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JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44

DVD receiver

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Item# 105KDAVX44 offer details

Item# 105KDAVX44

Review Sumary

 
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Our take on the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44

DVD receivers: They're not just for movies

DVD receivers add a new level of entertainment to your vehicle. You can watch a movie on the screen when you're parked on a Saturday night, or play a DVD through your rear seat video setup on the road. Touchscreen receivers allow you to breeze through menus with the tip of your finger. Most DVD receivers feature a USB input for audio from your iPod, and the ability to add an adapter that allows video to display on the screen. Some receivers even offer connections for a center speaker and a subwoofer, so you can build a full-fledged theater in your car, just like at home.

Sometimes less is more — you can't deny the appeal of understated elegance, clean lines, and high performance. Take a look at JVC's El Kameleon KD-AVX44 DVD receiver, a superb mix of style and function that brings you the latest technology in a stunning, easy-to-use package.

The 3-1/2" video screen lets you enjoy your favorite videos and DVDs when you're parked, and presents a user-friendly set of menus and options for your use when you're driving. You won't find any buttons or knobs to the left of the screen — you make all adjustments with just a touch of your finger. The controls black out and disappear when you're not using them, then light up automatically when your hand approaches the screen.

For convenient theft protection, the El Kameleon presents a simple black panel when it's turned off — no eye candy to attract a thief. You can detach the face for extra protection when you're out of the car.

The powerful built-in amplifier and high-quality digital-to-analog converter make the most of your music, and the 7-band equalizer lets you adjust a range of selectable frequencies to create the perfect sound for your car's interior. If you're building a complete system, use the three sets of preamp outputs to add amplifiers and subwoofers.

Built-in iPod® controls keep your favorite playlists on tap, and you can even stream your iPod videos by adding an adapter. If you have a Bluetooth® enabled phone, the receiver's built-in Bluetooth® capabilities let you take your phone calls through the receiver while you keep both hands on the wheel.

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.

Note: Bluetooth compatibility of this device may vary, depending on your phone and service provider.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • General features:
  • DVD receiver with built-in MOSFET amplifier (20 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
  • plays DVDs, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3/WMA files on CD
  • "blackout" touchscreen face with 3-1/2" video screen and motion-sensing activation
  • remote control
  • Audio features:
  • iEQ 7-band parametric equalizer with nine presets
  • 24-bit digital-to-analog converter
  • Expandability:
  • built-in iPod control (Nano and video models only), adapter required for iPod video display
  • Bluetooth capabilities built in
  • compatible with optional satellite radio, CD changer, HD Radio tuner
  • inputs: rear USB input on cable, rear A/V input
  • outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (front, center, rear, and mono subwoofer), video output
  • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
  • Other info:
  • CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
  • warranty: 1 year
 
Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Chassis Size Code
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E
CEA-2006 Compliant
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Yes
RMS Power Output
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20 watts
Peak Power Output
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50 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth
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20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs
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6-channel
Preamp Voltage
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5 volts
Subwoofer Preamp Outputs
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Yes
Monitor Size (diagonal)
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3 1/2
Key Button Color
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Bluish white
EQ Bands
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7
Wireless Remote
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Yes
Steering Wheel Control Compatible
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Yes
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year
Expandability
Auxiliary Inputs
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Optional
USB Input
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Rear
Memory Card Slot
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USB Memory
Bluetooth Compatible
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Built-in
Satellite Radio Ready
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Both
HD Radio
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Optional
Navigation
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No
Changer Control
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Yes
Tuner
FM Sensitivity
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11.3 dBf
European Tuning
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Yes
Radio Data System (RDS)
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No

