Showing posts with label in-dash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in-dash. Show all posts

Monday, July 2, 2012

Panasonic CQ-VD6505U In-Dash Double-DIN 6.5-Inch Widescreen Color LCD Monitor/DVD Receiver Review

Panasonic CQ-VD6505U In-Dash Double-DIN 6.5-Inch Widescreen Color LCD Monitor/DVD Receiver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this about a year and a half ago in Tennessee. Shortly after, I moved to Phoenix, AZ. After 2 weeks in the AZ summer, the screen started shaking. The hotter it got, the less I could make out what was on the screen. Eventually, the screen was just a blur. Panasonic wanted me to remove the system, wires and remote included, and send it to some place in Nevada to get worked on. I would then be without a unit for a couple months and would get a new one or my repaired one back.
The new 7" CA-VDC300U should fix this issue. Apparently they didn't fully test the unit to every environment it would be used. It's great for the mid west where it doesn't get much hotter than 80's.
Additionally, I would like a unit with a more interesting user interface. This looks worse than a program I made in C++ in junior high.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic CQ-VD6505U In-Dash Double-DIN 6.5-Inch Widescreen Color LCD Monitor/DVD Receiver

Take your DVDs on the road with the Panasonic CQ-VD6505U!It features a 6.5-inch, 16:9 widescreen LCD display that delivers clear, high-resolution images.This DVD receiver also comes with iPod video capability, and the expansion module lets you simultaneously link to a wide spectrum of digital devices.The touch-screen interface features clear color graphics so you can start using your system quickly and easily.The high-power amplifier delivers pure signal output, while the built-in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital and DTS decoders pump theater surround sound to your car.Additionally, the ignition-linked monitor extension and retraction function automatically slides the monitor out and up to your pre-selected angle when your start the car.

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Sunday, July 1, 2012

GROM Audio A-Maz Mazda Aux Audio Adapter Review

GROM Audio A-Maz Mazda Aux Audio Adapter
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I purchased a portable XM satellite radio receiver, and I was planning on using the FM radio feature to listen to it. Unfortunately, the sound quality was always terrible. Since I didn't want to give up on satellite radio, I had to find a more direct method of transmitting the sound to the car stereo of my Mazda 5.
Mazda sells an audio adapter kit, and I'm sure it's really nice, but it was way too expensive for me. The GROM adapter is about half the cost and got good reviews elsewhere, so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did.
For starters, the sound from my XM radio is now awesome. Crystal clear and no problems whatsoever.
The reason why I gave this only four stars is because it because it's clunky. Removing the radio to install the adapter was a real pain, but I can't fault the adapter for it. However, the "box" of the adapter sits unsecured inside my dashboard, because there's no mounting bracket. In addition, the audio cable just sticks out of my dashboard. So I would have preferred something that fit my particular Mazda vehicle better. For instance, maybe I could drill a hole in the dashboard and fit a 1/8" jack, so it would have been nice for the adapter to come with hardware that let me do that. In other words, the adapter should have included some way to avoid having a cable dangling from the dashboard.
Regardless, if you have a compatible Mazda vehicle and you want to listen to MP3s or satellite radio, then I strongly recommend this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GROM Audio A-Maz Mazda Aux Audio Adapter



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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Scosche TA07SR 2004-UP Toyota / Lexus Vehicles Stereo Replacement Harness Review

Scosche TA07SR 2004-UP Toyota / Lexus Vehicles Stereo Replacement Harness
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Bought this last summer for my 07 Toyota Tacoma. Had just purchased a new stereo and needed something to bypass my onboard amp. Worked fine for 3-4 months. Now has a lot of static, sound is terrible with a lot of static on one side and can't play on both front & rear anymore. This weekend will be wiring around the amp in my truck and putting this item where it belongs - in the trash bin.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Scosche TA07SR 2004-UP Toyota / Lexus Vehicles Stereo Replacement Harness



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Friday, June 8, 2012

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

Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT 7-Inch Flagship In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth
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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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

XMDirect XMD1000 Satellite Radio Universal Tuner Box Review

XMDirect XMD1000 Satellite Radio Universal Tuner Box
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Seems there are several people who are having problems related to either their install, or their head units and NOT the tuner itself. The XMD1000 works exactly like its supposed to. I use it with a Pioneer CD head unit and i get 3 banks of XM channels (XM1, XM2, XM3) and i can see artist, song title, channel name and number, etc. displayed on my head unit screen. I've owned my XMD1000 for almost 3 years in 2 different cars and it never once lost channel programming. If your XMD1000 tuner takes up the Auxillary port or somehow miraculously interferes with AM AND FM, then you should get a different head unit as this is not any problem with the XM tuner. My Pioneer head unit has a specific connection for the XM tuner and it's not possible for XM to interfere with AM or FM in any way at all.
This tuner was very easy to self-install, works perfectly and has no major problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: XMDirect XMD1000 Satellite Radio Universal Tuner Box

