I am shopping for a DVD/Nav/Stereo unit, as I know many are. I thought I would share my research with everyone. Let me know if I left out any DoubleDIN units. Please share your comments about these systems. I will try to summarize and update the root post with everyones feedback.
Pioneer AVIC-Z1
Sug Retail Price: $2400 - Seen for $1100
Approx Release Date: 2006
ScreenSize: 7"
Resolution: 1440 x 234
Pixels: 336,960 pixels
Backup Camera Option: Yes
GPS System: "Tele Atlas" database
GPS Source (DVD/HD): 30 HD (20nav/10mp3)
iPod Direct Control Option: Yes
Bluetooth Option: Yes
RMS Power: 22 RMS/Channel
HD Radio Option: No
Satellite Radio Option: XM and SIRIUS satellite radio
XM Traffic Option: XM NavTraffic, powered by NAVTEQ Traffic
Comments:
Pioneer AVIC-Z2 (2007 update to the Z1)
Sug Retail Price: $2,200.00 - Seen for $800
Approx Release Date: 2007
ScreenSize: 7"
Resolution: 1440 x 234
Pixels: 336,960 pixels
Backup Camera Option: Pioneer ND-BC2
GPS System: "Tele Atlas" database
GPS Source (DVD/HD): 30 HD (20nav/10mp3)
iPod Direct Control Option: Pioneer CD-iB100ii
Bluetooth Option: Pioneer ND-BT1
RMS Power: 22 RMS/Channel
HD Radio Option: No
Satellite Radio Option: XM Pioneer GEX-P920XM and SIRIUS Pioneer SIR-PNR2 Sirius
Comments: Users Manual
SD Card slot
TV tuner (CY-TUN153U, option)
Use coordinates to enter a destination Major Disadvantage: CN-NVD905U Does NOT support the steering wheel controls
Major Disadvantage: Panasonic Bluetooth CY-BT100U only supports inbound calls
Alpine IVA-W205
Sug Retail Price: $1000+Blackbird - Seen for W205-$680 + Blackbird - $650
Approx Release Date: 2007
ScreenSize: 6.5"
Resolution: 400 x 3 x 234
Pixels: 280,800 pixels
Backup Camera Option: Yes
GPS System: "Tele Atlas" database
GPS Source (DVD/HD): 30 HD (20nav/10mp3)
iPod Direct Control Option: KCA-620M USB Adapter for MP3
Bluetooth Option: KCE-300BT Bluetooth Interface Module
RMS Power: 18 RMS/Channel
HD Radio Option: TUA-T500HD HD Radio Tuner Module
Satellite Radio Option: KCA-SC100 Sirius Satellite Radio Plug and Play Interface
XM Traffic Option:SIR-ALP10T SiriusConnect™ Alpine Satellite Radio Plus Traffic Tuner
Comments:
Blackbird portable and in-dash navigation device
NO IMAGE YET Valor's Nav-650
Sug Retail Price: $999 (Costco)
Approx Release Date: ??
ScreenSize: 6.5
Resolution: ??
Pixels: 336,950
Backup Camera Option: Rear Vision Camera Input
GPS System: NAVTEQ
GPS Source (DVD/HD): DVD
iPod Direct Control Option: Built-in iPod Interface
Your best bet that's out on the market right now IMO would be the D3. It has perfect iPod integration and has great navigation. People complain that you have to take the navi dvd out to play dvds but seriously, how often do you want to watch movies on a 6.1" screen? You can just play movies off a video iPod anyway. Good luck.
I don't own a iPod, so that feature isn't really important to me, but I know it is very important to others. I want fast and accurate NAV, Backup Camera, and Bluetooth or HD would be nice. If any of these can allow you to enter a destination by its coordinates, I am SOLD
i am very happy with my Panasonic Strada. I have my iPod stored away in my storage compartment on the dash. very clean setup.
I have always had great luck with their products. I have a Panasonic portable CD player from 1984 that still looks and works great. I now always lean toward Panasonic equipment. It appears to have all the features I want at a good price.
I'm not sure if you can enter coordinates on the D3 for a location but that's something that I can check and get back to you. The navigation is extremely fast and I've never had any problems with my bluetooth. There's an input for a backup camera as well. HD radio or satellite radio shouldn't be a problem either.
The motorized face of the AVIC-Z2 (and D2) should also be considered as point of comparison. The angle of the face on its first detent is perfect for the taper of the dash on the FJC and it definitely bumps up the coolness factor when each time you start your FJC the nav unit's face goes to its preset position.
I bought the Kenwood DNX7100 for a Christmas present for my wife and she loves it. I'll have to check on the destination by coordinates but I think you can. <edit...my initial investigation finds that I could only do it by editing an existing saved location. So, if you saved a nearby city to where you wanted to go to, you could label it any name you wish, then edit the coordinates, it would direct you to that precise spot. It is kind of cumbersome, but can be done> While we all love music, she is not an "audiophile" so the sounds is fine.
What we are most impressed with is the GPS functions in that it is very fast and seems to have 95% of everything we have looked for. The area we live in is a fast developing area and NAVTEC hasn't kept up with the explosion of streets. But, if you miss a turn it will literally re-route before the next intersection while driving at or near the speed limit.
Some of the "interface" functions could be better but its quirks are easy to get down and once used to it, they are easy to navigate.
We are so pleased with it that I ordered one for my FJ from FJCruiseraudio who had 5 of them for $799, the cheapest I was able to find before that was at Abe's of Maine for $903...
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Sun Fusion 4X4 AT ATRAC Hack'd
Demello sliders
Demello front bumper w/Warn M8000
Demello rear bumper
OME 886/140 Front, 895/N71e rear
All-Pro rear links w/bracket skids
Inchworm Lefty
ARB front air locker
Nitro 4.88 gears
Bud Built skids front to back
Super Swamper SSR 35 X 10.5
Safari Snorkel
ARB Full Rack w/wind deflector
Train Hard, Rest Harder
TLCA # 17784
I've been looking for the past two years for the right unit. I think I finally found it! When the Pioneer Avic series is compatible with XM WX weather, that's when I'll pull the trigger. From what they are saying, that could be this summer!
08 4X4 SANDSTORM
URAT PACKAGE
OEM BRUSH GUARD
PIAA FOG LIGHTS
OEM ROOF RACK WITH FRONT CROSS BAR
PREDATOR STEP BARS
GOBI RACK LADDER
TWO 5 GAL. NATO JERRY CANS
I bought the Kenwood DNX7100 for a Christmas present for my wife and she loves it. I'll have to check on the destination by coordinates but I think you can. <edit...my initial investigation finds that I could only do it by editing an existing saved location. So, if you saved a nearby city to where you wanted to go to, you could label it any name you wish, then edit the coordinates, it would direct you to that precise spot. It is kind of cumbersome, but can be done>
Great suggestion for a work around!
Quote:
Dr. Quest previously said:
I've been looking for the past two years for the right unit. I think I finally found it! When the Pioneer Avic series is compatible with XM WX weather, that's when I'll pull the trigger. From what they are saying, that could be this summer!
I was just thinking that would be a cool feature. I didn't know someone was already doing it. Another feature to add to my wish list. As if my decision wasn't confusing enough . Thanks for the info.
. Thanks for the info.