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • AM/FM/CD/DVD receiver
  • 15-amp mini fuse (installed)
  • Sleeve
  • Face
  • Hard plastic face case
  • Trim ring
  • Wiring harness
  • Wireless remote control (RM-RK252)
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • 2 Radio removal tools
  • Rear mounting bolt
  • Flat washer
  • Rubber bushing
  • Hex flange nut
  • Red wire splice tap (18-22 gauge)
  • Face security screw
  • Instructions (English/Spanish/French)
  • Installation/Connection Manual (English/Spanish/French)
  • Bluetooth information sheet
  • US warranty information
  • Canadian warranty information
  • Product Registration Card/Questionnaire
  • Caution sheet concerning ground wire (attached to wiring harness)
  • "Notes on the front panel control" sheet
  • "Cautions on displaying iPod Artwork" note
  • Face security screw instructions
Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
External Device Controls
Input and Output Notes

Features

Overview: The KD-AVX44 single-DIN multimedia unit includes a CD/DVD receiver with a 3.5" monitor and touchpad controls. It also has CD changer control, built-in Bluetooth capability, built-in surround sound processing, A/V line input, A/V line output, a USB input, is satellite radio ready, and has dual zone capability.

Motorized Detachable Face-Plate With Adjustable Angle: The KD-AVX44 features a motorized slide-down, detachable faceplate with integrated 3.5" monitor. The motorized display can be tilted (up) to one of four angles. The JVC headunit also comes supplied with a hard-plastic face case for when the faceplate is detached.

3.5" Monitor: The KD-AVX44 features a 3.5" TFT Active Matrix, 16:9 LCD display. The pixel resolution of the display is 960 horizontal x 220 vertical (211,200 pixels total). The LCD serves as a video monitor and system information display. The unit's LCD monitor features the following customized settings.

  • Wallpaper/Color: You can select the background picture of the monitor from Grid, Silk, Metal or Plain. You can also adjust the color of the background from Blue, Light-Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, Dark-Blue, Dark-Green, Brown, Light-Brown or Black.
  • Picture And Brightness Adjustment: The LCD monitor's Picture and Brightness can each be adjusted from -15 to +15.
  • Selectable Aspect Modes: You can choose from four aspect modes for the in-dash display:
    • Regular: for 4:3 source material, 4:3 and 16:9 pictures display with black bars on either side (16:9 images are compressed)
    • Full: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally to fill the entire width of the screen, distorting the picture slightly but retaining full image height
    • Auto: the correct aspect mode is automatically chosen based on the disc
  • Monitor Type: You can choose one of the following monitor types for the output to the external monitor(s):
    • 16:9: select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 16:9
    • 4:3 Letter Box: select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 4:3, when viewing a widescreen picture black bars appear on the top and bottom of the screen
    • 4:3 Pan Scan: select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 4:3, when viewing a widescreen picture, the black bars do not appear; however, the left and right edges of the picture will not be shown on screen

Dimmer: When 12 volts is applied to the illumination lead and the dimmer set to Auto, the display dims. The dimmer can also be set to Off (normal brightness at all times), On (display is always dimmed), or Dimmer Time Set (you program the time for the dimmer to turn off an on).

Menu Language: There are nine options for the menu language; English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Russian.

Touchpad Controls: The JVC KD-AVX44 features touchpad controls for easy, soft-touch operation. The lights of the touchpad controls and monitor are turned off when no operation is done for approximately 10 seconds. The lights are turned on in the following cases - When you move your hand close to the touchpad controls, When your finger touches the touchpad controls, When you use the remote controller, When a call/text message comes in, or When the signal from an optional rear view camera comes in.

Digital to Analog Converters: For high quality audio and video performance JVC uses a 192 kHz/24-bit audio DAC and a 108 MHz/12-bit video DAC.

Disc Types: The KD-AVX44 supports the following disc types: DVD Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Video CD, CD Audio, and CD-R/RW discs.

Compressed File Playback: The KD-AVX44 can play MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, JPEG, DivX, MPEG1, and MPEG2 files recorded on DVD-R, DVD-RW ,DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW discs. The disc must be recorded in ISO 9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, or Romeo. MP3 and WMA files with bit rates from 32-320 kbps and AAC files with bit rates from 16-320 kbps are supported. In addition, the unit supports ID3 Tag information for MP3 (versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4). This unit can also show WAV, WMA and AAC Tag information. This unit supports DivX files whose resolution is 720 x 576 pixels or less and JPEG files at a resolution of 640 x 480.

