrott.
I do have a couple of squawks that aren't mentioned previously. The unit, like everything in this country today, has a legal warning. Of course, somebody lost a lawsuit somewhere along the way and not only do we have to agree not to be stupid once, we now have to agree every time the unit boots. I've sort of resigned myself to this fact of life, however, there is a quirk with the Pioneer. Until you ok the legal screen, some of the functionality doesn't work. The iPod voice recognition it does at every boot up doesn't start until you have clicked ok and if you have just updated your iPod this VR load can take several minutes. If you are on the audio screen, as I often am, the warning screen doesn't appear. It's a navigation warning screen, so audio is playing from your last song but the unit is effectively nerfed until you click ok, no VR load, no audio commands, etc. The backup camera does work and it does immediately, which is good. It can be frustrating to jump in the car, fire up and want to start a phone conversation right away but the voice commands won't work till the VR load finishes, the VR load won't start till you click ok, and none of that will start till you click ok on the nav screen which probably isn't up and running. It would be nice if after 30 seconds you haven't clicked ok, it just times out and starts it's normal process or if the warning screen would pop up over navigation and audio so you can click ok. (Update to this note.) Turns out the issue above is actually a quirk of my installation. We may have accidentally performed a work around to eliminate the speed sensing ability of the Pioneer, which would enable the use of the navigation system, and video playback, while the vehicle is in motion. The issue I noted above is a side effect of this work around. Out of the box, this issue apparently does not exist, but you cannot use the navigation system above 10mph, which is in itself annoying in my opinion.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT 7-Inch Flagship In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth

The AVIC-Z110BT is Pioneer's flagship in-dash navigation system, and comes with the works. Simultaneously access mapping and route guidance information; enjoy various forms of audio and video entertainment; control an Apple iPod/iPhone and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with natural voice commands; and receive updated traffic, weather and local event information via an optional MSN Direct tuner. The AVIC-Z110BT navigation system features a large motorized 7-inch touch panel display, CD/DVD Video playback, built-in Bluetooth and a customizable touch screen interface for quick access to frequently used features.

Key reasons to upgrade from AVIC-X910BT:
Powerful processor with video accelerator
New Customizable Shortcut Menu
Larger 7" display (WVGA high-resolution)
Motorized Display with Automatic Display Positioning (5 settings)
High-Volt Preouts x3 (4 Volt) for clean, powerful signal to optional amplifiers
7-Band Graphic Equalizer provides more precise audio tuning control
Bluetooth Audio Streaming (A2DP and AVRCP)
Navigation destination entry by Voice Control (Address Search, POI selection by category or brand name)
Background processing of Voice Recognition (VR) Cataloging
City Map display
5 Simultaneous route calculation
Road Preference routing and Intelligent Re-Route
Brand Icon POI's
Optional Mexico Map (CNSD-OMM013)
Fuel Cost Routing & Report
Dual Zone Audio/Video
Advanced A/V Codec with additional formats (WMV and H.264) for USB/SD Card playback


The Last Word in Navigation The line of AVIC-Z products have long been considered the last word in navigation, and this year, the AVIC-Z110BT stays true to its Pioneer heritage with its high performance features. Out of the box, this system comes with 12 million points of interest and a massive map database to help you find the nearest destination. The built-in Text-to-Speech engine clearly pronounces turn-by-turn direction and street names to ensure smooth travels.
The AVIC-Z110BT also offers a wide variety of map views tailored to different driving experiences. For example, "Rear View" allows you to watch your cargo in tow with your optional back-up camera while simultaneously being able to view the map. High-resolution 2D and 3D maps provide renderings of nearby landmarks and terrain to help you navigate the world around you. The Z's high-powered graphics processor and precision-guided GPS sensor deliver stunningly detailed mapping with amazing accuracy.
Pioneer's AVIC-Z110BT takes convenience to the next level with voice-activated navigation. You can simply input an address by voice or find a place to re-fuel by saying, "Find the nearest gas station" or "Find the nearest McDonalds".

