Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
USB/iPod Connectivity
AV Connections
Bluetooth/Remote Control

Display Features

2-DIN Chassis: The Clarion VX400 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as "Double DIN" or size DD), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. The unit can be ISO-mounted using your vehicle's factory radio brackets and the supplied hardware. There is also an optional custom double-DIN sleeve (0202DBKT, sold separately) available for this unit that will allow you to mount the VX400 in a custom 4" opening.

6.5" Touch Panel TFT Display: The Clarion VX400 has an integrated 6.5" TFT wide screen display with touch panel controls. The display provides a high-resolution video monitor for watching your DVD videos. The screen has a resolution of 1200 x 234 and 280,800 total pixels. The display features brightness and shape (4:3 or 16:9) adjustment. The unit's touch panel features interactive controls making menu navigation easy.

Touch Panel Controlled GUI: The GUI (Graphical User Interface) shows large icons that are highly visible and easily recognizable at a glance. And thanks to the touch panel screen, accessing each function is as intuitive as touching its icon. This very straightforward system lets the driver keep his attention on the road, and enables front seat passengers to use any desired function without the need to "learn" anything. What's more, since the vast majority of functions are controllable from the touch panel, there are only 3 physical buttons on the unit for the most basic and commonly-used functions.

Parking Brake Detection: To prevent displaying video while the vehicle is in motion, the bright green wire in the supplied harness must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. While the vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the other displays and menus.

Anti-Theft Code: You may program the unit with a 4 digit security code. Once the unit has been programmed with a security code, the code must be entered to use the unit after it has been disconnected from power.

Audio Section

24-bit D/A Converter: The unit's 24-bit D/A converter re-quantizes the 16-bit audio signals from CDs and DVDs as 24-bit data while maintaining the low distortion and linearity of a 1-bit D/A converter. This allows an expanded dynamic range and clearer reproduction of subtle nuances, for a richer sound when viewing DVDs or listening to CDs.

CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the VX400 are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the VX400 are as follows:

• CEA2006 Specs: 18 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
• Maximum Power Output: 40 watts x 4 channels (160 watts total)

Audio Settings: The Clarion NX500 offers the following audio adjustments.

• Preset EQ: Jazz, Pop, Classical, Rock, Urban, Rave, Movie, Techno, News, User, Flat.
• Bass and Treble: Independent and variable bass (60, 80, 100, or 200Hz) and treble (10, 12.5, 15, or 17.5kHz) control (+/- 7 dB); you can also adjust the Bass Q-Factor to 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, or 2.0.
• Loudness: Compensates for low and high tones during low volume.

6-Channel Preamp Output: With 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system. Also, independent volume control is enabled for the subwoofer so you can adjust the level of bass output to your liking at any time, regardless of the output level of the other channels. The multimedia headunit is equipped with stereo front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs for connecting the unit to an external amplifier. The subwoofer preamp output's level can be adjusted independently from -9 to +9 dB. The VX400 also features a low pass filter for the subwoofer preamp output. You can select between 80Hz, 120Hz or 160Hz.

Beep: The in-dash headunit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

AM/FM Tuner: The Clarion VX400 is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner. The VX400 offers Seek, Scan, Manual, and Preset tuning.

Preset Tuning: The VX400's built-in AM/FM tuner features 3 FM bands and 1 AM band. You can store up to 12 presets in each bands, allowing you to store 36 FM and 12 AM preset stations. You can manually store your favorite presets or have the VX400 automatically store the strongest stations for you.

Preset Scan: The Preset Scan receives the stations stored in the units' preset memory in order. The unit scans each station for 10 seconds sequentially. This function is useful when searching for the desired station in memory.

Local Seeking: When Local seeking is turned "On", only those radio stations with strong radio signal can be received.

