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Kenwood KIV-BT901 Digital media receiver (Factory refurbished)

Item # 613KIV901B

Kenwood's KIV-BT901 digital media receiver will make you wonder why you ever had CDs in your car.

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Kenwood's KIV-BT901 digital media receiver will make you wonder why you ever had CDs in your car.

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Item # 613KIV901B

Shop all Kenwood (Refurbished) Car Stereos

About the Kenwood KIV-BT901

Designed for the digital age

Kenwood's KIV-BT901 digital media receiver will make you wonder why you ever had CDs in your car. Its cool click-wheel interface and big display are ideal for use with your iPod®, but hook up an iPhone® with the optional KCA-IP202 cable and you can hit the road with your favorite PANDORA® Internet radio stations too. You can set the full-color display to show artist, title, and station info in either 3 or 5 lines of text, and you can even use the receiver's controls to pause and skip songs, plus give "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" ratings.

Designed for the digital age

Kenwood's KIV-BT901 digital media receiver will make you wonder why you ever had CDs in your car. Its cool click-wheel interface and big display are ideal for use with your iPod®, but hook up an iPhone® with the optional KCA-IP202 cable and you can hit the road with your favorite PANDORA® Internet radio stations too. You can set the full-color display to show artist, title, and station info in either 3 or 5 lines of text, and you can even use the receiver's controls to pause and skip songs, plus give "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" ratings.

More multimedia options

When you're parked, you can show videos from your iPod, iPhone, or other USB memory devices (optional KCA-IP202 cable required) — you can also send video content to a rear screen when you're traveling. The built-in flash drive provides 512 MB of storage space for audio, video, and picture files, so you'll always have content on tap when you climb into your car. The KIV-BT901 will also charge and control your Zune player, when you plug it into the receiver's USB input.

Bluetooth® built in

Parrot designed the Bluetooth connectivity that's featured in this receiver. You'll enjoy safe, hands-free calling with your compatible phone, with cool features like automatic music muting for incoming calls, easy downloading of your phone books, and speed dialing of selected phone numbers.

Sound quality worth savoring

The KIV-BT901's amplifier puts out plenty of power, but Kenwood's sweetened the pot with a suite of sophisticated sound-shaping tools. You can dial in the tone by adjusting the highs, mids, and lows precisely with the 3-band parametric equalizer. The Digital E's filters can trim some of the lows out of your full-range speakers and adjust the low frequencies going to your sub, so your equipment plays more efficiently. Do you crave a perfect stereo sweet spot? Digital Time Alignment lets you tailor perfect stereo imaging for the driver's seat.

Want to keep your car's steering wheel audio controls?

In most vehicles, you can use an adapter (not included) to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this Kenwood stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the Kenwood, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls.

This digital media receiver will not play CDs. If you want to play CDs in your vehicle, we offer a wide selection of CD receivers.

Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver or its optional iPod adapter.

Product highlights:

    General features:
    • digital media receiver with AM/FM tuner (doesn't play CDs)
    • built-in MOSFET amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
    • 3-inch color TFT display with variable-color button illumination
    • built-in Bluetooth by Parrot for hands-free calling
    • PANDORA® Internet radio connectivity
    • internal 512MB flash drive
    • remote control
    Audio features:
    • plays audio, video, and picture files from USB memory devices
    • DSP features settings for car type, speaker size, digital time alignment, front and rear high-pass crossovers, and subwoofer low-pass crossover
    • 3-band parametric equalizer with 8 presets
    • Supreme + technology to improve high-frequency response of compressed music files
    • Highway Sound compensates for road noise
    • dual-zone audio capabilities
    Expandability:
    • iPod direct control with optional KCA-IP202 cable
    • Zune control and charging
    • compatible with Kenwood's HD Radio™ tuner
    • inputs: rear USB and A/V inputs, rear-view camera input
    • outputs: A/V output, 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)
    Other features and specs:
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required and sold separately)
    • warranty: 90 days
    • MFR # KIV-BT901

    What's in the box:

    • Refurbished digital media receiver (with 10-amp fuse inserted into the chassis)
    • Sleeve (attached)
    • Trim ring (attached)
    • Wiring harness
    • RC-405 Wireless remote (with installed CR2025 3V lithium-cell battery)
    • Microphone with integrated bracket (and attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector)
    • 6.5' Parking-brake wire (light-green)
    • 16.5' reverse gear wire (purple/white)
    • 2 Removal tools
    • 4 Panhead ISO-mount screws
    • 4 Flathead ISO-mount screws
    • Quick Start Guide (Eng/Fre/Spa)
    • Warranty Card (US/Canada)

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    More details on the Kenwood KIV-BT901

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Expandability
    AUX Input Rear
    Audio/video Input 1
    USB Input Rear
    USB Port Power ---
    Backup Camera Input Yes
    Second Camera Input No
    CarPlay No
    Android Auto No
    Siri Control No
    Alexa Voice Control
    Android Control USB MSC protocol + Bluetooth A2DP/AVRCP
    Memory Card Slot Built-in flash/USB/Zune
    Bluetooth Compatible Built-in
    Satellite Radio Ready Sirius
    HD Radio Optional
    Navigation No
    iPod Compatibility
    Full size Classic/5Gen
    Nano Nano6/Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/
    Touch Touch4/Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
    iPhone Phone4/Phone3GS/Phone3G/Phone
    General
    RMS Power (CTA-2006) N/A
    RMS Power (Manufacturer) ---
    Peak Output 50 watts
    RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
    Preamp Outputs 6-channel
    Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
    Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs No
    Video Screen Yes
    Navigation App Compatible (iOS)
    Navigation App Compatible (Android)
    Preamp Voltage 4 volts
    Screen Size 3
    Screen Type N/A
    Display Color
    Key Button Color Variable
    EQ Bands 5
    Wireless Remote Yes
    Steering Wheel Control Compatible Adapter required
    Parts Warranty 90 Days
    Labor Warranty 90 Days
    Tuner
    FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
    European Tuning No
    Seek/Scan Seek
    Radio Data System Yes
    File Playback
    Music File Playback MP3, WMA, AAC
    High-res Playback

    Product Research

    Digital Media Receiver
    Display Features
    Audio Section
    Radio Functions
    USB/Zune Playback
    iPod/iPhone Connectivity
    Built-in Bluetooth
    AV Connections
    Remote Control
    Optional Software
    Warranty Note

    Digital Media Receiver

    Overview: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 Digital Media Receiver is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner, rear-panel USB port, and rear-panel auxiliary input. The KIV-BT901 offers both iPod & Zune playback control. The KIV-BT901 is also HD and Satellite Radio ready (optional tuner required). In addition, the unit offers built-in Bluetooth communication and comes with external microphone for hands-free operation of your mobile cell-phone. The digital media receiver comes with an IR wireless remote control and offers steering wheel control compatibility (with optional adapter). The unit's amplifier is rated at 22 watts x 4 channel RMS (50 watts x 4 channel peak) and is equipped with 3 sets of 4.0-volt preamp outputs.

    Note: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 Digital Media Receiver does not feature a CD mechanism.

    Display Features

    LCD Display: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 digital media receiver features an integrated 3.0" LCD wide-screen (16:9) monitor with a resolution of 76,800 (320 x 240 x RGB) and LED backlighting. The integrated LCD monitor allows display of song information, album artwork, picture files, and video files. The LCD monitor offers adjustable brightness & contrast (+/-3), as well as adjustable Aspect Ratio (16:9 or 4:3). The KIV-BT901 provides the following display modes.

    • Artwork: Display song information, along with album artwork (only for iPod/USB/Zune/Internal Memory).
    • Video: Displays video of a video file (iPod/USB/Internal Memory)
    • Information: Displays source information (Tuner/Satellite Radio/HD Radio/CD-changer)
    • Clock: Display the time and date.

    Variable Color Illumination: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 features variable color display and button illumination. You can choose from one of 24 preset colors, have the unit scan through all 24 preset colors continuously, or customize your own color (1-24; 0-9). The display and button illumination can be set to the same color or set independently.

    Illumination Effects: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 offers two unique key-button illumination effects.

    • Illumination Operation Sync: This function sets whether the head unit's key illumination color is changed in conjunction with the key-button operation.
    • Illumination Music Sync: This function set whether the head unit's key illumination color is changed in conjunction with the system's sound & volume level.