Amplifier Gain Control: When you are using the KD-AVX44 with factory speakers (or those rated to less than 50 watts peak), the Amplifier Gain Control can limit the amount of power being sent to those speakers. When the Amp Gain Control is set to low, the volume control ranges from 0 (minimum) to 30 (maximum). When using speakers rated higher than 50 watts peak, you can set the Amp Gain Control to high, and the volume control will range from 0 to 50. The internal amp can also be turned of when all the speakers are powered by outboard amplifiers.

Preamp Outputs: In addition to the 5 volt front and rear stereo preamp outputs, this unit has single preamp outputs for the Subwoofer and center channel, each also 5 volts. The subwoofer output has independent level control, adjustable from -6 to +8, and a selectable phase setting that can be adjusted to Normal or Reverse.

Crossover: The KD-AVX44 has an internal crossover that allows you to choose Through, 80, 120, or 150 Hz. This crossover acts as a low-pass filter for the subwoofer preamp output and a high-pass filter for the other speakers (front, center, and rear) set to the Small setting.

5.1-Channel Decoding: You can enjoy 5.1-channel sound with the built-in surround processor, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby ProLogic II (movie and music). In addition to the front and rear speaker outputs, the unit features preamp outputs for front left and right, rear left and right, center, and subwoofer. Dolby ProLogic II Music also has adjustments for Panorama (depth) and Center Width.

Speaker Adjustments: The KD-AVX44 features the following speaker adjustments to customize your car audio experience.

  • Speaker Size: Like home surround receivers, you can adjust the following speaker size settings:
    • Front: Small or Large
    • Center: Small, Large, or None
    • Rear: Small, Large, or None
    • Subwoofer: On or Off
  • Speaker Level: You can adjust the output level of each individual speaker relative to the main volume from -10 dB to +10 dB.
  • Speaker Distance: You can adjust the speaker output timing separately for each individual speaker (excluding the subwoofer) according to the distance from the speakers to the listening position. The distance for each speaker can be adjusted from 6" to 240" in 6" increments.

7-Band Equalizer: Along with a flat preset, there are eight preset EQ curves and three user programmable fields; Hard Rock, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Dance, Country, Reggae, Classic, User 1, User 2, and User 3. The user presets can be adjusted to your preference and stored in memory. For each User preset, you can independently adjust the following frequencies: 60 Hz, 150 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.5 kHz, 6.3 kHz, and 15 kHz. The level of each frequency can be adjusted from -10dB to +10dB in 2dB increments.

Dynamic Range Compression: This function reduces a Dolby Digital soundtrack's dynamic range so you can hear quieter dialog without being overwhelmed by loud sections. You can choose a setting of Auto or On.

Dual Zone Operation: The line level audio/video output allows you to route DVD (or other disc) playback to an optional back seat monitor and headphone system, allowing front seat passengers to enjoy any other source except USB input. You can also turn on a Headphone Surround feature for the rear audio output.

Source Volume Control: The volume of each source (other than FM radio) can be adjusted relative to the FM volume, so the level is constant as you change from one input to another.

Source Naming: The KD-AVX44allows you to assign names of up to 16 characters each for the A/V input, the EXT input (connected to the CD changer input using an optional adapter), and up to 30 AM and FM stations.

Remote Control: The JVC DVD/CD receiver comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control for full operation of the KD-AVX44.

External Device Controls

Bluetooth: The KD-AVX44 has Bluetooth hardware built in to integrate with Bluetooth enabled cellular phones and audio players. Bluetooth is a two-way wireless communication system allowing you to make and receive cell phone calls, and listen to a Bluetooth audio device. (The built-in microphone is hidden behind the upper left corner of the face.) This unit supports the following Bluetooth profiles - HFP 1.5 (Hands-Free Profile), OPP 1.1 (Object Push Profile), A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). Up to five devices total can be registered with the KD-AVX44.