The Terk XMD1000 XM Direct Universal XM Satellite Radio Tuner makes it easy to get XM satellite radio in your vehicle. You can use this tuner in conjunction with a brand-specific XM Direct Smart Digital Adapter, such as Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, and others.
To connect the XM Direct tuner to your compatible receiver, you'll need to buy the adapter that matches your brand of receiver. Install the super-compact tuner and the adapter behind your dash, and you're ready to receive the XM signal. XM Direct even includes the required XM antenna.
Once the XM Direct universal tuner is connected, you can use your in-dash receiver to select channels (by category or station number) and view station information (artist, album title, track title, channel number, or channel name) on its readout.
For more information about XM Radio digital-quality sound, coast-to-coast coverage, and more than 150 channels of satellite radio entertainment, visit XMradio.com.
What's in the Box XMD1000 XM satellite radio tuner, antenna, antenna cable, 4 plastic wire ties, installation guide, and XM101 channel guide.

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Monday, April 30, 2012

PAC Ipod/Iphone Auxiliary Audio Input Interface/HD Radio Option Select Subaru - PAC UPACSB1 Review

PAC Ipod/Iphone Auxiliary Audio Input Interface/HD Radio Option Select Subaru - PAC UPACSB1
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This review is specific to the product as I had zero issues with the seller.
I have a 2009 Subaru Forester that I ordered this kit for and while in the end all things are working, the directions for exactly how to install this thing just do not exist in the contents.
I was able to find a manual direct from Subaru on how to install an OEM ipod cable/kit and used that as my guide, which was very helpful for how to take my dash and center console apart as well as removing my stock radio. What wasn't covered anywhere however was how to cable in this device with the factory wires. One thing that threw me was there is an extra harness that goes to nothing for my Forester. I looked high and low online to find out if there was something I was overlooking but in the end couldn't' find anything and just left the mystery harness/cable disconnected and only connected up what physically could be and it all worked!
Navigating songs/tracks/playlist is about as clear as mud on this thing. I can't say this is the fault of the PAC product though since I've never seen the OEM one in action.
I cannot seem to find a way to just shuffle all the songs on my iPod through this thing and even worse, I can't kick off that function direct from the iPod when this is in use as it just gives me a "safe to disconnect" message on the screen of the iPod and you can't do anything with it directly, only through the car radio.
It's looking like just having a bunch of playlist is probably the best way to easily use this thing, which isn't ideal but better than nothing else.
I do plan on buying the HD radio add on down the road but it's already looking like navigating the menus is going to be about the same with HD radio as it is with an iPod.
Really though when all is said and done it does what it says it will do and that's what counts. If you want to keep your stock radio and add in iPod functionality with steering wheel controls like I did then this or the OEM iPod cables are pretty much your only option, that alone makes this a pretty solid choice with all things considered.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PAC Ipod/Iphone Auxiliary Audio Input Interface/HD Radio Option Select Subaru - PAC UPACSB1



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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Pioneer CD-IU230V Ipod Audio/Video Direct Cable For Avic-F900Bt & Avic-F700Bt Review

Pioneer CD-IU230V Ipod Audio/Video Direct Cable For Avic-F900Bt and Avic-F700Bt
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I installed this cable about 8 months ago and could not have been happier. Occasionally the connection would fail but it was nothing reconnecting the iPhone couldn't solve. Sound quality was fine. No complaints. About a month ago however, I began experiencing strange failures. Either the passenger-side speakers/sub in my 370z wouldn't work at all with sound only coming through the driver's side. Occasionally, the connection would come through full of static, extremely muted or "fuzzy". These symptoms became permanent yesterday.
For a $50.00 cable, less than a year of use before failure is utterly unacceptable. Now I have to go through the hassle of taking my headunit out to install another cable. I'm going to try the Apple version (assuming it will work) rather than this shoddy knockoff.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer CD-IU230V Ipod Audio/Video Direct Cable For Avic-F900Bt & Avic-F700Bt



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Friday, March 16, 2012

Axxess Interface MZTO-01 Mazda Turn On 2007-2008 Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 with Bose Review

Axxess Interface MZTO-01 Mazda Turn On 2007-2008 Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 with Bose
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Product doesn't work right. Amp shuts off at low volumes and comes back on at higher volumes---which is really weird. This product is just more Chinese garbage. The price should be around 5$ not 70$. I'll make sure never to buy from this brand ever again; first impression counts. :)

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth Review

Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth
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Great unit and unbeleivable price. the bluetooth works better than some more popular brands.
Also fast loading for cd or dvd sd cards.
The sound quality is better then my old one
and you really cannot beat the price. i connected my rear view camera and works unbeleivable,
and has a great picture quality. and great touch screen i love it

