Kenwood DNX6140 6.1-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had this unit profesionally installed in my Porsche Cayman and the custom installation is a very good fit. The navigation system is very easy to use - if you've had a garmin (that is what it is based on), you pretty much do not need to read the manual - it is very intuitive and accurate. I've driven about 2000 miles with it and I like the large bright display - it is easy to change directions and detour on the fly. It does not have voice commands, but the touch screen is easy to use.
I have also used the bluetooth with my Razr phone and have not encountered the problems stated in the earlier review. The microphone is placed near the rearview mirror and only the front speakers come on when I'm talking on the phone - the unit shuts off any music that you might have playing. I use the touchscreen to dial a number and it works well - the folks at the receiving end have no problem hearing me.
There is also an ipod adapter that is in the glove compartment - once hooked up all controls are on the touchscreen - it is easy to use and works well. If one puts in a DVD / CD that takes precedence over the ipod unless you instruct the unit otherwise. I leave the unit to power up when starting the car and it automatically shuts off when the engine is off. I haven't used the XM stations as I do not subscribe to that service but the FM stations pull in fine using the standard antenna that came with the car.
All in all this is a very good unit and I am very happy with it.

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Kenwood's DNX6140 is an all-around solution for your vehicle, providing you with movies, music, hands-free calling with onboard Bluetooth, and built-in Garmin GPS Navigation with maps of the United States and Canada. Get where you need to go and have plenty of fun getting there.

6.1-Inch Touchscreen with Variable Illumination The DNX6140 puts intuitive control right at your fingertips with its 6.1-inch QVGA TFT Active Matrix Display and powerful, easy-to-use graphical user interface. Customize the unit's front panel illumination with the new variable illumination palette of colors--match your interior tones, dash lighting, or whatever tickles your fancy. Selectable wallpapers and customizable backgrounds offer further personalization.
Built-In Navigation--Guidance by Garmin This integrated navi system guides you everywhere with ease on the DNX6140's 6.1-inch screen. All functions are intuitively controlled by touchscreen menus, and voice guidance works over the vehicle's speaker system. There is no need to swap map discs since it comes with a built-in full-memory Garmin Navigation board that features maps of Canada, continental USA, Hawaii, and Alaska. Navigation feature include:
Easy-to-use GUI (graphic user interface)
More than 6 million points of interest
Program up to 500 waypoints for long trips
Text-To-Speech (TTS) Voice Guidance (English, French, Spanish)
Selectable 2D or 3D Map Display
Track Log Display
Trip Computer

Built-In Bluetooth--Powered by Parrot The built-in Bluetooth hands-free system enables easy, safe cellular phone communications from the car. Features include (not all features work on all phones):
High-quality noise-cancelling microphone
Register up to five Bluetooth phones
Holds up to 1,000 phone numbers per registered phone
Supports Auto Phonebook Download
Supports A2DP Wireless Music Streaming
Supports voice-recognition dialing
Supports incoming/outgoing short-message service (SMS)
Bluetooth firmware upgradeable

Enjoy Your Favorite Media The DNX6140 is a media powerhouse, letting you play your favorite CDs and DVDs, along with several digital audio and video formats. The unit accepts DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, and CD-DA discs. It plays back AAC-LC, MP3, and WMA audio files; MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files; and can display JPG images. Throw your files on a disc or a USB device and enjoy them in your vehicle wherever you are.
And, of course, you still can listen to the AM/FM radio. Use Auto Memory to automatically add stations with good reception to presets, or enter them manually. The DNX6140 displays FM radio text when available as well as traffic information, and it allows you to enter station names.
Seamless Connection with iPod Video/Audio Connect an iPod using the optional KCA-iP301V cable to enable full video (for iPods with video capability) and/or audio control. You'll supply power to your iPod as well as charge it while you enjoy your music.
USB Direct Control You can enjoy your favorite music, video, or images from USB devices like flash drives or MP3 players. When connecting a USB device, playback starts automatically. When a battery-powered USB device like an MP3 player is connected to this unit, it also gets a charge, so it's ready to go with you when you exit the vehicle.
Input and Output In addition to the iPod and USB support, you can use the DNX6140's front auxiliary A/V input to connect external audio/video sources like video game systems.
The unit also features an A/V output for sending content to an additional screen in the vehicle.
For audio output, the DNX6140 has two sets of 2V RCA pre-amp outputs for system expansion (in addition to the on-board 50W x 4 amplifier).
HD and Satellite Radio Ready The DNX6140 allows you to enjoy SIRIUS (requires CA-SR20V cable + Sirius Tuner) or XM (requires KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner) radio in your vehicle. Enjoy a multitude of channels featuring music, news, talk shows, sports, and traffic information with CD quality sound.
You also can add an HD Radio tuner. When you connect an HD radio tuner, features of the unit are disabled and changed to HD Radio tuner features.
Rear Camera Input The DNX6140 is ready for a rear camera, allowing you to monitor behind your vehicle as you back up.
What's in the Box Kenwood DNX6140, sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, installation tools, installation manual, operation manual, warranty card.