  • Phone: The unit can be set to automatically connect to a registered phone when it's turned on. Once the phone connection is made the headunit is ready to receive calls while you listen to other sources. You can store up to 6 phone numbers as presets for one-touch dialing, dial from your Phonebook, dial from the list of received or missed calls or enter the phone number manually. Voice activated dialing is available if your phone is so equipped. You can answer incoming calls manually or automatically, or set the unit to automatically reject all incoming calls.
  • BT Audio: In addition to Bluetooth phones, the KD-AVX44 supports Bluetooth equipped audio players. You can connect wirelessly and listen to the player, and in some cases control the player as well.

USB Input: A USB port is attached to the rear panel by a 46" cable. This allows you to play USB mass storage devices loaded with MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, MPEG1, MPEG2, or JPEG files. For the unit to recognize the USB medium, it must be specified as a mass storage device formatted using FAT 12, FAT 16, or FAT 32. The unit can recognize a total of 5000 files and 250 folders (a folder may contain a maximum of 999 files). This unit will recognize a total of 25 characters for file/folder names. This unit cannot recognize a USB device whose rating is other than 5V and exceeds 500 mA. A USB cap is supplied to place over the USB input when it's not in use.

iPod Playback: You can connect an iPod to the KD-AVX44 using one of three methods.

  • Built-in USB Port: The KD-AVX44's built-in USB port supports audio playback and operation of the following iPod models using the USB/Docking cable supplied with your iPod - iPod video (5th generation), iPod nano (1st/2nd/3rd/4th generation), iPod classic (80/120/160GB), and iPod touch (1st/2nd generation). You can search for music by Playlist, Aritst, Album, Song, Podcast and Genre. You can also select Repeat (One/All) and Random (Song/Album) modes. In addition, your iPod will charge when connected to the KD-VX44's USB port.
  • Optional Video Cable: You can playback video and display Album Art on the KD-AVX44 from your iPod video, iPod classic (80/120/160GB), iPod nano (3rd/4th generation), iPod touch (1st/2nd generation), and iPhone/iPhone 3G using the optional JVC KS-U30 USB Audio/Video iPod Cable (sold separately). You can search for music by Playlist, Aritst, Album, Song, Podcast and Genre or search video by Playlist, Movie, Music Video, TV Show, or Video Podcast. You can also select Repeat (One/All) and Random (Song/Album) modes. In addition, your iPod or iPhone will charge when connected to this adapter cable.
  • Optional Audio Interface: If you have an older generation iPod, you can connect it to the KD-AVX44's J-BUS port using the optional JVC KS-PD100 iPod Interface Adapter (sold separately). This optional iPod Interface Adapter supports audio playback for the following iPod models - iPod (3rd/4th generation), iPod photo, iPod mini, iPod nano (1st/2nd/3rd/4th generation), iPod video (5th generation), and iPod classic (80/120/160GB). You can search for music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast and Genre. You can also select Repeat (One/All) and Random (Song/Album) modes. In addition, your iPod will charge when connected to the KS-PD100 iPod interface. The KS-PD100 is not compatible with the iPod touch (1st/2nd generation and will not charge the iPod nano (4th generation).

Satellite Radio: This unit supports both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio when used with an optional satellite radio tuner and adapter, sold separately. This JVC headunit supports the SiriusConnect Universal Vehicle tuner and JVC KS-SRA100 Sirius Satellite Radio interface (item number 700SIRJVC1, sold separately). The headunit also supports the XMDirect2 Universal Vehicle tuner and CNPJVC1 XM Satellite Radio interface (item number 700XMJVC1, sold separately).

HD Radio: The KD-AVX44 supports HD Radio when the optional JVC HD Radio tuner box (105KTHD300, sold separately) is connected to the receiver's CD changer port on the rear of the unit. HD Radio Technology can deliver high-quality digital sound. AM digital will have FM-like quality in stereo, while FM digital will have CD-like quality with static free and clear reception. In addition, AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data such as artist names and song titles. Many HD Radio stations also offer more than one channel of programming. This service is called multicasting. To find HD Radio stations in your area, visit www.hdradio.com. When this optional HD Radio tuner box is connected to the KD-AVX44, you will still be able to receive conventional analog AM/FM broadcasts.

