General Features
DVD/CD/MP3 Playback Features
Tuner Features
Audio Features
CD Changer Controls
Inputs and Outputs Notes

General Features

Motorized Touchscreen Display: The Kenwood eXcelon DDX8017 features a motorized 6.4" wide, 16:9 touchscreen display with a TFT active matrix system. The screen has a resolution of 480 x 234 with 336,960 total pixels (480H x 234V x RGB). The monitor automatically slides down for loading or ejecting a disc. It also has a 6-step adjustable viewing angle. This unit has touch screen controls with interactive video graphics, making menu navigation easy. The screen is non-glare and smudge-resistant.

Selectable Screen Viewing Modes: You can choose from the following screen modes:

• Normal: displays 16:9 widescreen format pictures that fill the entire screen width, and 4:3 (conventional TV) pictures display with black bars on either side
• Full: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally to fill the entire width of the screen, distorting the picture slightly but retaining full image height
• Just: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally only at the edges
• Cinema: expands 4:3 pictures both horizontally and vertically, filling the screen without distorting the picture
• Zoom: expands 4:3 pictures both horizontally and vertically, filling the screen without distorting the picture but cutting off the top and bottom edges

Display Adjustment: You can adjust the display's brightness, contrast, and black level. Additionally, you can change the background and menu graphics. When the illumination wire of this unit is connected to the headlamp circuit of your vehicle and you turn your lights on, the display will dim.

Selectable Wallpaper: You can select any of five available wallpaper patterns for the menu and control screens. Available wallpapers include: Light, Ring, Dolphin, Aurora, and Prism.

2-DIN Chassis: The DDX8017 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as "Double DIN" or size DD), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. Unlike many in-dash monitors, there is no hideaway box; all the inputs and outputs are included within the unit's chassis. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied mounting sleeve. As always, please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to verify fit with your vehicle.

Front Panel Controls: In addition to the touchscreen controls, the unit includes frequently used buttons along the outer edges of the screen. Controls include: Disc eject, Mode, Function, Screen, Source, Volume +/-, Seek +/-, Attenuate, Auto, Video select, and Play/Pause.

Security 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.

Navigation Compatibility:  The DDX8017 is compatible with the following Kenwood navigation systems: KNA-DV4100 (item # 113KNADV41), KNA-DV3100, and KNA-DV2100. The navigation system can be connected via the 13-pin I/F jack on the back of the unit (I/F cable supplied with the navigation system). Third party navigation systems with composite video and stereo RCA outputs can also be connected via the AV-IN1 input. You can select which speakers are used for navigation voice guidance: front left, front right, or both front speakers. You can also set the volume for the voice guidance audio.

Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q-EX and EQ settings for each source (DVD, CD, Aux, FM, AM).

Dual Zone Capability: The unit's dual zone control allows you to independently set the source for the front and rear channels.

Remote Control: The DDX8017 is equipped with the RC-DV601 full-function remote control. It has a slide panel that covers additional buttons including a numeric keypad. A slide switch allows you to switch between the control modes for the built-in DVD/CD player, a TV source, and a tuner/disc changer/disc player source.

DVD/CD/MP3 Playback Features

MP3/WMA Playback: This unit can play MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, and Romeo formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 50 folders, and 255 files per folder. A total of up to 512 MP3/WMA files and folders can be played back by this unit. During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.

JPEG/MPEG Playback: In addition to MP3/WMA discs, this unit can play discs with JPEG or MPEG files. You can display JPEG images of up to 5120 x 3840 pixels, and progressive format JPEG images of up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. The unit can also play MPEG1 videos of 320 x 240, 352 x 240 (NTSC), and 352 x 288 (PAL), plus MPEG2 videos of 640 x 480, 704 x 480 (NTSC), and 704 x 576 (PAL).

Control Screens: During DVD playback, you can control certain operations simply by touching an area of the screen. You can touch the left one-third of the screen to start the current chapter over, or the right one-third of the screen to skip to the next chapter. Pressing the top center of the screen activates the DVD Disc Menu control buttons, while pressing the bottom center briefly displays the information screen. Note: For VCD playback, the top center is the Zoom control area.

Direct Search: By entering its number with the supplied remote, you can directly access the following:

• DVD: Title, chapter, time, direct number
• VCD:
  • with PBC on: Scene, direct number
  • with PBC off: Track, time
• CD: Track number, total play time
• MP3/WMA: Folder, file
• Tuner: frequency
• Sirius: channel number

Disc Name Preset (DNPS): You may assign names to discs played in the internal CD player. Each disc name can be up to 16 characters long, and the receiver has a memory capacity for up to 100 discs. (See below for further DNPS features with CD changers.)

CD Read Setting: If there is a problem with the CD player reading a disc with a special format, you can switch to a second CD Read setting which "forces" the player to read the disc. CD Read setting 1 is for normal CDs and MP3/WMA discs, while CD Read setting 2 cannot read MP3/WMA discs.