HD Radio Ready: Connecting the optional Clarion THD400 HD Radio tuner (020THD400, sold separately) lets you enjoy listening to digitally broadcast radio programs with superior sound quality and text information (such as artist name and song titles or traffic news; viewable on the headunit's display). The add-on HD Radio tuner includes iTunes Tagging capability, so if you hear a song on the radio that you like, you can tag it to download later from the iTunes Store.

Sirius Direct: You can connect the Clarion VX400 to the SiriusConnect SC-C1 Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver (607SCC1, sold separately) without any need for a interface box and enjoy over 130 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with digital quality sound throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Disc Playback

Disc Slot: The Clarion VX400 has a front-loading disc-slot to make loading your disc easier because there is no panel to slide or fold-down.

Electronic Skip Protection: The Clarion VX400 provides electronic skip protection for your CD-Audio discs (10-seconds), as well as your discs containing MP3 (45-seconds) and WMA (90-seconds) audio files.

Disc Compatibility: The VX400 can play back the following types of discs:

• CD: CD-Audio, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW
• DVD: DVD-Video, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW

MP3/WMA Playback: This unit can play MP3/WMA (32-320 kbps) files recorded on CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW discs in Joliet, Romeo, or ISO 9660 Level 1 or 2 format. The player can recognize up to 8 hierarchical levels, 255 folders, and 255 files per folder (512 total files). The headunit also supports ID3 Tag information (Ver. 1.0, 1.1, 2.3, 2.4) which will display the title, artist, and album information when recorded on the disc.

Playback Operations: The Clarion VX400 offers the following DVD and CD playback operations -

• Track List: This function allows you to select audio tracks from a displayed list of tracks.
• Direct Search : You can locate the beginning of a movie scene using the time, chapter numbers, or title numbers recorded on a DVD video disc. You can also select a specific track on a music disc.
• Skip Search: Chapters or Tracks are skipped down or up from the current location, as many times as the key is pressed, and then playback starts.
• Fast Forward/Rewind : The VX400 offers a variable fast forward and rewind function. You can select between 2x, 4x, 8x, or 16x.
• Scan: The first 10 seconds of each music track on the disc is played.
• Repeat: This operation plays back chapters, titles, or tracks recorded on a disc repeatedly. You can also select A-B repeat in order to repeat a desired passage of video on DVD disc.
• Shuffle: This function allows you to randomly playback audio tracks or files recorded on a disc.

Switching Angles: On DVD disc in which video images have been recorded in two or more angle, you can switch among the angles during playback.

Parental Lock: Like home DVD players, you can set password protected viewing restrictions. This function allows cutting scenes that are inappropriate for children, or replacing them automatically with other scenes prepared in advance. There are 8 levels of parental lock that are protected by a custom user 4-digit password.

Mounting: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.

USB/iPod Connectivity

USB Port: The headunit features a rear panel USB port (attached to a 7" pigtail) that allows you to connect and play USB Mass Storage devices loaded with MP3 and WMA audio files. This unit supports USB 2.0/1.1 Full-Speed and FAT12/16/32 file systems. The multimedia headunit will support MP3 files with a bit rate of 32-320 kbps and WMA files with a bit rate of 32-192 kbps. The VX400 can recognize up to 512 folders with a maximum of 255 files in each folders. The VX400 offers the following playback operation of your USB Mass Storage device - Play, Pause, Track selection, Fast-forward/backward, Scan play, Repeat play, Random play and Folder selection.

iPod/iPhone Connectivity: The optional Clarion CCA-748 iPod/iPhone connector cable (020CCA748, sold separately) allows the VX400 to connect to your iPod via the headunit's rear-panel USB port and A/V input. Using the optional iPod/iPhone connector cable, the VX400 supports audio/video playback, control, information display, and charging of select iPods and iPhones. If you only need audio playback, you can simply use the USB/Dock cable supplied with your iPod.