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth



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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter Review

Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This unit is excellent. I purchased this adapter, to be used with my premier DEH-P690UB, and it works great, feels like a factory equipment. It comes with the microphone and installation wires, very long ones, so yo can put it almost wherever you like (I did my own instalation).
Once connected, all you have to do is pair your bluetooth mobile to the unit, and register it as a phone. you can register 5 mobile phones, 3 main registration, and 2 guest phones (it only auto-connect with registered phones). The difference between the main phones, and the guest ones, is that the main ones, can handle phone book entries. Phonebook entries are 500 (total), 300 for phone #1, 150 for phone #2, and 50 for phone #3. Phonebook entries, refers to names, and each name can have many numbers assigned. I have 260 entries, some with 5 numbers assigned, and are working fine. Reading the phonebook in my unit, is a little slow I think, as it takes bout 2 seconds for the 1st name name to appear, an then they begin to appear progressively.
Transferring the phonebook is easy, as far as YOUR MOBILE phone supports it. Some phones, allow you to transfer all contacts (one example is almost any SonyEricsson) others, allows you to transfer contacts one by one, and in some, it simply not posible, but that depends on the phone, not this unit.
As for the sound quality, is excellent. Almost anyone that I have called, noticed no difference between using the handsfree or using my mobile directly. You can adjust the volume, and it stays the same for phone mode, independently of other modes. Other audio ajustments are fixed.
When I receive a call, the radio automatically switch to phone mode (even if the unit is off), and the caller id is displayed on the screen, even with the name (if it is in the radio phonebook), and also gets back to the previous mode after you hangup (or reject) the call. With my head unit, is very difficult to dial a number, since it has no number keys on the front. You have to scroll number by number, although you can dial easily using the remote control (of the main unit) since it have all the numbers. I suppose it is easier on avic units.
I have read that this unit has some problems with Windows Mobile Smartphones, because some bluetooth limitations on the WM bluetooth, but it can be fixed with some 30 USD software I can't remember. I haven't tested this limitations since I don't have one available yet, but I advise WM Smartphone users to research a little.
PROS:
-Excellent sound quality.
-Integrates well with bluetooth compatible Pioneer and Premier units.
-Can register 5 Mobile phones
-Separate phonebook for the 3 main ones.
-Each phonebook entry can have many numbers (I have tested a max. of 5)
-Can play (and control in some cases) Bluetooth compatible music players, as long as they support the A2DP profile
-Works on stand by, even if the main unit is off (as long as the car switch is on ACC or ON position)
-Lot of options.
Cons:
-Phonebook a little slow to read the entries.
-Difficult to 'direct dial' a phone number on some units.
-?Compatibility issues with some smartphones?
I highly recomend this product, to anyone who has a Pioneer bluetooth compablible head unit and a bluetooth phone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter

This CD-BTB200 is designed to work only with Pioneer "Bluetooth Adapter Ready" Navigation systems, AV Receivers and CD Players. Bluetooth Wireless Technology allows these Pioneer headunits to communicate automatically with and treat most compatible cellular phones as source devices within a given range. Simply set up a user ID, and you can make and take calls, use call waiting, talk, and hang up- all while your phone remains in your bag, purse or pocket.

Bluetooth wireless technology also allows you to place and receive calls. The included microphone eliminates the need for an additional hands-free kit installation. The result is the optimum in both convenience and driving safety.
Compatible with the following Pioneer models: AVIC-N5, AVH-P5100DVD, AVH-P4100DVD, AVH-P3100DVD, DEH-P5100UB, DEH-P510UB, DEH-P4100UB, DEH-P410UB, DEH-P3100UB, DEH-P310UB.
Also compatible with: AVIC-D3, AVIC-N4, AVH-P7800DVD, AVH-P6800DVD, AVH-P6000DVD, AVH-P5900DVD, AVH-P5000DVD, AVH-P4000DVD, DEH-P6900UB, DEH-P690UB, DEH-P6000UB, DEH-P600UB, DEH-P5900IB, DEH-P590IB, DEH-P5000IB, DEH-P500IB, DEH-P4900IB*, DEH-P490IB* DEH-P4000IB, DEH-P400IB, DEH-P3000IB.
In addition, the CD-BTB200 may be used with many Pioneer "IP-Bus" systems using External Control. Features and Operation are limited, however; consult the owner's manual for more details.
*Some functions may be limited using the CD-BTB200 with this model. See Owner's Manual for details.
Compatible Bluetooth Profiles
GAP (Generic Access Profile)
SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)
HSP (Head Set Profile)
HFP (Hands Free Profile)
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)
OPP (Object Push Profile)

What's in the Box Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter, Wiring Harness, Microphone, Microphone Visor Clip, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT 4.3-Inch In-Dash Navigation Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth Review