Tuner Features

CR-2 Tuner: The DDX8017 uses Kenwood's CR-2 tuner provides high signal strength for clear radio reception. The tuner features the Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC) for improved rejection of distortion due to multi-path. 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.

Satellite Radio Ready: You can connect a satellite radio tuner to the DDX8017 in a number of ways. The unit is directly compatible with the Sirius SIR-KEN1 Satellite Tuner for Kenwood (item # 607SIRKEN1). The Terk XMDirect universal XM Satellite Radio tuner (209XMD1000) can be connected to and controlled by the head unit when used with the XMDirect Smart Adapter for Kenwood (209XMDKEN1). In addition, you can connect an independently controlled "plug 'n play" unit such as the Delphi SKYFi2 or Kenwood Here2Everywhere to the head unit through the optional Aux Input adapter (113CAC1AX or 113KCAS210). Note: In addition to the optional satellite tuner, you will also need the proper antenna and a subscription to Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.

HD Radio Ready: The DDX8017 is HD Radio ready. With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (item #113HR100TR), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display.

TV Tuner Ready: You can tune local TV stations with the optional Kenwood KTC-V500N TV tuner (item #113KTCV500). The Auto Memory feature allows you to store up to 6 stations in each of two preset memory bands. Names for up to 20 stations can be stored in memory.

Weather Band Tuner Compatible: This unit is compatible with the Kenwood KTC-WB100 weather band tuner (sold separately). The optional tuner box allows you to tune in weather band radio stations. There are about 480 weather band radio stations in the United States, and this option allows you to tap into the information needed to prepare for outdoor activities such as sporting events, camping trips and days at the park.

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.

Station Name Preset (SNPS): This feature allows you to assign names to radio stations. Up to 30 AM and FM stations can be named. Each name can be up to 16 characters in length. The Preset Select menu will display the six presets in each band either by name or frequency.

Audio Features

24-Bit D-A Converter: For superb quality audio playback from DVDs and CDs, the DDX8017 is equipped with a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter.

Center Channel Preout: The DDX8017 has a 5-volt 5.1-channel preamp output, including a preamp output for the center channel. You can add a separate amplifier for a passive center channel speaker, or connect a powered center channel speaker.

Surround Control: In addition to built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, this unit features Dolby Pro Logic II and SRS CS II surround. You can select any of the following sound fields: Bypass, Bypass + Center, Dolby Pro Logic II Movie, Dolby Pro Logic II Music, Dolby Pro Logic II Matrix, SRS CS II Music and SRS CS II MONO.

SRS WOW: SRS WOW enables you to adjust the effect of the soundstage, making it wider or narrower, or raising it or lowering it. You can select Low, Middle, High, User, or Off. Once a soundfield is selected, you can independently adjust the rear or front effects as follows: TruBass Off or 1 through 4, Focus Off or 1 through 9, and SRS 3D Off or 1 through 4. Note: Some components of SRS WOW are not available for all sources or surround functions.

System Q EX Sound Control: Seven EQ curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of music. The preset curves are named "Natural", "Rock", "Pops", "Easy", "Top 40", and "Jazz". In addition, you may store your own settings under the "User Memory" EQ curve. Each preset has its own adjustment for each of the four EQ bands:

• Band 1:
  • Frequency: 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200 Hz
  • Gain: -9, -7, -5, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +5, +7 and +9dB
  • Q Factor: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0
• Band 2:
  • Frequency: 250, 315, 400, 500, 630, 800, 1k Hz
  • Gain: -9, -7, -5, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +5, +7 and +9dB
  • Q Factor: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0
• Band 3:
  • Frequency: 1.25, 1.6, 2, 2.5, 3.15, 4 kHz
  • Gain: -9, -7, -5, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +5, +7 and +9dB
  • Q Factor: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0
• Band 4:
  • Frequency: 5, 6.3, 8, 10, 12.5, 16 kHz
  • Gain: -9, -7, -5, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +5, +7 and +9dB
  • Q Factor: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0

Car Type Setting: You can tailor the sound control settings to the type of vehicle you have. The car types you can choose from include: Compact, Full Size Car, Wagon1, Wagon2, Minivan1, Minivan2, SUV, Minivan (Long), or Off.

Speaker Type Setting: This feature tailors the System Q EX Sound Control settings according to the type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select OEM, 4", 5", 6-1/2", 6-3/4", 7", 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x9, or 7x10 for the front, plus whether there is a separate tweeter in use. For the rear, you can select None, OEM, 4", 5", 6-1/2", 6-3/4", 7", 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x9, or 7x10. You can indicate if there is a 6-1/2", 8", 10", 12" or 15" or over subwoofer in use in the system. If you are using a center channel, you can indicate its size as 2-3/4 x 1-9/16, 2", 4", 5", or 6-1/2" or over.