    Multi-Language Support: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 offers English, French, and Spanish menu text.

    Text/Title Scroll: The KIV-BT901 will display Audio file and Radio text. You can turn the scrolling feature "on" to scroll longer titles across the screen.

    Wallpaper Downloading: You can use a downloaded picture from your USB connected device for the head unit's display.

    Parking Brake Detection: To prevent the displaying of video while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire attached to the chassis 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.

    Display Illumination/Clock Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination is "keyed." In addition, while the unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the clock display on or off. When the Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in Standby mode, the Clock Display is also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source button turns the unit off completely.

    Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display and button illumination automatically when the vehicle light switch is turned On when you connect orange/white Illumination wire of this player. You can also choose to dim the display manually.

    Display Off: This function turns off the display when have not performed an operation for 5 seconds. This is effective for when you are driving at night.

    Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be turned On or Off.

    Audio Section

    24 Bit D/A Converter: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality (up to 110 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio and 93 Dynamic Range).

    MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the KIV-BT901 are as follows:

    • Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
    • Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels

    6ch/4V Preamp Outputs: The KIV-BT901 features front, rear and subwoofer 4-volt preamp outputs. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs are fixed to the rear chassis of the head unit. The subwoofer preamp output features an independent level control (-15 to +15).

    Note: You can turn the KIV-BT901's built-in amplifier off to improve the quality of the sound from the head unit's preamp outputs.

    Supreme+ Setting: When MP3, WMA or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Supreme+ Setting function restores their high frequencies so the sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When the Supreme+ Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.

    DSP: In order to optimize the sound quality, you can use the head unit's integrated DSP to set the type of vehicle and speaker sizes, locations, distances and x-over points. The DSP settings include the following:

    • Cabin Setting: Choose from Compact, Full Size Car, Wagon, Mini Van, SUV, Mini Van (Long), or Off
    • Speaker Setting: The speaker X'over is automatically set when the position and size of each speaker are select from the following items.
      • Front: Location (Door, On Dash, or Under Dash); Size: (6-1/2", 6-3/4", 7", 4"x6", 5"x7", 6"x8", 6"x9", 7"x10", OEM, 4", or 5"); Tweeter (None or Use)
      • Rear: Location (Door, Rear Deck, 2nd Row or 3rd Row; Size (6-1/2", 6-3/4", 7", 4"x6", 5"x7", 6"x8", 6"x9", 7"x10", OEM, 4", or 5")
      • Subwoofer: Size(10", 12", 15", None, 6-1/2" or 8")
    • Digital Time Alignment (DTA): Choose from 0.00 to 14.44 feet for the Front pair of speakers, Rear pair of speakers, and Subwoofer distances in reference to the distance between your listening positioning and the locations of the particular speakers.
    • X'Over: The Kenwood head unit provides independent high-pass crossovers for the unit's front and rear speaker/preamp outputs, as well as a subwoofer low-pass crossover.
      • Front High Pass Filter: select a frequency of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, or 250Hz; with a Slope of -6, -12, -18, - 24 dB per octave; or you can also select full-range
      • Rear High Pass Filter: select a frequency of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, or 250Hz; with a Slope of -6, -12, -18, - 24 dB per octave; or you can also select full-range
      • Subwoofer Low Pass Filter: select a frequency of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, or 250Hz; with a Slope of -6, -12, -18, - 24 dB per octave; or you can also select full-range; The Subwoofer Phase can also be adjusted to Normal (0°) or Reverse (180°)

    Note: The DSP function can be bypassed.

    Equalizer Control: Equalizer Control allows you to choose from 8 presets, or set your own custom settings using the 5-band Equalizer. The EQ adjustments are as follows:

    • Preset EQ: You can select from Natural, Rock, Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Game, iPod (you can select from 22 EQ curve types), or User.
    • 5-Band EQ: The User mode allows you to adjust the following 5-Band EQ (62.5Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 4kHz, 16kHz) from -9 to +9dB.

      Note: You can store equalizer settings for each source (Tuner, USB, iPod/iPhone, Aux, or Sat/HD radio).