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT 4.3-Inch In-Dash Navigation Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth
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The boss (Wife) had the stock 6 CD changer in her 2006 Explorer XLT. She wanted a new radio that would allow her to listen to her iPod and have Bluetooth for her phone. I also wanted to add GPS, since if I was going to replace the darn thing, I may as well give her all the functions she might need for the future.
I looked online for a new head unit but it seemed that all the units were in the above $500 range. I saw that Amazon had the Pioneer AVIC-U310BT on sale for $259.00. I did some research and found a mixed bag of reviews, for every good review, there was a not so good one. After a bit of thinking, I decided to bite. I'm glad I did.
I bought the head unit along with the PAC Can Bus module05-08 FORD RADIO CAN BUS MODULE INTERFACEand the Scosche Scosche FD1426B Double ISO DIN Kit for 2004-Up Fordmounting kit. The harness was about $80 and the mounting kit another $15. If you look at a lot of the head units out there, they offer Bluetooth as an option, not include it with as with this radio. That would have added another $100 to many of the competitors out there.
I opened up all the parts I bought and read all the documentation on all the items BEFORE I went outside. I prewired the Pac module, connecting all the wires to the wiring harness from the radio. This made it easy when I went out to the truck. Plug and play, the only wiring I need to do was routing all the wires for the microphone, GPS antenna and the Aux output wire for her Sirius radio.
About that Sirius, Pioneer offers the built in module for Sirius or XM. Both cost $100 and you have to find a place for the big Sirius modules under the dash. They don't offer some of the features the little Plug and Play units Sirius offers; pause, FF, and favorite song or artist reminders. We decided to keep her existing Sportster 5 and plug it into the Aux port.
I got it all installed in about 90 minutes. I placed the GPS antenna under the top tray on the dashboard. The antenna sees right through the plastic tray, and stays hidden. The iPod cable is simply the USB cable that came with the iPod. You can buy the cable from Pioneer for about $40. I don't see the need, as it works fine with the Apple cable. I put the iPod in the glove box, as you don't need to access it, all the controls can be reached from the head unit.
The sound from the radio is great. The GPS navigation seems to be good, but I can tell you more as we use it in real world driving. Some people have said that they had issues with Bluetooth not connecting consistently. I started and turned off the truck about 20 times so far, and each time it finds and connects to my iPhone....no issues at all. The sound quality of the included microphone seems good, so far. Again, we will see how it goes in real world driving conditions.
Overall, it isn't as neat as the $500-$1000 dollar head units out there, the screen is not as big, and it may not have all the features of its higher priced cousins. But to have GPS, CD, iPod and Bluetooth for about $350 total, it cannot be beat.
Edit 4/27/10 After a week of use:
Wanted to add a few items on the use of this system. First, some have complained about the quality of the microphone that is supplied with the unit. For us, it works well. I have been involved in both ends of phone conversations as both the sender from the truck, or as a reciever of a call from the truck. Both come in loud and clear. Perhaps other people had issue with the location of the microphone? We clipped it directly to the driver's visor.
Sound quality is fantastic. This head unit really takes advantage of the factory sub woofer in the Explorer. We never heard such powerful bass from the stock unit.
The iPod control takes a little getting used to, but once you figure it out, it works well. My wife has simply put the iPod on random from the head unit controls. It is like a juke box with thousands of songs.....it is playing songs we long ago forgotten that were on the iPod.
GPS navigation has been fine. Sure, not a lot of POI's, but we simply enter in addresses. For my wife, it is no big deal.
Using the PAC Sys can bus module made the wiring easy. The system knows when the truck is moving, it knows to dim the display when the headlights go on, etc. It is just like a factory installation.
Overall, we are still happy with the purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer AVIC-U310BT 4.3-Inch In-Dash Navigation Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth

Pioneer's AVIC-U310BT is a no-nonsense in-dash navigation receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth. Get fast, easy-to-use in-dash navigation, talk hands-free with built-in Bluetooth, control your iPod or iPhone directly, and plenty more, all without breaking the bank.


Navigation Built with You in Mind The AVIC-U310BT is provides the ideal solution for those who are ready for a fully integrated in-dash solution and want the full-featured navigation for which Pioneer is known. Out of the box, this system comes with an extensive map database to help you find your next destination. The built-in Text-to-Speech engine clearly pronounces turn-by-turn direction and street names to ensure smooth travels.
On the Map The easy-to-operate Pioneer Navigation system has built-in maps that put the world at your fingertips. This includes major points of interest, such as restaurants, ATMs, gas stations, entertainment venues and more. Featuring convenient turn-by-turn voice guidance and detailed maps that display intersections and lane information, your Pioneer Navigation system is ready to go when you are.
AVIC Feeds The system's database is fully expandable with AVIC feeds, Pioneer's PC application, which lets you create custom trips and your own points of interest.
Voice Control The Z-Series offers convenient voice-activated navigation, which allows you to simply say an address or find nearby points of interest.