AVIC FEEDS for iPhone now available Unleash the power of your Pioneer navigation system with the AVIC FEEDS for iPhone application. Find a destination, then transfer it to your Pioneer navigation system for turn-by-turn routing.
Bridge the Gap Start Planning your route before you even step into your car with the free AVIC FEEDS app. Now you can seamlessly use your iPhone with your Pioneer navigation receiver. Simply find your destination with the built-in Google Maps interface and transfer it via Bluetooth for easy, turn-by-turn directions.
Picture Yourself There The AVIC FEEDS app also allows you to use the geo-tag data in your photos to be routed directly to places you've visited. The built-in GPS feature of iPhone 3G and 3GS has the ability to embed geo-tag information in the photos you take with its camera. AVIC FEEDS allows you to save destinations by reading these geo-tags. You can also use AVIC FEEDS to create destinations from geo-tagged photos that are sent to your iPhone.

Your iPod (and iPhone) Will Thank You On top of being an exceptional navigator, the AVIC-Z series delivers an iPod experience that blows away FM transmitters or cassette adaptors. Even at the first glance, you will fall in love with the easy-to-use touch screen controls for your music and brilliant 7-inch display for your videos. Album art is also beautifully displayed.
With the optional cable (CD-IU50V) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, videos, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. Pioneer has also created powerful searching tools such as Link Play and Alphabet Search to help you find content faster.
The AVIC-Z110BT also features voice-activated control of your iPod. Simply say the name of an artist, album, playlist, or genre to bring up the next song.

Ditch the Headset with Built-in Bluetooth Take incoming calls through the AVIC-Z110BT, and be heard clearly without a headset courtesy of Bluetooth technology. Connecting your compatible phone is easy and gives you instant touch screen access to your contacts. You can also dial a contact with the sound of your voice by simply saying "Call Jack Smith."

Customize and Colorize This all-new AVIC-Z110BT features a revolutionary touch screen interface that let's you build your own home screen with the navigation, multi-media and Bluetooth functions that your use most. Simply drag and drop a function's icon in the menu to create up to 15 shortcuts within your home screen.
You can further customize the navigation receiver by adjusting button illumination color to match the interior of your car, or by uploading your own boot-up screen photo.

Get Connected with MSN Direct With the optional tuner (ND-MDT10), access up-to-date information from MSN Direct on your AVIC-Z110BT. MSN Direct is the ultimate in-car convenience, offering news, traffic, stock quotes, weather, movie times, and gas prices. Because MSN Direct can work seamlessly with system's navigation, you can be routed directly to a theater after finding the right show time, or have traffic flow overlayed on your route.
Enjoy MSN Direct free for the first three months when you add Pioneer's optional tuner (ND-MDT10) to the AVIC-Z110BT.

The Freedom of Speech Navigation functions, iPod audio control and hands-free Bluetooth calling can all be controlled with the sound of your voice. Voice-activated control over your navigation system not only performs in-car tasks with greater speed, but helps you keep your eyes (and attention) on the road ahead.

Media Mogul Built to navigate, but born to entertain, the AVIC-Z110BT offers audio and video playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're watching DivX files on DVD, H.264 video on SD card or iTunes AAC files on CD, there are dozens of playback options for your favorite media. You will also appreciate the Z's ability to simultaneously entertain your front and back seat passengers with two different audio and video sources using Dual Zone functionality.

Audiophile-grade Sound Architecture Just because the AVIC-Z110BT features one of the most robust navigation platforms in the industry, doesn't mean it holds back on high-end sound quality. With 3 sets of hi-volt (4V) pre-outs, custom designed power supply capacitors and a 7-band graphic equalizer, you can build a massive system worthy of hi-fi listening.