Changer Controls: This unit is equipped with JVC's J-Link CD changer control system. It is fully compatible with JVC's CD/MP3 changer, item number 257CHX1500. Other JVC CH-X series CD changers (except CH-X99 and CH-X100) can be controlled directly by this head unit, however, they are not compatible with MP3 discs. You cannot use the KD-MK series CD changers with this unit, even with an adapter.

Optional Input Adapter: An optional JVC Line Input Adapter (item number 105KSU57 or 257KSU58) may be used to provide an  auxiliary audio only input on this unit. This feature allows you to connect a portable audio player, such as a portable MP3 player, to this unit as an additional audio source. The adapter connects to the CD changer input on this unit. When the adapter is connected to this unit, a CD changer cannot be connected.

Input and Output Notes

Audio/Video Output: The 2nd Audio Output (left and right RCA audio jacks) and Video Output (RCA composite video jack) allow you to connect an optional back seat monitor and headphone system.

Audio/Video Input: The audio/video input consists of left and right RCA audio jacks and an RCA composite video jack, allowing you to connect external equipment to this head unit. The audio/video input can be set to one of the following modes:

  • Off: when nothing is connected
  • Audio + Video: choose when connecting an A/V component like a VCR
  • Audio: choose when connecting an audio component like a cassette deck
  • Camera: when a rear view camera is connected
  • Navigation: displays map from an outboard navigation system
  • iPod (Off): select when connecting your iPod using the optional USB Audio/Video iPod cable (105KSU30)

Preamp Outputs: The unit has six preamp outputs; front left, front right, rear left, rear right, center and subwoofer.

OEM Steering Wheel Remote Input: The KD-AVX44 has a steering remote control jack on the preamp output harness. When used with the optional SWI-JACK interface (item number 127SWIJACK), you can retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult "Outfit My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

 

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1-10 of 28 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44

Written By pruett365, Klamath Falls, OR on Sunday, February 06, 2011
 
I have had this stereo for 2 years now and I still love it. I use my smart phone to stream
music to it while driving and it works flawlessly. I also added the HD tuner and the audio
sounds great. The controls take some time to program but are practically "set it and
forget it." I would definitely recommend this unit to anyone.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
2 out of 5

Feature packed but useless

Written By tvuolo, Denver, CO on Tuesday, June 23, 2009
 
Great idea, but very poor execution. The controls make this receiver useless.

To get a sense for how idiotic the interface is... It takes the following keystrokes to change the FM station: press&hold up or down until it beeps, press up or down multiple times to select the new station, press play to activate the station.

It doesn't interface with the iPhone over USB. Maybe a firmware update? Please JVC?

The touch screen is plastic. I've had mine about 8 months and it's quite scratched up from the funky swirling motion you have to do to adjust the volume. Consequently it looks terrible after a few weeks of use.

The connection from the faceplate to the head unit is flimsy. Occasionally the screen goes dead and you have to wiggle it to get the picture and controls back.

Other than that, the receiver sounds great and performs well. JVC should send every person who bought one of these a new faceplate with a volume knob or a faceplate similar to the JVC KD-AVX11.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
2 out of 5

Cool list of features but poor controls.

Written By John, St. Croix, USVI on Monday, May 11, 2009
 
I regret buying this unit. First of the control are easy on the eyes but almost impossible to get use too. I'm still trying to control the volume on the first try. Secondly the iPod interface is nice but PAINFULLY slow. As a matter of fact reading CDs, DVDs, iPod, iPhones are all SLOW. For example when using my iPod, I have to wait almost 30 seconds for the song information to load on the display before I can get to skip the track. Also you can't adjust your equalizer while a DVD is playing. If I could return this unit and get something else I would. I'm surprised that there are so many good feedbacks on this unit.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Mad Options