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-U 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 on a brilliant 4.3-inch display.
With the optional cable (CD-IU50) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. The AVIC-U310BT also features powerful searching tools such as Link Play to help you quickly find the artist, album or genre that you want to hear.

Ditch the Headset with Built-in Bluetooth Take incoming calls through the AVIC-U310BT, 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.
With the X and Z-series receivers, you can also conveniently use voice-activated dialing to call contacts simply by saying a name.

Media Mogul Built to navigate, but born to entertain, the AVIC-U310BT offers audio playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're listening to WAV audio files, MP3 audio or iTunes AAC files on a CD or compatible USB device, there are several playback options for your favorite media.
From Disc Play back CDs and CD-RWs, and burn discs with all your digital media, since the AVIC-U310BT also plays back MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV files from CD.
From USB Device If you don't feel like burning CDs just throw the MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files you want on a USB device and enjoy.

Sound Minded Just because the AVIC-U310BT features a robust navigation platform, doesn't mean it holds back on sound quality. With 50 Watts through four channels, it packs plenty of punch.
Room to Grow With 2 sets of pre-outs, MOSFET50 power and a 3-band parametric equalizer, you can build a massive system with massive sound.

Expanded Listening The AVIC-U310BT 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.
Auxiliary Input You can connect auxiliary audio devices using a stereo mini cable with the included aux in.
What's in the Box AVIC-U310BT Main Unit, Power Cord, USB Connector, GPS Antenna, Microphone, User's Manual, Installation Manual

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS Navigation System with DVD Player Review

Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS Navigation System with DVD Player
Average Reviews:

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Just finished installing the D3 in my '06 Scion tC this weekend. In addition to the head unit I also installed the Bluetooth adapter/iPod cable/PAC steering wheel control interface and XM tuner. At this point I am still unsure if I am going to install the reverse cam. This is my third Pioneer head unit, but first Navigation unit.

The unit looks very nice installed with the included mounting hardware, much better than in the photos, I might add. The screen is very bright, and the touch interface works very well. The XM interface is very nice, especially when the Nav disk is in loaded, as it will then display station and category logos along with the standard XM track/artist info.
Here are some of the pros and cons I have come up with in the two days I have had to fool around with it:
Pros:
-XM or Sirius, it stinks to have to make a decision on a head unit based on your sat. radio prefs (Eclipse comes to mind here)
-Superb XM interface
-Solid iPod interface with cool iPod scroll wheel on-screen image (although no search function)
-So far the Nav has worked very well
-Vehicle diagnostics are fun, although not for any practical purposes
-Pioneers parametric EQ has always been great, it is even better with the enhanced visualization of the large color LCD
-Great internal sub-woofer controls including high pass filters, as well as low pass output and sub level controls
-Customization options are nice as you can match your cars instrumentation color
-DVD quality is very good
-Phone call quality is very good from the feedback I have gotten from callers (mounted the mic on the right side of my visor with the included clip)
-Night mode: when you flip on your headlights you can choose how dim you want the screen to get, and the navigation screen has a night mode which uses darker colors for the map, and is much easier on the eyes
Cons:
-No ability to have different EQ settings for each source as far as I can tell (source custom EQ)-this is a major disappointment, i.e. XM output is usually very flat compared to CD/MP3 sources, requiring a lot of messing around with the EQ to get it sounding right. Having to change EQ depending on source is a major pain
-No automatic sound levelizer (adjusts volume level depending on road noise)-even my stock Scion/Pioneer head unit had this
-No remote ($15 dollar option at [...], come on Pioneer, I know it's an inexpensive unit, but still)
-Some background noise at times, but I have concluded that it does not affect sound quality, as much of it only occurs when no music is playing (i.e. caused by the button tones or nav guidance)
- Having to use two little satellite antennas is silly- I don't understand why they couldn't have designed the XM tuner to be able to accept the sat. signal from the Nav antenna, i.e. pull the sat. signal through the IP bus
-I have still not been able to load my phone book into the unit and I tried both my cingular sonyericsson and my nextel blackberry-have checked forums and others are having similar issues, I'm guessing there will be a fix out soon as this is a brand new Bluetooth module
-No HD radio support
Overall I am very satisfied with the sound quality, interface, ease of use, and ability to customize the unit. I just wish it had the source custom EQ and the $170.00 Bluetooth module would load my address book.