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Pioneer AVIC-X910BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought the X910BT for my car, we enjoy traveling the back roads of Arizona and the southwest. Having the Nav system installed in the car makes things very easy - no hassle connecting the various devices, cables running all over, taking it down and putting it back up when making stops, and little "suction circles" on the windshield that thieves look for. Now I only have to fuss with the radar detector. Startup time on the unit is really not a problem, my Garmin would often take several minutes to startup, the AVIC is typically ready to go in about 1 minute. The bluetooth connection takes a little longer and the unit is very sluggish until the bluetooth connects. After the bluetooth is connected, the X910BT is very responsive.
It's a very easy unit to operate after you get used to it. My previous GPS was a Garmin unit, and I really got spoiled by their features. A few things I can complain about with the X910BT:
- Voice recognition on bluetooth - just doesn't seem to understand what I'm saying, either by name or number. I usually end up selecting the contact off the screen instead of telling it who to call. After the call has started, it works great, incoming sound is loud and clear. One person told me I sounded kind of muffled on their end, but they did not have any problem understanding me.
- Route planning is a bit of a pain if you're like me and like to take the back roads. When we travel, we like to stay off the interstate as much as possible. Disabling the Highway option makes for some very long trips as it will try to route you way out of the way to avoid highways. The AVICFeeds software is ok and I have used it to generate POIs for route planning, but it is tedious and not as easy to use as Garmin's MapSource. AVICFeeds also has a 300 item limit on POIs it can import, which means getting creative if your have a file with a large number of locations, such as those found on POI-Factory.com.
- The volume knob is really small and hard to grasp. I picked up a press on knob from a guy on AVIC411.com and it works great, easy to grasp and works the way it should have from the factory.
- The maps are very limited in the speed limit data they have. One a recent trip Southern California, we were being tailed by a CHP on one of the backroads. We were doing a reasonable speed, but the AVIC did not have any speed information for the road we were on. Additionally, many of the major surface streets in the Phoenix metro area also do not have any speed limit info available. It was very rare for the Garmin to not have speed limit data available.
I have the Sirius option installed, it works great and I listen to it more often than FM or my SD Card. I used the factory installed Sirius antenna lead to connect to the X910BT with no problem. I was able to transfer my new car subscription over and they even waived the $15 transfer fee. I also found a nice flat spot under the dash to put the GPS antenna where it is hidden and out of sight. I do not have any extra objects laying on my dash or on my roof as giveaways to what I have in my car. I ran the microphone up inside the front pillar, under the roof liner and used velcro strips to attach it to the rear view mirror. It's almost completely out of sight unless you know what to look for.
I really like he X910BT and would not go back to the portable Garmin GPS, though we still have it for use in our other vehicles and when we are hanging around planning a trip. It's great having the GPS built-in, many times we are out running around and decide to go someplace, we can enter whatever we want to find right in the GPS and it tells us where it's at.


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Pioneer's AVIC-X910BT is an in-dash navigation receiver with DVD Player and Bluetooth. Get fast, easy-to-use in-dash navigation, talk hands-free with built-in Bluetooth, and control your iPod or iPhone directly. Voice control allows you to play music from your iPod and make hands-free Bluetooth phone calls just using your voice.