Written By northstar, Wisco on Saturday, March 21, 2009
 
This deck has all the options and more then one that would run you a stack
easily. All the other CD-DVD players I looked at costed way more bread
then this one. With this deck all the options are built in you have the DVD
option the CD player, Bluetooth functions and controls great with the hands
free calls. Its got all the AV functions that you will need for I pods or MP3
players. The only thing I do not like with this deck is the screen savers or
wall paper is very plain. You would think there would be some great pics or
videos or something while your music plays but whatcha gonna due right.
All in all very happy with the unit. Peace
2 out of 3 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Most frustrating radio I ever owned

Written By Chris, Ft. Worth, TX on Saturday, March 14, 2009
 
First I have to say, I hope you're a patient person to live with all the shortcomings. First off, you can't use the remote for volume if you're in DVD mode unless you're in some kind of "music backround" mode. No dialog can be heard. You have to go to surround mode so you can hear everything. But now you have to use the face for volume. Well the volume takes ALOT of practice or else you'll keep restarting the movie instead. If you leave it in surround mode on DVD, the radio won't see the USB input while going through you're sources, it's missing. So you have to make sure you're not in surround mode. The same goes for USB mode, if you have to use the face for volume, you will wind up changing folders accidentally. Going to USB mode takes quite a while to read. If you make satellite presets, on the remote you have to press shift and the preset number, 2 hand operation and you need to see it under a light at night. If you use the face, you have to go through the menu for every preset you want to use.

This radio is NOT compatible with iPhone for bluetooth. The big funky remote has useless buttons while missing important ones. The touch controls are slow to respond, so you tend to overshoot. No bass boost, much, much less bass than my previous radio, even with the bass all the way up on the internal EQ.

Very poorly desgned radio, forget all the cool features, you can find them on other radios in the same price range. I'm sending it back for a refund. Good riddance.
3 out of 6 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

'08 Dodge Ram

Written By Johnny, Lacey, WA on Sunday, March 01, 2009
 
I own this unit and it is great. I thought I would share something. I drive an '08 Dodge Ram 1500 with 4 speakers and factory stereo (now gone of course). The "outfit my car" section told me that this deck would not fit the single din for that selected truck, but would fit the truck with the double din nav system and 7 speakers. This unit will indeed fit the single din trucks with 4 speakers. I just had it done. It looks great too :) I hope this helps other buyers looking to get this unit but are worried it won't fit.
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3 out of 5

Great Product, with Significant Limitations

Written By Dave, Leesburg, VA on Monday, February 02, 2009
 
I have been using this system in my car for almost a month now. The menu system does take a while to get used to, but you eventually learn what buttons to push when. Tons of features, but not all is perfect:

- Remote is totally oriented towards DVD playback. If you are doing anything else, the remote is useful only for volume adjustment or changing pre-programmed stations - no menu functions or phone dialing (dialing requires a shift to get to the numbers)
- Despite the "Hands-on-Research" this unit just will NOT work with an iPhone (3G s/w 2.2) for controlling through the JVC. Other features work (audio, video), but don't expect anything but a charger from the USB - all control is from the iPhone. Crutchfield support confirmed with JVC that it won't work and offered a refund, but I'm keeping it anyway.
- Video in the day is completely washed out.

On the Plus side:
- Video (in the dark) is great
- Sound is great
- Bluetooth is outstanding, just don't turn up the volume too much - there will be a horrible echo to the person on the other end.
- Tons of features and options. I'm thinking of adding Satellite or HD Radio next.
- Looks great in the car - no goofy colors/LEDs

iPhone integration was hugely important to me, so only 3 stars.