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Pyle PLDN70U 7-Inch Double-DIN Motorized TFT Touchscreen Receiver with DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/MP4/CD-R/USB/SD-MMC Card Slot/AM/FM Review

Pyle PLDN70U 7-Inch Double-DIN Motorized TFT Touchscreen Receiver with DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/MP4/CD-R/USB/SD-MMC Card Slot/AM/FM
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My second DVD touch-screen receiver to install this year. The Pyle PLDN70U unit works as described. The screen is difficult to view with the sun to your back. The motorized screen seems strong and assures confidence. Limited audio adjustment. If you intend to drive a sub-woofer and four interior speakers this may not be the best choice. Read the owners manual before purchasing to make sure you able to configure the outputs to your design requirements. Best deal out there for less than $200.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle PLDN70U 7-Inch Double-DIN Motorized TFT Touchscreen Receiver with DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/MP4/CD-R/USB/SD-MMC Card Slot/AM/FM

If you're looking for a dependable DVD receiver, the double-DIN Pyle PLDN70U is a great choice. With a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, SD/MMC card slot, playback of MPEG4 and MP3 files, and room to grow, it's a perfect start that won't break the bank.

7-Inch Touchscreen The PLDN70U features a motorized slide down front panel that reveals a 7-inch, color TFT touchscreen.
Control everything from the brilliant LCD, with complete on-screen controls of DVD and other media.
Your video will look great thanks to the 1440 x 324 pixel resolution.
DVDs and More Enjoy playback of your favorite DVDs, CDs, and VCDs in the slot-loading DVD player.
Or play back MP3 audio or MPEG4 video from disc, USB, or SD Card.
Dial in your sound with the standard treble, bass, balance and fade controls.
AM/FM Radio Listen to your favorite radio programming with the AM/FM Radio with PLL Synthesizer Tuner.
Instantly access your favorite stations with 18 FM and 12 AM presets.
Connectivity Use the A/V Input to connect external audio and video devices, and use the SD/MMC card slot and USB port to play back your MP3 or MPEG4 files if you don't feel like burning a disc.
Room to Grow The PLDN70U packs 320 Watts (4 x 80 Watts), but if you want more you can expand your system thanks to an RCA preamp output and subwoofer output.
An A/V Output lets you connect an external monitor for the folks in back, and you can also add a rear view camera for safety and convenience.
Wireless Remote Included Control the action with a handy remote.
What's in the Box Pyle PLDN70U Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod Interface Review

Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod Interface
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I bought this hookup (and a Kenwood receiver for it) because I wanted to control my iPod direct from my dash, and get direct-connect sound quality. I have a nearly full 60 gig iPod photo I was using with an iTrip, and taking my eyes of the road to mess with the scroll wheel seemed like an accident waiting to happen.
I bought it at Best Buy who installed it free, so I can't speak to ease of installation. It's a small box that hangs out behind the dash, and they ran the connecting cord up and out next to my hand brake. It took the BB professional about 2 hours to install it.
The Good: Sound quality rules. There's no comparison between this and the iTrip I was using.
I love that it charges your iPod too, happiness is a charged battery icon on your iPod (or 5 bars of cell phone reception).
The Bad: The interface is really clunky. You use the [SCAN} button on the head unit to change between sorting by Playlist, Artist, Album, and Genre (a Podcasts option would've been nice in my opinion). Then, you use the Disc up/down buttons like you're flipping around in a cd changer to get to your selection. The problem, at least on my head unit, is you can only move ONE artist AT A TIME. That's *up one artist*, loads, starts playing, *up one artist* etc., one by one. In my case I have a few hundred artists, so that won't work. I suppose it's be more bearable w/ a mini or nano, but a fully loaded 60 is basically impenetrable. It also overrides the controls on the actual iPod, so you can't use the scroll wheel.
The saving grace is that when you plug your iPod in, it resumes the track you were playing. So what I end up doing is unplugging it, picking a track/album/whatever using the click wheel, and plugging the iPod in again. That doesn't take very long - you can disconnect your iPod at any time, and when you plug back in it "loads" up quick. This works fine, but not at all what I had in mind when I bought it.
Bottom line: Great sound quality, nice to see the disc/track info on your head unit, VERY hard/slow to navigate your library. If you've got a small iPod or like to make playlists, that shouldn't be as big a problem. Otherwise, get ready to plug/unplug every time you want to change your music.


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Kenwood KCA-iP300V iPod Video Direct Cable Review

Kenwood KCA-iP300V iPod Video Direct Cable
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Rated at 3 stars because of Apple, not Kenwood.
New ipod classics and 3rd gen nano's have new video encryption that requires a "chipped" cable to work properly for video output. So where this cable is made to be all-in-one plug and play, it won't work for the newest ipods.
Not Kenwoods fault, and they might make some firmware updates on some radios to fix this. But for now it is broken and requires said firmware fix or possibly a new cable model.
Presumably fine for older ipods, but new users should be aware of the video problems.
My personal case involves a 3rd gen nano and a dnx7100 head unit. Audio is buggy (freezing w/no response - requiring a reset of the nano) and video gives instant freeze.