    Position Control: For a better sound-stage you can select your optimal listening position. You can choose from All, Front Left, Front Right or Front. You can also select to manually fine tune the sound stage by selecting the distance for each individual speaker in the vehicle compared to your listening position. You can select between 0.00 to 5.58 feet for the Left Front Speaker, Right Front Speaker, Left Rear Speaker, Right Rear Speaker, Left Subwoofer and/or Right Subwoofer.

    Audio Preset: You can register six audio settings into the unit's preset memory to be recalled at any time. The Audio Preset memory can save Car Type Selection, Speaker Setting, Fine Adjustment, X'Over Setting, Equalizer, and/or Listening Position.

    Bass Boost: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 features a two level Bass Boost to increase bass levels.

    Highway Sound: This features compensates the low volume or bass sound being lost by road noises to make vocals sound clearer. You can set the Highway Sound function to 1, 2, 3, or off.

    Volume Offset: The level of each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range from -8 to +8.

    Dual Zone: Separate sources can be selected for the Front channels and Rear channels. Zone 2 can be set to USB (iPod/Zune), Internal Memory, Auxiliary, or Off. You can adjust the volume of the rear channels independently from the front channels (0-35).

    Note: USB, iPod, and Internal Memory cannot be set at the same time for the main and sub sources.

    Tel Mute: The KIV-BT901 features a cell-phone mute wire (tan) in its harness that when hooked up to your car's phone system mute wire will automatically mute the receiver's audio signal when a call comes in.

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

    Radio Functions

    AM/FM Tuner: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 features a built-in AM/FM tuner. You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual.

    Tuner Presets: The KIV-BT901's tuner provides two ways to store your favorite radio stations.

    • Normal Presets: You can store up to 18 FM presets (01-18) and 6 AM presets (01-06).
    • Mixed Presets: In this mode, different bands and turner sources can be saved in the same preset layer, which allows you to recall the desired stations without switching the bands or tuner sources. You can store a mixture of 6 AM/FM, HD Radio, and Satellite Radio presets of any combination.

    Note: This unit does not offer direct preset buttons. Instead, you will need to access the unit's presets using the Control Knob.

    Auto Memory Tuning: Not only does the digital media receiver's tuner allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling.

    Direct Access Tuning: You can directly access an AM/FM station by entering in the frequency number using the include wireless remote control.

    Mono Mode: This feature reduces the noise (static) when a stereo broadcast is received as monaural (for FM band only).

    Radio Data System (RDS): The unit's tuner features RDS (Radio Data System). RDS is a service used by some radio stations to transmit data outside of normal radio broadcast signals. When an RDS station is received, you can immediately find out what kind of data is being transmitted by looking at the program service name which appears in the display after the frequency. RDS features an emergency transmission function which interrupts regular programming to broadcast an emergency announcement (such as a tornado or severe storm). There is also a switchable Traffic Information function, which will automatically tune a traffic bulletin when it is broadcast, even when you're not listening to the radio.

    iTunes Tagging: The built-in RDS FM tuner is also capable of iTunes tagging. iTunes tagging gives you the ability to tag a song (up to 50) and stores it to a connected iPod. The next time your iPod is connected to iTunes, the tagged songs are displayed with the option to purchase them from the iTunes Store.

    USB/Zune Playback

    Internal Memory: Audio files, video files, and still-images files can be stored to KIV-BT901's built-in flash memory (512MB) from a connected USB device. This way you can playback your favorite music, movie, and picture files without having to connect your external USB device. The unit's internal memory can support up to 500 files.

    USB Port: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 features a rear-panel 2.0 USB type-A port on a 39" pigtail. The USB port enables connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class device with audio, video, and still-image files. The USB port is compatible with all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. Your USB device should only have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 500 folders, and 4096 files per folder with a maximum of 15000 files and folders. You connected USB device will also charge while connected. Supported audio/video files.

    • Music Files: The KIV-BT901 supports playback of AAC (16-320 kbps), MP3 (8-320 kbps), and WMA (48-192 kbps) music files; as well a WAV (16-bit) audio files.
    • Movie Files: The digital media receiver supports playback of H.264/MPEG4 AVC, MPEG-4, and WMV files with a resolution of 160 x 120 to 320 x 240 (QVGA).
    • Picture Files: The KIV-BT901 digital media receiver supports playback of JPEG and BMP still-image files.