Key reasons to upgrade from AVIC-U310BT:
DVD Video, DVD-R/RW Playback
MSN Direct built-in
3D Hybrid Sensor (Gyro & G-Force) for enhanced positioning
DivX video playback on CD/DVD


Navigation Beyond Expectation The AVIC-X series of receivers are ideal for those looking for a refined navigation experience with the latest in media and connectivity options. Out of the box, this system comes with 12 million points of interest and an extensive map database to help you find your next destination.
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. The built-in Text-to-Speech engine clearly pronounces turn-by-turn direction and street names to ensure smooth travels. The AVIC-X710BT also offers high-resolution 2D and 3D maps with renderings of nearby landmarks and terrain to help navigate the world around you.
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-X 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 5.8-inch display for your videos. Album art is also beautifully displayed.
With the optional cable (CD-IU230V) 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. The AVIC-X710BT 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-X910BT, 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."

Get Connected with MSN Direct Access up-to-date information with the built-in MSN Direct tuner on your AVIC-X910BT. 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 purchase the AVIC-X910BT.

The Freedom of Speech Your iPod audio functions and hands-free Bluetooth dialing 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-X910BT offers audio and video playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're watching DivX files on DVD, MP3 audio on SD card or iTunes AAC files on CD, there are dozens of playback options for your favorite media.
From Disc Play back DVDs and DVD-R/RWs, CDs and CD-R/RWs, and burn discs with all your digital media, since the AVIC-U310BT also plays back MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV and DivX files from CD or DVD.
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-X710BT features a robust navigation platform, doesn't mean it holds back on sound quality. With 3 sets of RCA pre-outs, MOSFET50 power and a 3-band parametric equalizer, you can build a massive system with massive sound.

Expanded Listening The AVIC-X710BT 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-X710BT Main Unit, Power Cord, Extension Lead, RCA Connector, GPS Antenna, Microphone, User's Manual, Installation Manual

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Alpine INA-W900 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would rate this unit an 8.8/10. I own a 2009 Honda Accord Ex-L w/o Nav because Honda charges a ridiculously high price for their navigation package and I knew I could do better for cheaper with aftermarket. This unit does an ok job with its navigation, but not as good as other units. The alpine has about 6 million points of interest compared to 12 million of other units so if you are searching for a location without its address, it could pose potential problems. As far as map updates, I doubt it. I have heard from Alpine owners of past and they still haven't released a map update for previous models. A feature I would have liked to seen is the ability to send an address to your headunit from googlemaps which would have negated the need for map updates in my opinion. The turn by turn navigation is nice, the voice is not annoying and it has an adjustable setting that controls how loud the voice comes in over your music. Another feature I like is being able to see your next turn even if you are on the audio screen.
Where this unit shines, in my opinion, is its ipod integration.
**Disclaimer: Be forewarned if you have an ipod touch you will have issues with it because it is not completely compatible with the ipod touches. There will be occasional disconnects and the only solution is to unplug and then plug back in your ipod, even on the latest firmware, 3.1 as of this message. I have confirmed this with Alpine support (which is sub par at best). This would have been a deal breaker for me, but luckily I have a classic also that works very well with it even though there are some minor quirks though (not a dealbreaker in my book), but that could be because of the ipod, it is rather old and has been run over.**
The way you access your ipod is pretty much mimicked through the Alpine. You have access to everything you would normally have when using your ipod (music, movies, podcasts, playlists...). The sound quality using the ipod to the headunit is nice!!! I am no audiophile but music sounds great from this headunit with the settings I currently have. I have heard from others that the IMPRINT module makes it sound even better if you don't know how to properly configure your settings by yourself (which I know I don't). Album artwork shows up nicely in the corner if you have artwork for the song or if you prefer, your next turn if using navigation. One thing I would have liked to have seen with the ipod integration is a search function so you don't have to scroll through all of your music. I have 4,000+ songs and even though you can scroll by alphabet, it would make things a lot faster in some cases if I could just use a search function that narrowed down all the available listings every time you clicked another letter to the song/artist/album name like you would do with your ipod. Speaking of the alphabet search function, it can be a little hairy at times. You would think that since one of the selling points of this head unit is its ipod integration, it would sort songs like iTunes does seeing as how iTunes is the only way to put songs on your ipod. For example, lets say I have the following list of songs:
Almost Easy
American Idiot
...And Justice for All
Arterial Black
Baba O'Riley
If I am currently on a screen that shows these 5 songs and I hit the Alphabet > button you would think it would put the 'B' listings at the top, but it doesnt. It sees the ... and puts that at the top of the screen since it is different from 'A'. So now we have ...And Justice for All at the top of the screen and if I were to hit the Alphabet > button again, Arterial Black would show at the top because 'A' is different from .... iTunes ignores these just like it does the word 'The' in song titles when sorting by alphabet but this headunit does not. Minor quirk, I know.
Video looks great on the 7 inch screen and the sound quality is great as well when using a DVD. If you use a converter to change a video to ipod format (instead of DVD format) from say .flv (YouTube's format) or .avi there is some sound/video quality loss but it is still convenient to be able to store all of your movies on your ipod and have them accessible at any time.
I also bought an Alpine backup camera to go along with the headunit and it is a dream to have. I am very surprised it came with toggable cones to help you measure distance. Along the same lines, this headunit is an awesome all in one system. There are connections for another AUX input so if you wanted to put in say a front camera or PS2, this system is accomodating. Be prepared to pony out the money for extras though (backup camera, Imprint, HD radio, SIRIUS, Bluetooth). These are all seperate modules that you must pay for. I was a little disheartened to see you had to pay out extra for Imprint and Bluetooth. Maybe not so much the Imprint, but definately the Bluetooth I felt should have been included.
The touchscreen user interface is responsive and user friendly, not to mention eye candy. Be prepared to hear people say "I want that" for any passengers you might have. Menus are easy to navigate and provide adequate system options. I cannot speak on audio options such as HPF or LPF, for people with aftermarket audio systems, as I don't have one and I have never dealt with options like that before.
All in all, this unit is a definate + in my book. I am very happy with my purchase and am glad I didn't buy a different head unit, I would just like to see some map updates and I will be a very happy man.
Summary:
+++Definate headturner
++Audio Sound Quality
+Touchscreen interface
+Ipod Integration...
-Assuming you don't have a iTouch
+Built to be an all in one device...
-If you shell out extra money for the modules
+- Navigation package has its moments. Map updates hold this unit back from being competitive with other units.
--Alpine Support