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Jensen jLINK-USB iPod Connecting Cable for Jensen/Phase Linear Review

Jensen jLINK-USB iPod Connecting Cable for Jensen/Phase Linear
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Although I hate to buy separate attachments, this cable is the real deal. Works great with iPhones/IPods, and my friends purposely bring their IPods just to watch movies/music in the car. I would say the only flaw is that the cable rarely cuts off everynow and then. Meaning, when I watch a movie, the movie would shut off and then come back on due to the connection between the iPod/iPhone to the console. Overall, Great product to buy and recommended to impress your peers :).

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls Review

Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls
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I originally had the F700BT for 2 weeks and though I liked it I sent it back due to the following issues.
1.I had all the same issues as described on avic411 forum but I was not sure I wanted to wait for a firmware update. These problems are mentioned in other reviews.
2.There was no quick way to reroute/detour if you seen traffic ahead
3.MSN Direct could not be added later
So I returned it and ordered this F900BT. It was backordered for a long time because Pioneer was working on fixing the multiple issues. Now I have had it installed with the firmware update for about a week and went on a 17hr road trip to test it out fully. Now I am glad to say this stereo is meeting my expectations from the previews months ago.
Sound:
Better than my factory of course with the usual Pioneer EQs such as Powerful, Super Bass etc..
Screen:
Preupdate, the screen only looked good in the shade and washed out a lot in sunlight but after the update I can see it a lot better along with greyed out icons. The splash/startup screen can be customized with a jpg by SD card or usb drive. The button lighting can also be adjusted to match your car interior. The responsiveness is ok after startup. But sometimes it can be picky.
Nav:
The Nav is nice. I'm coming from a Garmin Nuvi 200 and a Kenwood 5120. Since the 900 comes with Bluetooth you can call the POIs in the device with a touch of a button. You can create a trip/route with stops/waypoints in it and manage them. You can preplan restroom and food breaks or site-see. There is a screen for progress and itinerary info. This screen can show you your progress along the trip whether its miles left or hours left or you can view the trip as turn by turn. Your map screen can show you a lot of info such as speed limit, your speed, next turn and second turn, time to destination/turn and estimated arrival. The only annoying them after the update is the green turn boxes stay on screen even if you have no route in. Another minor thing is the voice prompts happen to frequently, you'll notice this when entering/exiting a hwy or approaching a turn. There is also a button on the corner that shows what your currently listening to, that you can press and be sent to that screen. For instance, if its ipod, the current song will show on bottom along with album art. If you press the button it will take you to the main ipod screen with all the info. There are also tons of POIs in the unit, you can find them by: along route, near cursur, near destination, by current position. There is also a shortcut to POIs if you're just cruising around. Press the info button on right side of map, this will show you a zoomed out image of where you are. From here you can save your location or press "info" and it'll tell you all the POIs near you. You can also turn on speed warnings where it'll warn you when you're speeding. In the future Pioneer will introduce a POI creator. I'm not sure if this will enable proximity alerts such as Garmin's red light/speed cam warnings.
HD radio (add-on):
First, Pioneer does not tell you this but you need an antenna splitter or additional antenna for HD Radio Tuner to work. I got one off Ebay for $6 shipped. The antenna goes to HD and stereo, stereo needs it for MSN to work but if you're not using MSN then its fine. Pioneer told me this was aimed at the F700 since it doesn't have MSN, but anyway. Ok, I'm in Raleigh and we have about 12 HD channels and they sound GOOD. It was like night and day when I put my antenna back into stereo while waiting for the splitter. Plus with the $50 HD rebate this was a cheap upgrade. HD integrates into interface and takes control of FM/AM if no splitter is present. When you select the HD source you'll get 3 sets of FM presets and 1 set of AM presets. If you have a splitter this number is doubled because the FM source has its own 3 sets. Things work as expected but I have had two issues. One, when you press the next preset button (P. Ch > ) it tends to skip. For instance I'll be on P6 and it'll skip to P4 instead of P1. Two, preset info doesn't show up on the Preset list. You just have to remember whats there. In FM mode the presets are listed as 88.9, 97.5, 99.1 and so on but in HD mode its just blank. While in HD you can do HD Seek where it will find the next HD channel instead of static from standard FM. Yes you can still listen to standard FM while in HD source. At car startup music will begin in about 5 secs.
iPod:
iPod interface is great. I wouldn't say the manual searching is quick though but it has a huge shortcut, voice control. Just like Ford Sync, you can press a button and say "play artist..." and it will play that artist/album. You can tell it to show you artists, playlists and albums. It is really cool and is spot on. I was surprised by it getting Gnarls Barkley. Before the update the stereo had to catalogue the ipod at startup each time which was a pain but now you only need to do it once. Album art also shows up on the map as well. Videos look well also but I don't think videos work when you have a nav route on (dvds do though)(assuming you have the bypass connected, be safe and watch the road). Full startup time on mine is about 1:45 when ipod is left as default (left on when car turned off), but music begins after about 30 secs.
DVD:
DVDs look good to me not much to say here. You have a set of controls come up when the movie is playing such as pause and next, but you can also skip chapters by pressing the knob. On the main menu screen you get arrow controls and a enter button. When I put in my first dvd the unit became unresponsive to the controls and wouldn't eject but a reboot fixed that and it worked fine afterwards. If you're in route the voice prompts will mute the audio. You can either pause the movie or press `map' to see whats coming up and then return to movie. I only did this for my passengers so they wont annoy me.
MSN:
Depending on your area the info can be great. In Raleigh you get a lot of info but in Durham the signal is weak. Info comes through the FM antenna hence the need for a splitter for HD. If in a strong area, info comes in about 2 min. Traffic info will overlay on your map and if in route you will be guided around it. You can route to movie theatres or gas stations as well. Movie showtimes show up for the entire day and Gas prices may or may not be current but it tells you like this, $3.79 (+2 days) or $1.48 (today) wishful thinking I know.
Bluetooth:
Ok lets get the obvious out of the way, Blackberries are hit and miss with this. But I have a Samsung A900 and its works ok. Sounds good on my end and haven't had complaints on callers end. My friends Treo 755 works really well. You can transfer your phonebook, store 5 phones, call contacts by name (Call Mike) or number (call 919-771-7771). It says you can receive/view incoming txts as well but I have not got any while in car to test this. Others report it works though.
Overall I have to same I am very very satisfied with the unit. Glad I waited for it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls

You've been holding out for something that links all of your devices together into one seamless experience. You love the idea of a system that can be operated by the sound of your voice. It's time to stop wishing for the next great thing because it's here. This is your life made easier. Introducing the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with DVD Playback and Built-In Bluetooth.


A New Class of Navigation No more hassling with map discs. Now you don't have to worry about discs being misplaced, damaged, lost, or stolen because we've done away with them for the F-Series navigation line. We've taken the entire TeleAtlas Database that was previously on the two-DVD set, compressed it down, and stored it internally on flash memory.

Freedom of Speech The AVIC-F900BT offers a new generation of voice recognition capability for controlling iPod playback and making calls hands-free via connected Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The technology accepts and recognizes conversational phrases and language, filters out superfluous sounds and phrases, and if the user doesn't give enough information in the command, the unit will ask additional questions to clarify the request.

Subscribe to a Better Solution The AVIC-F900BT comes equipped with a built-in MSN Direct tuner. At a glance, see updated road conditions, search for movie times, find the best gas deals in your area, and get directions - all without leaving the car! See current conditions and the three-day forecast to better plan your day. The service is available through MSN Direct data subscription service.

Bluetooth Technology: In Touch, Hands-Free The AVIC-F900BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. Now you never need to miss a call, even if your tunes are cranked up or your phone is buried in your bag.

Simplified Menus and 3D Landmarks Simplified menus and intuitive icons shorten the learning curve, allowing you to quickly and efficiently start using the system. Quickly enter destinations, browse music libraries, or adjust settings. Enhances your map with 3D Landmarks. Our advanced iPod integration allows exclusive features like iPod album art overlaid on the navigation display.

Mobile Media Pioneer has created a line of Navigation systems that make it easy to play various digital and audio formats like: DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, Portable Media Players like iPod, USB memory devices, and SD Cards. We can play a wide range of files types as well, such as MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and MPEG-4 video files.

Make It Personal Personalize your drive. AVIC FEEDS freeware contains POI Creator, Driving Report, and Picture Editor Applications. You never know where the road will take you, but our POI Creator can help you get started on the right path.

Blending In Like its predecessor, the AVIC-D3, the new AVIC-F900BT allows you to change the illumination color to match your car. Select from among 32,768 different colors to match car interior and dashboard lighting.

Seeing Is Believing The old WQVGA displays that most Navigation units use are 480x234 pixels. However, our WVGA display is much higher quality at 800 x 480 pixels. Images become sharper and more defined, just like our maps and menus on these units. The display's enhanced GUI (Graphic User Interface) has also advanced, making system control and management effortless.

iPod Control Made Simple With the new CD-IU230V cable, you can directly control your music and videos from your iPod. Fast and easy control through USB, the AVIC-F900BT also features iPod Album Art display, Alphabetical Speed Search, and much more. Click Here to see iPod compatibility chart.

Adding Another Set of Eyes For safer parking, try using the ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA backup cameras. The system automatically displays images shot from a connected camera as the vehicle shifts into reverse.

What's in the Box Pioneer AVIC-F900BT, wiring harness, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet.


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