    Note: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 will support connection of a Multi-Card Reader or a USB hub with up to 3 ports.

    USB/Internal Memory Control: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 digital media receiver provides a 6-line folder/file name list to scroll through to find your music. The KIV-BT901 offers several other playback and search functions to help you locate and listen to your music.

    • Search Modes: The KIV-BT901 offers various search functions to find your iPod's music or movie content in the selected category.
      • Skip Search: You can search your USB device or the unit's internal memory within a selected folder by using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, or 10%). This allows you to skip ahead a certain percentage of songs in a particular folder.
      • Direct Search: You can search your music directly by entering the file number from a selected folder.
    • Play Modes: The KIV-BT901 digital media receiver provides the following Play Modes for your connected USB device or the head unit's internal flash memory.
      • File Scan: This function plays back the first 10-seconds of each music file in a particular folder successively.
      • Random: You can randomly playback music in a selected folder or from your USB device's or internal memory's entire music library.
      • Repeat: You can play back a single music file repeatedly or playback an entire music folder repeatedly.

    Note: Your connected USB device's controls will be locked during connection.

    Zune Playback: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 supports the Microsoft Zune via its rear USB port. The KIV-BT901 provides audio playback, control, song information display, album art, and charging for your connected Zune player. The Kenwood digital media receiver provides various playback and search functions to listen to your Zune player's music content.

    • Search Modes: Kenwood KIV-BT901 offers the following convenient search modes to help you select from your Zune's music.
      • Browse: You can browse your Zune player's music content by Genre, Artist, Album, Song, or Playlist.
      • Skip Search: You can search your Zune's music content within a specific category by using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, or 10%). This allows you to skip ahead a certain percentage of songs in a particular category or folder.
    • Play Modes: The KIV-BT901 digital media receiver provides the following Play Modes to control your Zune.
      • File Scan: This function plays back the first 10-seconds of each music file in a particular folder successively.
      • Random: You can randomly playback music in a selected folder.
      • Repeat: You can play back a single music file repeatedly.

    Note: Your Microsoft Zune's controls will be locked during connection to the Kenwood KIV-BT901 digital media receiver. The KIV-BT901 supports Audio only playback. It will not output your Zune player's video or still-images.

    iPod/iPhone Connectivity

    iPod/iPhone AV Connection: The KIV-BT901's USB port and the rear-panel 3.5mm A/V AUX input are compatible with select iPod/iPhone devices when used with the Kenwood USB/iPod AV cable (KCA-iP202, sold separately). The USB Direct Connection enables high-speed iPod data communications of 12MB/bps via the 2-Wire interface cable. One end of the cable plugs directly into your iPod/iPhone's dock connector while the other end of the cable uses two connectors that plug into the back of the KIV-BT901. The USB type-A connector portion of the cable plugs into the receiver's USB port and handles the control and charging of your iPod/iPhone, so you can navigate through your music and video files using the head unit's controls and view song, album art, and movie information on its display. The A/V 3.5mm miniplug connector of the cable plugs into the unit's rear-panel A/V 3.5mm input and transfers the music and video from your iPod to the Kenwood digital media receiver. By using the Auxiliary input the music travels to the receiver as an analog signal, so you can even play the Digital-Rights-Protected files you've stored on your iPod/iPhone.

    Note: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 is not compatible with the standard USB-to-iPod dock cable. The Kenwood KCA-iP202 USB/iPod AV cable is required.

    iPod/iPhone Control: You can choose to control the iPod/iPhone from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen.