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The INA-W900 All-in-one Navigation/DVD/Receiver is equipped with a 7 WVGA, 1.15 million pixel touch-control screen. Alpines exclusive GuideView Window gives you a picture-in-picture nav window while the unit is in audio display/mode. Alpine's OnPoint Advanced GPS Positioning ensures accurate positioning on the map in areas where it's difficult to receive GPS reception. The INA-W900 uses the latest Burr-Brown 24 Bit DAC for ultimate sound quality with all your digital media sources. With "Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" designations, the INA-W900 gives you fast access to all your iPod music and movies. 50W x 4, 3 - 2 volt RCA outputs, 1 A/V input, Rear Camera input, HD/Sat/Bluetooth ready.

GuideView Window for picture-in-picture navi. directions
"Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" iPod/iPhone Control
7 WVGA, 1.15 Million Pixel Touch-Control Screen
6 million Points of Interest (POIs)
HD/Sat/Bluetooth Ready
6 Second Boot-Up Time

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Kenwood Excelon DNX9140 In-Dash Double-Din DVD Multimedia AV Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)What do you want to know? Is it a good product that does what it supposed to do? Yes! You have to buy a hook up to connect your ipod to it so you can play the videos on your ipod. You have to buy the rear cam also to hook up to it. It is a great product. I love watching my ipod videos on it. I love the quality of the screen. It works fast enough for me and I show it in my video. You can hook up a 5 channel amp for the front and one to your subs too. You can have your xm, ipod, xbox 360, radio, nav, tel, tunner all hooked up and ready to play! Can also use the video out to go to another source. I have a Honda Del Sol so not much use of another source for me. ha. Some of the concerns I had when reading the reviews I go over in my video. I hope it helps!; I had to edit the video a little. I took out the middle, but the key points are still there.

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The Kenwood Excelon DNX9140 navigation receiver gives you turn-by-turn directions from its internal Garmin navigation system, plus built-in Bluetooth for safer hands-free calling. The DNX9140's VGA screen boasts a level of detail and brightness that's steps ahead of lesser models, for vibrant movie playback when you're parked, and outstanding detail and clarity when you're using the intuitive menus and navigation features.

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