3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great value (especially for a 1 DIN)

Written By Jeremy, Palestine, TX on Wednesday, January 14, 2009
 
I installed this JVC today, and I've been in the car for a few hours playing it. First impression, looks great, sounds great, matches my interior great.
It pairs with my Moto Q, but it won't download my phonebook.
The USB port isn't nearly as fast as my Alpine iDA-X001 in my Civic. Using a 32mb drive, it takes about 60 sec. to read. It has to re-read it every time you start the car, switch from a different source, or are interrupted by a call. BUT, the listing of folders is well placed, and it plays files that are unsupported on my X001.
The 7 band EQ tailors the sound to exactly what I want, and the sub control adjusts much further than any of my previous HUs.
DVD playback is great and for such a small screen, it really is sharp picture. The only problem is that watching video in the sun is all but impossible, but this is probably made worse by my car having t-tops.
At first, the controls were impossible. The volume adjusts very slow on the face. The remote is much faster. The BT menus are buried, as well as most other menus, but most of these things are "set it and forget it" type of controls. The bare necessities are easy to navigate to.
After a few hours, the controls are much easier to use. I think with a little more time, they'll be second nature. I'll be wiring the steering wheel controls up to fix the slow volume.
I'm very happy with the unit, and for the price, I don't think it can be beat. It has it's downfalls, but it also has all the features of a $1000 receiver.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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2 out of 5

Very difficult to use

Written By Tom, Dulles, VA on Wednesday, January 07, 2009
 
Bought this unit to play DVD's and iPod VIDEO. Evaluated a lot of units at all price ranges and liked the claimed iPod integration. My iPod classic is the 6th generation and I've learned the hard way that in order to play video on an external TV you must have an authentic Apple cable with the embedded chip ($50 to Apple vs $20 for non-Apple no-chip cable). JVC claims to have such a cable, but I didn't take any chances so I bought an Apple cable.
I've been bench-testing this unit to confirm that it will work with the Apple cable and it does. However after spending a couple of hours trying to learn how to use this unit I am not ready to install it in my car. It's just too complicated for the casual user to use. It's got the most cryptic menus I have ever seen. The touch screen markings are something you would find on a Klingon spaceship. The manual is just as confusing. There's no way anyone other than me would be able to turn it on and simply listen to the radio. Forget about the iPod menus or DVD menus. The remote control can not perform all functions, so you need to constantly switch between the remote and the touch screen to do simple tasks, like bring up the iPod menus. I can't recommend this unit because of the poor interface design.
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4 out of 5

Jack of all trades ...

Written By Lee, NC on Sunday, December 07, 2008
 
The unit almost succeeds in combining multiple features into the most minimalist design you can get. One of the big advantages of the feature-less fascia is that unlike the majority of units this one will blend into almost any dash.

The touch based rotary volume works fine as long as you have a nice smooth road and short fingernails. Driving over a bump as you touch the panel will probably mean you hit the wrong thing. When it works it's fluid and responsive, but the panel really needed to have the cursor ring in a slight recess to give your fingers some indication as to where they are. Driving and operating the menu is tricky as many frequently accessed features are buried deep. iPod control is fairly slow and displaying album art is so excruciatingly slow you may as well just leave it off. Even with an iPod adapter the response is only adequate.

Phone audio is surprisingly good from the inbuilt microphone. It will voice dial over the receiver but first you have to navigate through the Bluetooth menu to use it. Traveling on a noisy road you my need to boost the call speaker volume and again you have to navigate through the Bluetooth menu to adjust it. A dedicated button or menu option for voice dialing and volume adjustment would be a big improvement.

You get a lot for your money in a very small footprint. It doesn't do any one thing amazingly well, but what it does do (and it can do a lot) shouldn't disappoint. It sounds pretty good too.
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Learn more about In-dash DVD Receivers

Learn more about In-dash DVD Receivers

What's 'Appening?

What's 'Appening?

Matt Freeman
3/18/2011
based on 75 ratings (10 comments)
 
In just a few short years, iPod control has become a prominent feature of car stereos. Car A/V companies have acted just as quickly to develop stereos that let you take advantage of the iPhone's...
 
Video: How to Install a Car Stereo

Video: How to Install a Car Stereo

Robert Ferency-Viars
12/17/2010
based on 95 ratings (2 comments)
 
Watch this video for a step-by-step overview of a basic car stereo installation. The installation shown in this video is only one example - the actual steps involved vary from car to car.
 
DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

Zak Billmeier
12/6/2011
based on 75 ratings (3 comments)
 
DVD receivers are great for playing movies, but they offer much more than that for your car stereo setup. Large touchscreens, loads of built-in features, and easy viewability are just some of the...
 