    • Browse Mode: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 will allow you to browse your iPod's music and videos by category.
      • Music Categories: You can browse your iPod/iPhone's music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, or Audiobook.
      • Video Categories: You can browse your iPod/iPhone's videos by Playlist, Movie, Music Video, TV Show, Video Podcast, and Rental.
    • Search Modes: The KIV-BT901 offers various search functions to find your iPod/iPhone's music or movie content in the selected category.
      • Alphabet Search: This function searches music and videos whose name contain the specified character (A-Z), within a specific category.
      • Direct Search: You can quickly search for a desired song or video within a category by entering in 3 characters of text (A-Z, 0-9).
      • Related Search: Related Search allows you to browse for music of the same artist or genre as the one being currently played within a selected category (Music only).
        • Search Artist: displays albums of the same artist
        • Search Album: display music in the album in which the one being played is included
        • Search Genre: displays artists of the same genre
        • Search Composter: displays albums including music created by the same composer
      • Skip Search: You can search your iPod/iPhone's content within a category by using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, or 10%). This allows you to skip ahead a certain percentage of songs in a particular category or folder.
    • Play Modes: The KIV-BT901 digital media receiver provides the following Play Modes (Playlist, Random, Repeat) to control your iPod/iPhone.
      • Playlist: You can create your own custom iPod playlist (up to 30 songs) from the head unit.
      • Random: You can randomly playback music in a selected folder or from your iPod's entire music library.
      • Repeat: You can play back a single music file repeatedly.
    • iPod by Hand Mode: You can also choose to operate your iPod or iPhone with its own click-wheel or touchscreen; instead of using the KIV-BT901's controls.
    • Sound Check: This function sets the sound volume of all your iPod/iPhone's songs to the same level. The sound volume adjustment is required using iTunes.

    iPod/iPhone Display: The KIV-BT901 will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information when you are controlling your iPod or iPhone from the Kenwood head unit. The head unit will display Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, and Album label. If you choose to operate your connected iPod/iPhone via its clickwheel or touchscreen controls, the KIV-BT901 will not display your iPod/iPhone's music information (the head unit will instead display iPod MODE).

    Pandora App: The Pandora App (free) lets you play music from the Pandora music service through the Kenwood KIV-BT901 using your connected Apple iPhone, via the Kenwood KCA-iP202 USB/iPod connector cable (sold separately). The Kenwood KIV-BT901 provides control over the Pandora music service and displays Artist, Album, and Song information. You can search for new Pandora stations, select Pandora stations from your station list, and skip song tracks within a station. You can also give songs a thumbs up/down and bookmark songs/artists. To access Pandora you must have an Apple iPhone (iOS3 or later) with the latest version of the Pandora application from Apple's iTunes App Store. Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need a Pandora music service account.

    Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.

    iPod/iPhone Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your iPod/iPhone.

    Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it.

    iPod Compatibility Chart: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 and the KCA-iP202 USB/iPod AV cable are "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and support the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 9/19/2013):

    iPod/iPhone Model Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type iTunes Tagging Pandora App Charge
    Audio Video head unit iPod/iPhone Song/Artist Text Track Info
    iPhone 2G 3.1.2 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3G 3.1.2 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3GS 3.1.2 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4 7.0 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4S 7.0 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5 7.0 N N N N N N N N N
    5C 7.0 N N N N N N N N N
    5S 7.0 N N N N N N N N N
    touch 1st 2.2.1 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    2nd 4.2.1 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    3rd 4.2.1 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    4th 5.1.1 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    5th 7.0 N N N N N N N N N
    nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
    2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y N N Y
    3rd 1.1.3 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    4th 1.0.4 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    5th 1.0.2 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    6th 1.0 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    7th 1.2 N N N N N N N N N
    classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    120GB 2.0.1 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    160GB 2.0.4 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    video 5th 1.3 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y

    Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

    Built-in Bluetooth

    Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth is a two-way wireless communication system allowing you to make and receive cell phone calls wirelessly from your mobile phone, using the Kenwood in-dash CD receiver. Bluetooth wireless technology operates on a 2.4GHZ frequency band within a range of approximately 10 meters (about 33 feet).

    Bluetooth Profiles: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 CD-Receiver features built-in 2.4GHz Bluetooth technology (version 2.0) powered by Parrot. The KIV-BT901 supports Bluetooth hands-free communication. The KIV-BT901 supports the following Bluetooth profiles:

    • HFP (Hands-Free Profile): Hands-free communication with your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone in the vehicle (incoming/outgoing calls supported).
    • HSP (Headset Profile): Provides support for Bluetooth headsets to be used with mobile phones.
    • OPP (Object Push Profile): Phonebook transfer from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the head unit.
    • PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile): Phonebook access from your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone to the head unit.
    • SPP (Serial Port Profile): SPP defines how to set up virtual serial ports and connect two Bluetooth enabled devices.
    • SYNC (Synchronization Profile): The SYNC profile enables synchronization of data information between Bluetooth-enabled devices.

    Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication: The head unit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The controls of the KIV-BT901 can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (with mounting bracket) featuring adjustable gain, so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers.

    Pairing: Your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone must be paired with the KIV-BT901 before hands-free operation. You can register up to five Bluetooth enabled cell-phones with the Kenwood head unit (only one paired phone can be used at a time).

    Note: Not all Bluetooth mobile phones will be compatible. Visit http://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/bt/index.php for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.

    Auto Answer: The KIV-BT901 can be setup to automatically answer an incoming call. You can have the head unit automatically answer a call immediately or after 1-99 seconds.

    Dialing: Using the KIV-BT901, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:

    • Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly dial a phone number up to 25 digits from the head unit's control knob or remote control.
    • Speed (Preset) Dialing: Allows you to register up to 6 phone numbers for quick dialing. The preset numbers can be accessed from the head unit's Control Knob.
    • Phone Book: You can dial by using the downloaded phone book. You can download phone book data from your cell phone to the KIV-BT901. Up to 1000 numbers can be stored for each registered cell phone. Each number can be up to 25 digits long and each name can be up to 50 characters long. Stored phone numbers can be categorized by General, Home, Office, Mobile, or Other. You can search each category of the phone book in alphabetical order.
    • Call Log: The Call Log is a list of calls that have originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls.
    • Voice Dialing: If your mobile phone supports voice recognition, then you can dial out by voice command. Simply speak into the included microphone. You can register up to 35 voice tags.

    Call Waiting: The KIV-BT901 supports the Call Waiting function, so you can answer another incoming call while suspending the current call you are on. Your compatible cell-phone must also support this feature.

    SMS: You can wirelessly download the short message (SMS) arrived at your cell-phone so that is can be read on the Bluetooth connected Kenwood head unit. Your cell-phone must support SMS for this feature to function. The SMS downloaded to this unit is cleared when this unit is turned off.

    Note: You cannot send text messages using this unit (read only).

    Private/Hands-Free Mode: During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode.

    External Microphone: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 includes an external microphone to carry on your side of your phone conversation and voice command dialing. The external wired microphone offers improved audio quality versus an integrated microphone, so you can be heard easier over noisy traffic and road noise. The external microphone features an attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector which plugs into the mic input on the rear-panel of the head unit. The microphone offers an integrated mounting bracket which can be clipped to your vehicle's sun-visor or taped to your dash. The external microphone measures 0.515" (diameter) x 1.485" (depth).

    Note: This unit does not offer an integrated front-panel microphone.

    Bluetooth Detailed Settings: The KIV-BT901 offers the following Bluetooth Detailed Settings, so you can configure the unit to suit your needs.

    • Call Beep: You can choose to output a beep from your vehicle's speaker's when a call comes in, or you can turn this function off.
    • Speaker Output: You can select whether the call beep and caller's voice is heard through only the front speakers or all speakers.
    • Mic Gain: Adjusts the volume of the external microphone from -3 to +3.
    • NR Level: Reduces the noises generated by the surrounding environment without changing the mic volume. The NR Level can be set to -2 or +2.
    • EC Level: Adjusts the level of echo cancellation from -2 to +2.
    AV Connections

    AUX Input: The KIV-BT901 is equipped with a rear-panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for connecting external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player. The KIV-BT901 allows you to select the source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.

    Audio/Video Input: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 is equipped with a 3.5mm video input and 3.5mm stereo audio input for connecting and external portable audio source, or to connect the included iPod adapter cable to plug-in your iPod or iPhone.

    Audio/Video Output: The Kenwood digital media receiver is equipped with a composite video output and a stereo RCA audio output for connecting an external monitor with headphones, so you can view video from your connected iPod/iPhone or USB device on a rear-mounted monitor.

    Camera Input: The unit features a composite video input for connecting an optional rear view camera, such as the Kenwood CMOS-220 (113CMOS220, sold separately). The video from this connection can be set to display when switched to this input, or display the rear view camera video automatically when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear. The purple/white wire (attached to the rear chassis) must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching. You can view rear view image in Normal or Mirror mode.

