Within the last couple of years, companies like Panasonic and Pioneer have focused their attention on multi-media in-dash receivers with built-in navigation. It seemed for awhile that these two brands dominated the market for double-DIN receivers, but now other companies such as Eclipse and Kenwood have entered the competition. Consumers are now given the opportunity to choose from a plethora of selection of multimedia head units, leaving them dazed and confused on how to best spend their dollars.
We will take a look at Kenwood's champion in the market, the DNX7100, since it features virtually everything there is out there. I can't tell you if this unit is better than another since everyone differs on their opinion of what's better or worse. I could tell you, however, of this product's strengths and weaknesses. This will hopefully help you decide for yourself what you would like in a multimedia GPS in-dash unit.
Touchscreen Double Din
Kenwood DNX7100
First point to make is that the unit is a bit more expensive than the average similar-functional units. It costs anywhere between 9.99 to ,399.99 depending on which store you buy it from.
The greatest feature of the DNX7100 is the enormously large screen, fitting the entire Double-DIN installation size. It has a bright 7" touchscreen which makes navigating truly helpful rather than painfully annoying. You could easily see the touch-screen buttons at night, allowing you to safely drive and navigate at the same time.
I think another wonderful feature is the pre-installed navigation information that the unit uses. You don't have to use a navigational DVD since all the GPS information is accessed from the built-in hard drive. As a result, you will enjoy the quick response and quick refresh rate of the navigational feature. The built-in hard disk allows you to also listen to your CDs without switching in and out the navigation DVD while driving, another driver-minded design Kenwood featured on this unit.
The unit could also play almost every single media format. DVD, of course, and also DivX, MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG1/2, and even JPEG. The ability to run all these files is definitely a plus. However, Kenwood have never gotten over their user-non-friendly menus. Switching from different audio and video sources while driving could be hazardous since it does require a lot of the driver's attention to see the touchscreen menu buttons.
Where the GPS is designed with the driver in mind, the media features appear to be designed with the passenger in mind. The menu is cluttered with a ton of different buttons, making it difficult to navigate through each source's features. But for some people, this may not be a problem after practicing a few times and getting the hang of it.
Another feature of the Kenwood DNX7100 include its ability to receive a back-up camera. This is definitely nice to have if you have a large, rear-view impairing vehicle.
This Double DIN all-in-one receiver is also Bluetooth Ready (KCA-BT100), Sirius Ready (SIR-KEN1), HD Radio Ready (KTC-HR100TR), TV Tuner Ready (KTC-V300N), and iPod Audio/Video Ready (KCA-iP300V). Remember also that the screen is configured as widescreen in its native aspect ratio, so watching movies on this unit won't seem to have the stretched-picture picture.
In conclusion, the Kenwood's GPS Navigation feature is probably the best in its class because it's fast and easily accessible. It also plays a wide variety of different media, which is becoming standard today; but the accessibility of those media sources may prove itself to be difficult for some amateur users. The menu is only a minor setback for the unit. Remember that it has a large 7" screen with great resolution, color, and brightness. I'll just say that if you can get it at a good price, get it. This is one of the best all-in-one navigation head unit in the market.
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Pyle PLTS77DU 7-Inch Single-DIN In-Dash Motorized TFT/LCD Touchscreen Monitor Receiver with DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/USB/SD/AM-FM/RDS Feature
- 7'' 16:9 Wide Screen TFT/LCD Display - Picture Control: Brightness/ Contrast/Chroma/Hue - AM/FM-MPX Stereo Radio - Support DVD/VCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 - Front panel AUX Input (Ipod/MP3)
- Motorized Drop Full Detachable Front Panel - Resolution: 1440x234 Pixels/ Brightness : 400nits - Switchable USA/Europe Radio Frequency - Parking Video Output - Subwoofer Output
- Touch Screen (Graphic Screen Allows Easy Control of Operations By Touch) - Electronic Screen Angle/ Position Memory - Clock Function - DSP Equalizer Control/Rock/Classic/Pop - Full Function Wireless Remote
- NTSC PAL Compatible - USB/SD-MMC Reader MP4/JPEG/MP3/WMA Playback - ESP Function Anti-Vibration/Shock Protection - 30 Preset Stations Memory (18FM/12AM) - 320 Watts Total Output (4 x 80 Watts)
- Treble /Bass/Balance/Fader/Encoder/Volume Control - Repeat/Program/Random/Intro Play - Auto Memory Store/Preset/Scan - 4 Channel RCA Preamp Output - UNIT Dimensions: 7.09''W x 7.01''H x 1.97''D
Pyle PLTS77DU 7-Inch Single-DIN In-Dash Motorized TFT/LCD Touchscreen Monitor Receiver with DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/USB/SD/AM-FM/RDS Overview
This in-dash single-DIN headunit has a 7-inch, fully detachable motorized touch-screen display! It's equipped with everything you need to make your vehicle into a mobile entertainment system on wheels: a player that supports AM/FM, DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 CD, SD cards, USB sticks, and a front panel AUX input to conveniently plug in your MP3 player or iPod. You'll be enjoying your favorite movies, TV shows, and video clips on this crystal-clear 1440 x 234 resolution screen in no time. Easily tweak your image and sound using the brightness, contrast, chroma, hue, treble, bass, balance, and fader controls. Store your favorite stations on the 30 presets, or control the balance of your music using the built-in DSP equalizer. Anti-shock protection keeps your multimedia smooth and skip-free. With 80 watts on each of the four channels and subwoofer, this head-unit has power! Control from the backseat using the included fully functional wireless remote. Compatible with both NTSC and PAL.Pyle PLTS77DU 7-Inch Single-DIN In-Dash Motorized TFT/LCD Touchscreen Monitor Receiver with DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/USB/SD/AM-FM/RDS Specifications
If you're looking for a dependable DVD receiver, the single-DIN Pyle PLTS77DU is a great choice. With a 7-inch touchscreen, USB port, SD/MMC card slot, playback of MPEG4/MP3/WMA/JPEG files, and room to grow, it's a perfect start that won't break the bank. A full-featured 1-DIN DVD receiver that won't break the bank. Click to enlarge. |
 Detachable front panel. |
 Full-featured remote included. |
7-Inch Touchscreen
The PLTS77DU 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 234 pixel resolution.
DVDs and More
Enjoy playback of your favorite DVDs, CDs, and VCDs in the slot-loading DVD player.
Or play back MP3/WMA audio files, MPEG4 video, or view JPEG images from disc, USB, or SD Card.
Dial in your sound with the standard treble, bass, balance and fade controls and DSP equalizer settings.
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 PLTS77DU packs 320 Watts (4 x 80 Watts), but if you want more you can expand your system thanks to four channels of RCA preamp output and a 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 PLTS77DU Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual
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