Expanded Listening The AVIC-Z110BT gives you plenty of room to expand your broadcast options. With optional tuners, experience the vast channel selection of XM Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio.
What's in the Box AVIC-Z110BT main unit, Power cord, Connector Extension lead (for reverse signal), Extension lead (for speed signal), GPS antenna, RCA connector, USB connector, Microphone

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Pioneer Electronics Audition Series XW_NAS3-K Docking Station for iPod (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)THE GOOD: Charges Ipod/Iphone when on or off. Unobtrusive styling. Dedicated volume controls. Remote control.
Component video out to play videos from your Ipod/Iphone on a television or monitor. Video looks great on HD tv's. Audio in jack for non-ipod music players. Bluetooth adapter to play music remotely. Rich, full sound with a nice sub-woofer (even works for larger rooms).

THE BAD: Larger than many Ipod docks (such as JBL On Stage). Remote control only works when pointed directly at the front of the dock with 30' range. Bluetooth must be manually connected each time. No dedicated Bass/Treble controls (must be performed on the Ipod/Iphone).
BOTTOM LINE: Pioneer's Audition Dock for Ipod/Iphone provides rich, full, room filling sound with great extras like Bluetooth connectivity and video playback on your television.Full Review:
DESIGN:
Sleek black plastic case with dock on top for the Ipod/Iphone and a dedicated sub-woofer underneath.
Although somewhat large in size (about the same as a large loaf of bread), the dock has clean lines and a smooth surface which should blend in well in just about any room.
Power and volume control buttons are on the top and can also be controlled with the included remote control.
Input button switches between the dock, video output, Bluetooth, and aux input. The input button blinks a certain number of times to tell you which mode you are in. Usually, I end up just pressing it until the sound comes out. There are lights on the front of the dock which glow faintly red also telling you which mode you are in (Bluetooth is on the left and slowly blinks telling you to connect).
CONNECTIVITY:
Comes with a large array of connectivity options.
Located at the rear of the dock are connections for Component video out, video out, auxiliary input, and an input for the optional Bluetooth adapter.
All connections are clearly marked and color coded to prevent connection errors.
FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE:
Has 2.1 channel sound which means two speakers and a sub-woofer.
The speakers deliver rich, clear sound with excellent bass and filled a 30'x 30' room sounding much better at high volume than any other Ipod/Iphone dock that I have used. Some speakers sound "buzzy" at high volumes but this one maintained perfect audio fidelity even when turned up all the way.
The music sounded great with a wide variety of music from Van Halen's Eruption to Sheryl Crow's First Cut is the Deepest, or Tribe Called Quest's Award tour. When docked, you can play music from apps like Pandora or Slacker as long as you have WiFi or 3G coverage.
The remote control controls volume, input, and skip/play/pause. The remote control range is 30 feet. Interestingly, the remote only works when pointed directly at the front of the dock. You can be literally right next to the dock and the remote won't work until you point it at the front.
The Bluetooth adapter works well and gives you the ability to play music (including Pandora or Slacker or any other music app) from around 30 feet away. You control the volume with your remote and switch the songs with your Ipod/Iphone. Connecting to the player takes around 10 seconds. Well worth the money for the added flexibility.
The video function works surprisingly well. I tried both the video and component video options with my TV and played movies and TV shows from my Iphone which looked fantastic. Picture quality is as good as regular TV and the sound comes from the Dock (not your TV). I could see this being useful on trips/ travelling or if you have a large collection of videos on your Iphone/Ipod.
The auxiliary input works as expected with other music players including my wife's Blackberry. Doesn't sound as good as when the players are physically docked.BOTTOM LINE:
With the Audition Series XW_NAS3-K Docking Station for iPod (Black) Pioneer Electronics have created a superb Ipod/Iphone dock that delivers rich full sound and delivers the versatility of excellent Bluetooth and video playback. It's well worth the money for its performance, features and build quality.

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High-performance audio in an elegant, compact design. With rich 2.1-channel sound (with a separate dedicated subwoofer) tuned by Pioneer's EX Speaker Engineering team, and a double-isolated enclosure to eliminate resonance at high volume, the Pioneer XW-NAS3 redefines what's possible in audio quality from an iPod dock.

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