    Remote Control

    Wireless Remote Control: The KIV-BT901 comes with the RC-405 IR wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad (0-9). The remote will control Audio, Tuner, USB, Bluetooth, iPod, Zune, Satellite Radio, and HD Radio functions. The remote control allows direct access of your music tracks and discs loaded in a connected CD-changer (sold separately), as well as direct access to AM/FM radio stations. The digital media receiver features an Attenuator button on the supplied remote control that turns the volume down very quickly with one touch of the button. It is powered by a single CR2025 3V lithium-cell battery (supplied).

    Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.

    Optional Software

    Music Editor Compatible: The Kenwood KIV-BT901 supports the PC application, Kenwood Music Editor Lite (ver.1.1). Kenwood Music Editor Lite is a Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer MP3 and WMA music files to your USB devices from your PC. When you playback audio files that have been stored on your USB device using Kenwood Music Editor Lite through this unit, you can search a file by title, album, or artist name using the head unit's Music Search function.

    System Requirements: The Kenwood Music Editor Light (ver.1.1) Windows-based software can be downloaded for free from Kenwood.com to your PC. The Kenwood Music Editor Light is compatible with the following Windows Microsoft Operating Systems.

    • Windows XP Professional, Home Edition SP2 or later (32-bit)
    • Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
    • Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
    Warranty Note

    Warranty Note: This refurbished Kenwood product carries a 90-day warranty when purchased from Crutchfield. Kenwood offers Crutchfield customers an extra 60 days extended warranty beyond the 30-day Kenwood Limited Warranty for Refurbished Product that comes in the box.

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    Customer Q&A

    5 questions already asked

    Q
    Can I have the front speakers playing from a different source then the rear speakers? Example: radio in the front door me and a occur in the back for the kids?
    james  Jan 10, 2015
    2 answers
    A
    no
    ron  Jan 22, 2015
    A
    This receiver will not allow for multiple zones of audio. There are some receivers that can allow for this kind of set-up. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help put together a system that will fit your needs.
    jeff  Jan 13, 2015 (Staff)
    Q
    So I'm trying to voice dial, but the manual sucks, and all I see is that I have to press some buttons then voice dial. Well what's the point, then? So can someone explain how this works, exactly?
    ryan  Aug 22, 2014
    1 answer
    A
    If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
    kristina  Aug 22, 2014 (Staff)
    Q
    Can this unit stram music over Bluetooth?
    sean  Jul 26, 2014
    9 answers
    A
    No. Can only make phone calls. But has aux cable and 2 USB hookups for playing or charging phones
    dylan  Jul 29, 2014
    A
    No. Doesn't stream music over Bluetooth. However the Aux input works great for music. And the USB port allows you to charge your device at the same time. I purchased a USB/Aux dash adapter to clean up the excess cables.
    mike  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    No. Unit does not work with android. Iphone must be plugged in. Bluetooth iphone calls only.
    tracy l  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    No it cannot. The Bluetooth only works for the phone. To listen to music something has to be plugged into it.
    travis m  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    No, just phone calls. Call/microphone quality is excellent though
    james  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    Yes. Does great with my iPhone.
    scott  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    I have used an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5S and I have not been able to stream via Bluetooth. I hooked up the Kenwood iPod/iPhone adapter ($20). Phone calls are streamed via Bluetooth, though. Hope this helps.
    jerry  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    Nope. You have to use the cable. Just a heads up but the satellite radio kit is no longer available and no other company's offer one. Really like the unit just wish I would have done a lil more research on it.
    wilfredo  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    No, which is a HUGE factor and you must read through the fine print before you see it connects to your phone via blue tooth but will NOT stream the music.
    william  Jul 28, 2014
    Q
    Just bought this unit.....is there any way to make it work with an Iphone 5?
    tony  Nov 17, 2013
    2 answers
    A
    I use the adapter with my iPhone 5s and a 30 pin to lightning adapter. The Apple lightning adapter is about $25-30.
    jerry  Jul 28, 2014
    A
    The Kenwood KIV-BT901 and the KCA-iP202 USB/iPod AV cable are "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible, but do not support the iPhone 5. However, there may be other options. Feel free to reach out to Tech Support to see what options may be available.
    jeff  Nov 17, 2013 (Staff)
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