• USB Connection: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the headunit and sound quality to be maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to 87dB.
• Audio/Video Playback: The Clarion multimedia headunit supports both audio/video playback from compatible iPod or iPhone. Using your iPod or iPhone's USB/Dock cable you can enjoy audio playback of music stored on your iPod or iPhone. Using the optional Clarion iPod/iPhone connector cable (sold separately), you can also enjoy video playback of movies, TV shows, and music videos stored on your iPod or iPhone. Video can only be displayed while the vehicle is in park (the unit will display "Audio Only" when your vehicle is in motion).
• Media Navigation: You can control your iPod/iPhone from the multimedia headunit. You can browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Playlist, or Composer. You can browse your iPod/iPhone's video content by Movie, Music Video, TV Show, Video Podcast, or Rented Movie. You can also select random and repeat functions for a certain song or specific folder. Your iPod/iPhone's controls will be locked while connected. 
• Music Information: The multimedia headunit will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song Title, Artist Name, and Album Title.
• Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the multimedia headunit's USB connection will power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Clarion VX400 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected to the optional Clarion iPod/iPhone connector cable (as of Dec. 2010):

AV Connections

Front and Rear AV Inputs: The Clarion VX400 is equipped with AV input terminals on the front and rear of the unit to enable enjoyment of content from an external connected source. The rear composite video/stereo RCA inputs are ideal for permanent installations, while the front AV minijack (3.5mm) input will come in handy for quick connection of a portable audio/visual source.

Video Output: The VX400 is equipped with a single composite video output for connecting a rear monitor.

Camera Input: The Camera Input consists of a Composite video RCA jack for connecting an optional rear-view back-up camera. This RCA input enables you to connect a rear-view camera to display the area behind your vehicle. The increased view encourages and facilitates safer driving. When an optional rearview camera is connected to this unit, the rear view image is displayed on the screen when your vehicle is placed in reverse gear (purple/white wire of harness must be connected to reverse light wire of vehicle).

Navigation Ready: The optional Clarion NP400 hide-away navigation system (020NP400, sold separately) can be connected to the VX400 directly and controlled through its touch panel, allowing to upgrade this multimedia station to a car navigation system at any time. The NP400 add-on navigation system offers voice & visual guidance messages, along with high-resolution map displays to assist you safely to your destination.

Bluetooth/Remote Control

Built-In Bluetooth: The VX400 features built-in Bluetooth Technology. Bluetooth wireless technology enables voice and data to be sent via a short-distant digital radio link (2.4GHz) up to approximately 33 feet. With Bluetooth built-in, you can wirelessly connect your Bluetooth capable mobile phone to listen to calls through your car's audio system. HFP/OPP/A2DP/AVRCP protocols are supported. You can pair up to 5 Bluetooth enabled devices (only one can be used at a time).

• HFP/OPP: The VX400 supports wireless hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The VX400 allows you to carry on a phone conversation from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone using the headunit's built-in microphone and your car audio speakers (the headunit also features a microphone input for connecting an external microphone: RCB-199, sold separately). The VX400 utilizes a Noise Canceller feature to reduce noise generated during hands-free conversation. The multimedia VX400 allows you to answer the call manually from the headunit's controls or automatically. You can make a call from the VX400 using the unit's on-screen ten-key pad, your transferred Phone Book, or a call history data log of dialed and received calls. The unit also feature a redial function.
• A2DP/AVRCP: The VX400 supports wireless music streaming for transferring stereo music audio data that is processed as a steady and continuous audible stream from your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player to the Clarion headunit and your car's audio system. You can listen to and control music stored on your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player. The VX400 lets you control the following playback functions from your Bluetooth compatible phone or audio player - Play, Pause, Stop, Track Search, Fast Forward and Rewind.

Wireless Remote Control: In addition to the unit's touch-panel and hard-key controls the VX400 comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control for full function of the multimedia player. The remote control operates off of a single CR2025 Lithium-cell 3V battery (included).

OEM Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The unit also features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-JACK Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIJACK, sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (120ASWC, sold separately).