System E's+ Advanced Crossover System: The System E's+ Advanced Crossover system allows you to tailor your system with selectable crossover points for all channels. For the center, front, and rear channels, there is a high-pass filter with independently selectable crossover points of 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz or Thru (no filter). You can independently set the level for the front left, front right, center, rear left, and rear right speakers between -10dB and +10dB. The non-fading preamp output, for use with subwoofer amplifiers, has a low-pass filter with a selectable cutoff frequency of 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz or Thru (no filter). You can also set the phase of the subwoofer output to normal or reverse, the slope at 12dB/oct., 18dB/oct., or 24dB/oct., and adjust the level of the output from -50 to +10 in 1dB steps.

DTA (Digital Time Alignment): For precise sound staging, the Digital Time Alignment feature lets you set the sound output timing of each speaker. You can set the distance for each speaker group (front, rear, subwoofer, center) from each listening position between 0 and 20.3 feet in 0.17-foot increments. You can select from the following listening positions: Front left, Front right, Front all, and All, and store up to 3 custom listening position settings into memory.

Amplifier Management System (A.M.S.): This unit is equipped with an LX bus (CD changer connection) and wire interface (pink/black wire in the wiring harness) which controls certain special features of A.M.S.-equipped Kenwood eXcelon amplifiers. This unit can remotely activate and adjust various settings for up to 7 amplifiers daisy-chained together. Adjustable settings include: Bass Center Frequency, Bass Gain, Bass Q Factor, Bass Extension, Treble Center Frequency, Treble Gain, and Volume Offset. You can also display the following amplifier values: Status (source voltage, current consumption, internal temperature, and rotation speed of cooling fan), Amp ID Number, and Error Status.

Bass Management System (B.M.S.): This unit is equipped with an interface (pink/black wire in the wiring harness) which controls certain special features of B.M.S.-equipped Kenwood eXcelon amplifiers. This unit, when properly connected, can remotely activate and adjust the amount of bass boost in the amplifier. You can choose between +6dB, +12dB, or +18dB bass boost, or flat (no boost). In addition, you can lower the bass boost center frequency by 20%, switching between "Normal" and "Low".

Volume Offset Control: 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 -15 to 0.

Attenuator With Smooth Volume Return: The attenuator immediately lowers the volume by a 20dB. Smooth Volume Return gradually increases the volume to the original level when the ATT button is pressed a second time, eliminating a jarring change in volume.

CD Changer Controls

Compatibility: The DDX8017 is directly compatible with Kenwood changers manufactured in 1998 or later. If the changer has an O-N switch, the switch will need to be set to the "N" position. If you have a Kenwood changer manufactured before 1998, you will need the KCA-S210A switching adapter. Changers manufactured before 1994 require the CA-DS100 converter cord (113CADS100) and the KCA-S210A switching adapter.

Optional Auxiliary Input: Using an optional auxiliary input adapter, such as the CA-C1AUX, you can connect a portable audio source to this unit instead of a CD changer. With the KCA-S210A switch, you can connect the portable audio source in addition to 1 or 2 CD changers. This unit is also compatible with the KCA-iP500 iPod Control Interface.

Disc Name Preset (DNPS): When used with a compatible CD changer, this feature allows you to assign names to discs in the changer. Each name can be up to 16 characters in length. The number of names you can store depends on the CD changer that is connected to the head unit. The Disc Select menu will display the names of the discs 6 at a time.

CD Text/MD Display: When connected to a CD Text capable CD changer or an MD changer, this unit can display disc and track titles for discs encoded with disc and track title information. The text information can be scrolled manually or automatically.

Music Keg Compatible: The DDX8017 is fully compatible with the Kenwood Music Keg Digital Music System (models KHD-C710 and KHD-CX910).

Inputs and Outputs Notes

A/V Input: The DDX8017 is equipped with two built-in audio/video inputs, each with a set of stereo RCA jacks and a composite video jack on pigtails on the back of the unit. AV-IN1 can be named "VIDEO1", "DVD1", "VCD1", "VCR1", "GAME1", or "AUX1". AV-IN2 can be named "VIDEO2", "DVD2", "VCD2", "VCR2", "GAME2", or "AUX2". The AV-IN2 input can be set to only be viewed when it is switched to, or can automatically display an image whenever a signal from that input is received.

Rear View Camera Input: The unit has an additional video jack for connecting an optional rear view camera. The video from this input can be set to display when switched to with the Video Select button, or display the rear view camera video automatically when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear. You can also display the video of the rear view camera in a mirror image, if desired. Note: The pink wire supplied in the 8-pin harness must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching.

A/V Output: The unit features a set of stereo RCA jacks and a composite video jack to output A/V signals to an optional monitor. You can choose DVD, AV-IN1, or AV-IN2 as the source for the A/V output.

Parking Brake Detection: To prevent the displaying of video while the vehicle is in motion, the green wire in the supplied 8-pin harness must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit, as well as a constant power source and ground. While the vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the other displays and menus.

TV Tuner Input: The DDX8017 includes a 20-pin input for the optional Kenwood KTC-V500N TV tuner.

Navigation Input: You can connect a Kenwood navigation system to this unit via the maroon colored 13-pin jack on the back of the chassis.