How to Choose a Mobile Video System

How to Choose a Mobile Video System

Matt Freeman
6/29/2009
based on 41 ratings (1 comment)
 
From sleek, retractable in-dash televisions to high-performance monitors, from in-dash DVD players to easy-add-on portable systems, it's obvious that mobile video is here to stay.
 
Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters

Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters

Jo Greene
4/15/2011
based on 35 ratings (5 comments)
 
If you're considering replacing your factory radio with an aftermarket receiver, adding a steering wheel control adapter lets you keep the full functionality and convenience of your steering wheel...
 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend
Satellite Radio Tuners
You can have satellite radio display on the face of this stereo by using one of these packages. Subscription required.
XMDirect2 JVC Car Kit
Add XM Satellite Radio to your JVC receiver
$89.98
In Stock
 
 
SIRIUS JVC Package
Get SIRIUS radio reception on your JVC car stereo
$79.98
In Stock
 
 
iPod Adapters
Play your iPod through your new stereo.
JVC KS-PD100
iPod connection adapter for JVC stereos
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
Auxiliary Input Adapters
Add an auxiliary input to connect another audio source.
P.I.E Aux Input Adapter For JVC
Auxiliary Input Adapter for JVC Receivers with Changer Controls (Model JVC/J-RCA)
$37.99
In Stock
 
 
JVC KS-U58 Input Adapter
Connect a portable music player to your JVC receiver
$39.99
In Stock
 
 
Installation Tools
Save money by doing the installation yourself. The right tools will help.
Posi-Products™ Car Stereo Connector Kit
16 connectors for installing a new car stereo
$6.49
In Stock
 
 
Scosche TK12V Car Stereo Tool Kit
The tools you need for a clean and professional car stereo installation
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool Set
Package contains light-duty crimp tool and 20 crimp caps
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
Out of Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Tool Aid 87650
Door Trim and Panel Removal Tool
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Wire Worm
Installation tool helps route wiring through tight spaces
$12.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge stranded wire
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Trim Panel Tool
Remove your vehicle's trim panels without damage
$4.50
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Hook Tool Set
Installation tools — pair
$4.99
In Stock
 
 
Multi Wedge Trim Panel Tools
Set of six (flexible and rigid) tools — helps remove trim and door panels
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Spec Tools Stubby Driver
Ratcheting driver for tight installations
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (6-mm diameter)
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (9-mm diameter)
$6.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (3-mm diameter)
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (Assortment)
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Wavetek Meterman 15XP Multimeter
With autoranging display — tests your electrical connections safely and easily
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
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Screen Cleaners
Keep your screen clear of fingerprints and dust with a cleaning kit.
Monster ScreenClean
TV cleaner kit
$14.95
In Stock
 
 
Professional Installation
Get more info about having your new receiver put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: In-dash Video
Prepaid professional in-dash or all-in-one headrest video installation
 
Extras
Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters
You can operate your new radio with your factory-installed steering wheel controls by adding an adapter.
PAC SWI-JACK
Steering wheel control interface for Alpine, Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood
$69.99
In Stock
 
 
CD Care
Get rid of the skipping on your favorite discs with a CD cleaning kit.
Maxell DVD-LC
DVD Lens Cleaner with Dolby Digital system sound check
$11.99
In Stock
 
After $3.00 Price Break
 
CD Cases
CD cases will keep the footprints off your discs, which will let them play better.
Visor Storage 12-disc CD Holder
Keep your favorite discs within reach
$14.99
In Stock
 
 
Test Discs
Whether it's for sound quality or for maximum boom, there's no way to perfect your system like a professional test disc.
Autosound 2000 CD Set
$69.95
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Two
Image/Placement Test CD
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Three
System/Environmental Test CD
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Five
System Demonstration — Test CD
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc One
Low Frequency Test CD (Disc One)
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Autosound 2000 Disc Four
Amplifier Optimizer Test CD
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
 
 
JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44